Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. In a world overflowing with products, filters, and skincare trends, the real magic often lies in doing the basics — but doing them right. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, building a simple yet effective routine can transform how your skin looks and feels. Dermatologists generally recommend a “less is more” approach to skincare that includes three basic skincare steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. It's also helpful to identify your skin type and goals when starting a skincare routine.
If you’ve ever Googled these questions, Which product is right for my skin type? How to choose a face moisturizer? Can sunscreen brighten my skin? Which is best for daily face wash? This is the blog for you. Let’s build your perfect 3+2 step skincare routine — made to fit your skin and your schedule.
How to Know Your Skin Type?
Understanding your skin type is the first step to building a skincare routine that actually works. Whether you're oily, dry, or somewhere in between, choosing the right cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen can make all the difference. When you ask “Which is best for daily face wash?” or “Which face wash do dermatologists recommend?”, the answer depends entirely on your skin type. The same goes for moisturizers and sunscreens — what’s best for oily skin may not suit dry or sensitive skin. Tailoring your skincare helps you avoid common issues like breakouts, dehydration, or dullness — and gets you better results, faster.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you identify your skin type — and understand what it truly needs.
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Skin Type Cheat Sheet |
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What Ingredients Should You Look for Based on Your Skin Type in Your Skincare?
Now that you know your skin type, let’s dive into the ingredients you should look for based on your skin type. Choosing the right skincare doesn’t just involve skin type — it’s about choosing ingredients that serve your skin’s specific needs. Whether you're oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, the right actives can balance, treat, and protect your skin more effectively.
Below is a science-backed guide to key ingredients recommended by dermatologists for each skin type. All claims are based on well-established cosmetic science and clinical research.
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For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
What oily skin needs: Oil regulation, pore clearing, and lightweight hydration. Ingredients should balance sebum without clogging pores.
Look for:
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Niacinamide: Regulates oil production, reduces inflammation, brightens skin tone
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Salicylic Acid (BHA): Exfoliates inside pores, helps reduce acne and blackheads
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Neem- perfect solution to control excess oil secretions. It works as an astringent and also helps to tighten your pores
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Tea Tree Extract: Natural antibacterial, helps calm acne and control oil
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Charcoal & Clay (Green or Kaolin): Absorb excess oil, unclog pores
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Willow Bark: has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in oil control and acne relief, making it an ideal choice for oily or acne-prone skin.
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For Dry Skin
What dry skin needs: Deep moisture, barrier repair, and nourishment. The goal is to replenish water and lipids without causing irritation.
Look for:
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Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains water in the skin for deep hydration
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Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter: Rich emollients that soften and lock in moisture
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Ceramides: Help restore the skin barrier
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Sea algae- packed with natural vitamins and minerals making it potent enough to rejuvenate dehydrated skin, improve skin elasticity, even out skin tone, and promotes a healthy glow
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Earth's marine water -provides a rich mix of essential nutrients that nourish and hydrate the skin, promoting overall health and wellbeing
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For Combination Skin
What combination skin needs: Balanced hydration, mild exfoliation, and oil control in targeted areas (usually T-zone).
Look for:
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Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid / Kakadu Plum): Brightens dull skin and balances uneven tone
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Niacinamide: Offers oil control in the T-zone while calming dry areas
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Aloe Vera: Hydrates without heaviness; suitable for dry and oily zones
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Glycolic Acid (in small %): Mild exfoliation to even out texture
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For Sensitive Skin
What sensitive skin needs: Calming, fragrance-free, non-irritating ingredients. Avoid strong acids, harsh scrubs, or drying alcohols.
Look for:
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Aloe Vera: Soothes redness and inflammation
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Red Raspberry Oil- It’s loaded with Vitamin A & E, it’s gentle and non-irritating making it ideal for sensitive skin
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Chamomile Extract: Calms irritation and has antioxidant properties
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Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Supports healing and barrier repair
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Colloidal Oatmeal: Reduces itchiness and calms flare-ups
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Ceramides & Glycerin: Hydrate and restore the skin barrier gently
Understanding what your skin needs + what ingredients deliver = smarter skincare decisions. Choosing products that contain targeted actives based on your skin type will improve results, reduce reactions, and make your routine far more effective.
3-Step Skincare Routine by Skin Type
+ 2 Optional Boosters: Face Scrub & Serum
1. For Oily Skin
Goal: Balance excess oil, reduce acne and clogged pores, and keep skin hydrated without heaviness.
Daily 3-Step Routine:
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Cleanser: Gel-based, non-comedogenic face wash with ingredients like salicylic acid, charcoal, or tea tree
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Moisturizer: Lightweight, oil-free hydrator with niacinamide, willow bark, or green tea. Take a look at Naturali Acne & Oil Control Face Moisturiser With Willow Bark & Neem
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Sunscreen: Gel or matte finish, SPF 30+, broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic. The Naturali Acne Control Sunscreen is power-packed with acne care ingredients like Hemp Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Willow Bark, Salicylic Acid & Glycolic Acid. helps reduce the recurrence of acne breakouts and regulates excess oil production. The lightweight texture blends into the skin without leaving behind a greasy mess & no white cast.
