Ultimate Guide for Medium skin tone
Achieving a Radiant Skin
Medium skin tones are truly beautiful and offer a natural radiance that is unique. However, keeping an even complexion can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, there are effective skincare routines that can simplify this process. Whether you are dealing with hyperpigmentation or simply want to enhance your natural glow, some specific products and ingredients are designed to meet the needs of medium skin tones.
With a thoughtful approach to skincare, you can maintain a healthy and radiant complexion that highlights the beauty of your medium skin tone.
Understanding Medium Skin Tone
Medium skin tones encompass a diverse range of shades, typically with olive, golden or caramel undertones according to Fitzpatrick skin type III or IV (*1). While medium skin tones may have fewer concerns with hyperpigmentation compared to darker skin tones, they still require targeted skincare to maintain an even complexion and address specific concerns like acne scars, sun damage, or uneven texture.
To achieve a harmonious complexion, it's essential to adopt a skincare regimen tailored to your skin type. Here are some steps to incorporate into your skincare routine:
Cleansing: Start your routine with a gentle cleanser- oil and water-based to double cleanse, that is suited for your skin type (find more about your skin type). Use a pH-balanced water-based cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin with its natural oils.
Exfoliation: Add exfoliation into your routine at least 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Medium skin tones often benefit from chemical exfoliants like beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to address hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture.
Toner: Apply toner after exfoliation to prep the skin for more product layering. Opting for toners often hydrate the skin before applying any product over the skin.
Serums: Use serums targeted towards addressing hyperpigmentation, acne scars, or sun damage. Ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and mandelic acid can help brighten the skin and fade dark spots.
Moisturize: Always rehydrate your skin with moisturizers. Opt for lightweight or non-greasy moisturizers. Look for ingredients with hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Sunscreen: Never forget your sunscreen! Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days or when indoors. Use high broad spectrum SPF preferably SPF 50 to prevent sun damage.
*1 - Type III skin usually gets mild sunburn, but it tans evenly. The tan might look like a golden honey or olive colour.
Type IV skin burns very little, if at all, and it always tans nicely. the tan typically appears as a moderate brown colour.
Cleanser Product Recommendation for Medium Skin Tone
OILY SKIN MADAGASCAR Centella Tea-Trica BHA Faoming cleanser
COMBO SKIN ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo cleanser
SENSITIVE SKIN PURITO Defense Barrier pH cleanser
DRY SKIN MIZON Cicaluronic Hydrating cleanser
What are BHAs?
BHAs also known as Beta hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants known for their ability to penetrate deep into the pores, making them particularly effective for treating acne and controlling oil production. For example these include; salicylic acid, mandelic acid and so on. BHAs work by exfoliating skin surface, reduces inflammation, targets hyperpigmentation, promotes cell turnover while revealing smoother and brighter skin.
Exfoliant Product Recommendation for Medium Skin Tone
OILY SKIN PAULA'S CHOICE Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid exfoliant
COMBO SKIN COSRX BHA Blachead Power liquid exfoliant
SENSITIVE SKIN PAULA'S CHOICE Calm Redness Relief 1% BHA Lotion exfoliant
DRY SKIN THE INKEY LIST Beta Hydroxy acid BHA exfoliant
What are Toners?
Toners are liquid skincare products made for skin hydration after cleansing the skin. They help remove any leftover impurities, balance the pH levels and prepare the skin for subsequent layering of products. For sensitive skin, toners that are alcohol free can help avoid irritation. For dry skin, toners with intense hydration ingredients like pathenol and hyaluronic acid are very much beneficial, and we've included a few skin types and products to look out for :)
Toner Product Recommendation for Medium Skin Tone
OILY SKIN MADAGASCARE Centella Toning toner
COMBO SKIN I'M FROM Mugwort Essence toner
SENSITIVE SKIN ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh toner
DRY SKIN PYUNKANG YUL Essence toner
What are Serums?
Serums are lightweight, highly concentrated products that deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. They are formulated with smaller molecules, allowing them penetrate deeper and target specific skin concerns. For example; acne, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation or dark spots, uneven skin tone or melasma. Few tips; look out for non-greasy serums for oily skin, but remember for skin concerns NEVER EXPECT OVERNIGHT RESULTS: BE CONSISTENT! BE PATIENT!
Serum Product Recommendation for Medium Skin Tone
OILY SKIN BEAUTY OF JOSEON Propolis + Niacinamide Glow serum
COMBO SKIN IUNIK Tea Tree Relief serum
SENSITIVE SKIN MIXSOON Bean Essence serum
DRY SKIN BEAUTY OF JOSEON Green tea+ Panthenol Calming serum
Moisturizers & SPF!
Moisturizers and SPF are very essential in every skincare routine, as they help maintain hydration, protect against UV radiation, and prevent premature aging. We all love that extra hydration after all skincare steps. When choosing a moisturizers look at products with ceramides, and SPF with maximun protection (SPF 50 +++). Let's looks at product recommended by us :)
Moisturizer Recommendation for Medium Skin Tone
OILY SKIN ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua gel moisturizer
COMBO SKIN PYUNKANG YUL Moisture cream moisturizer
SENSITIVE SKIN MIZON Cicaluronic moisturizer
DRY SKIN PURITO B5 Panthenol Re-Barrier moisturizer
Sunscreen Recommendation for Medium Skin Tone
OILY SKIN COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun cream SPF 50+
COMBO SKIN KLAIRS Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+
SENSITIVE SKIN PURITO Centella Green Level Safe Sun SPF 50+
DRY SKIN MISSHA All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR SKIN!
Do's and Don'ts for Medium skin tone
DO'S
· Treat hyperpigmentation and uneven tone early, use niacinamide, vitamin c and liquorice extract.
· Always remember to double cleanse using an oil cleanser to avoid build up of product or clogged skin or contact dermatitis.
· Protect against pollution: use antioxidants like vitamin c, vitamin E or green tea extract. Always drink lots of water or have root tea (like kombucha or green tea) for more skin hydration. Wear SPF every day!
DON'TS
· Not wearing SPF and applying moisturizers
· Using harsh products: avoid products containing irritating alcohol or fragrance.
· Always patch test: don’t try new products without patch testing (preferably behind the ear or beneath the jawline), don’t over exfoliate.
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