Optional Steps: l
Serum (Daily): Salicylic acid is a Beta-Hydroxy acid (BHA), which is a chemical exfoliant. It is an oil-soluble ingredient and hence works excellently for oily skin types to decongest the pores. The Naturali Acne & Oil Control Face Serum with Willow Bark, Neem & Salicylic Acid helps combat acne breakouts and controls excess sebum production to get clear, acne-free skin.
2. For Dry Skin
Goal: Deeply hydrate, repair barrier, and prevent flaking or tightness.
Daily 3-Step Routine:
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Cleanser: Creamy, non-foaming cleanser with Aloe Vera, glycerine, and earth mineral water.
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Moisturizer: Rich, nourishing cream with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or shea butter
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Sunscreen: Moisturizing sunscreen lotion with added emollients for softening skin
Recommended Naturali Aqua Skincare Essentials - Aqua Hydrating Face Wash + Aqua Hydrating Face Serum + Aqua Hydrating Moisturiser (Aqua Range) gets the job done without leaving skin feeling dry and stretchy. Made to offer a thorough, yet gentle cleanse, it helps restore dehydrated skin and is ideal for normal to dry skin.
Check out Naturali AM & PM Hydration Essentials - Aqua Hydrating Gel Moisturiser + Rejuvenating Night Cream helps smooth out rough skin & reduce inflammation, adding the efficacy of this moisturiser. It is ideal for normal to dry skin.
Optional Steps:
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Scrub (1–2x/week): Cream-based scrub with gentle exfoliants (avoid harsh beads)
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Serum (Daily): Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or sea algae serum for long-lasting hydration
3. For Combination Skin
Goal: Balance oily and dry zones, prevent congestion, and maintain hydration across all areas.
Daily 3-Step Routine:
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Cleanser: Balancing face wash with vitamin C, niacinamide, or
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Moisturizer: Gel-cream texture with aloe vera, glycerin, Golden Orange or Niacinamide
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Sunscreen: Lightweight, non-greasy formula that hydrates without shine
Optional Steps:
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Scrub (1–2x/week): Mild exfoliant with fruit acids or ubtan for smoother & brighter skin
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Serum (Daily): Niacinamide for balancing oil or vitamin C for glow and even tone
The Naturali Glowing Skin Essentials - Daily Brightening Face Wash + Radiant Glow Serum + Radiant Glow Gel Moisturiser (Glow Range) works to even out skin tone and reduces the appearance of dark spots. while Vitamin C & Niacinamide help tackle hyperpigmentation to reveal an even-toned complexion. Naturali Ubtan Brightening Face Scrub With Saffron, Turmeric & Sandalwood can be added to your skincare routine.
4. For Sensitive Skin
Goal: Calm inflammation, avoid irritation, and strengthen skin barrier.
Daily 3-Step Routine:
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Cleanser: Soap-free, fragrance-free face wash with aloe vera or Red Raspberry Oil is gentle and non-irritating making it ideal for sensitive skin.
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Moisturizer: Hypoallergenic cream with ceramides, glycerin, or colloidal oatmeal
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Sunscreen: Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, no alcohol or fragrance
Optional Steps:
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Serum (Targeted use): Use calming serums with centella asiatica, aloe, or panthenol as needed
Quick Summary Chart:
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Skin Type |
Cleanser Type |
Moisturizer Type |
Sunscreen Type |
Optional Serum |
Optional Scrub |
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Oily |
Gel, salicylic |
Lightweight gel |
Gel/matte, SPF 50 |
Niacinamide, BHA |
Clay-based, 2x/week |
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Dry |
Creamy, hydrating |
Rich cream |
Moisturizing lotion |
Hyaluronic acid |
Creamy, 1x/week |
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Combination |
Balanced gel |
Gel-cream |
Lightweight lotion |
Vitamin C, Niacinamide |
Gentle scrub, 1–2x/week |
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Sensitive |
Soap-free, aloe |
Hypoallergenic |
Mineral-based |
Aloe, Panthenol |
Skip or enzyme-based |
Final Thoughts: Skincare That Matches Your Skin Type
Your skin isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither should your skincare routine be. Whether you’re managing excess oil, battling dryness, calming sensitive skin, or trying to find balance, building a simple, consistent 3-step routine is your best foundation for healthy, glowing skin.
Naturali’s skin-type-specific range makes it easier to choose products that actually work with your skin, not against it. Start with the basics — a targeted cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and daily sunscreen — and level up with gentle scrubs or powerful serums when your skin needs extra care.
Healthy skin doesn’t need 10 steps. It needs the right three.
