by Raspmoon | Beauty, Fashion, RM Stories

What is Normal Skin?

Normal skin is a balanced skin type where sebum production,
hydration, and the oil–water ratio work in harmony.
This balance ensures the skin doesn’t feel overly oily or too dry.
With small, barely visible pores, a smooth
and elastic texture, and very few blemishes,
normal skin naturally maintains a clear, bright, and vibrant appearance.
In addition, a strong skin barrier provides excellent protection
against external irritants,
helping the skin remain healthy and resilient.

Cleansing

You should wash your face twice a day, once in the morning to remove overnight impurities
and once at night to cleanse away makeup and daily buildup.
Use a gentle, low-pH cleanser (around pH 5.5–6.0) that creates a soft lather, as this helps protect the skin barrier and keeps your skin hydrated rather than stripped.
To wash properly, wet your face with lukewarm water, lather the cleanser in your hands, and gently massage it onto your skin, avoiding hot water that can cause dryness.

How to Use Cleansers

Foam Cleansing

Dispense a small amount
A pea-sized amount is enough.
Lather into foam
Add water and work it into a soft, rich foam before applying it to the face.
Cleanse gently
Cover your skin with the foam and cleanse for 20–30 seconds, letting the bubbles do the work instead of rubbing harshly.
Rinse and pat dry
Wash away all the foam with lukewarm water, then gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Oil Cleansing(If needed)

Start with dry hands and face
Do not wet your face. Pump 2–3 pumps of oil cleanser into your hands.
Massage gently
Spread the oil evenly and massage in circular motions for 30–60 seconds to dissolve sunscreen, sebum, and impurities. Focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).
Emulsify
Add a little lukewarm water to your hands and continue massaging until the oil turns milky. This step breaks down residue effectively.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water several times until no oily feeling remains.

Moisturizing

After cleansing, it’s important to moisturize before your skin loses hydration.

Opt for products that are lightweight and hydrating rather than those that feel too oily or sticky, as this helps maintain your skin’s moisture balance without feeling heavy.
Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attracts and holds water in the skin for deep hydration, and glycerin, which draws in moisture from the air to keep your skin soft and smooth.

Moisturizing Routine

Follow the order: Toner → Essence/Serum → Lotion/Cream.

Toner should be applied right after cleansing, ideally within the first minute before any moisture evaporates.
Place a few drops in your palm and gently pat it into your skin, or use a cotton pad to sweep it lightly along your skin’s texture.
Once absorbed, it creates base for the next step in your routine, like an essence or serum, to sink in more effectively.

Essence and serum are extra steps that make your skin healthier.
Essence is light and watery, and you can use it every day after toner to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
Serum is stronger, with concentrated ingredients that help with problems like dryness, dullness, or fine lines,
so it’s best to use only sometimes instead of every day.
Good ingredients to look for are hyaluronic acid for hydration

Lotion and cream are both moisturizers, but the difference is in texture and strength. Lotion is lighter, absorbs quickly, and feels fresh, so it’s best for summer, humid weather, and morning routines—especially if you wear makeup, because it won’t feel heavy or clog pores. Cream is richer and creates a stronger barrier to lock in moisture, which makes it ideal for autumn and winter, dry climates, or nighttime routines. You can also use cream occasionally in summer if your skin feels tight or dry, but using it every day in hot weather may block pores and cause breakouts.

Sun Protection

Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine because UV rays are the number one cause of skin aging, even if you have normal skin.
You should use sunscreen every day, all year round, not just in summer.
For daily use, choose a sunscreen with SPF 30–50 and PA+++, which gives enough protection for most activities.
Apply it about 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2–3 hours if you stay outdoors for a long time.
This protects your skin from wrinkles, spots, and long-term damage caused by the sun.

Understanding Sunscreens

There are two main types of sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, like a sponge. They usually feel light, spread easily, and do not leave a white cast, making them comfortable under makeup. However, they may sometimes cause stinging or irritation, especially on sensitive or reactive skin.

Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays like a shield. They are generally gentler and more stable, making them safer for sensitive skin, but they may feel heavier and can leave a white cast. To improve this, newer formulas come in lightweight or tinted versions that reduce chalkiness and blend more naturally with the skin.

To understand why sunscreen is essential, it helps to know about UV rays.

UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are the main cause of premature aging such as wrinkles, sagging,
and pigmentation.
A simple way to remember is “A = Aging.”
UVA can pass through windows and is present year-round, even on cloudy days.

UVB rays affect the skin’s surface and are responsible for sunburn, redness, and DNA damage,
which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Think “B = Burn.”
UVB is strongest during summer and midday hours, but both UVA and UVB must be blocked to protect sensitive skin fully.

This is where SPF and PA ratings come in.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well sunscreen blocks UVB.

SPF 30: This means it makes the time it takes for your skin to burn 30 times longer.
→ For example, if your skin normally starts to burn in 10 minutes, with SPF 30 it would take about 300 minutes (10×30).
SPF 50: This means it makes the time to burn 50 times longer.
→ If you normally burn in 10 minutes, with SPF 50 it would take about 500 minutes (10×50).

The higher the number, the stronger and longer protection against UVB (sunburn).

PA (Protection Grade of UVA) measures UVA protection, shown by plus signs: PA+ (basic), PA++ (moderate), PA+++ (strong), PA++++ (very strong).

Extra Guide

Healthy skin is not only about the products you use,
but also about the daily habits that protect your natural balance.
Normal skin stays comfortable when you focus on prevention and stability.

Getting enough quality sleep every night supports the natural repair cycle of the skin.
A consistent sleep routine helps keep the complexion fresh
and prevents subtle dryness or oiliness from developing.

Managing stress is just as important.
Even normal skin can show signs of imbalance when stress hormones rise,
sometimes leading to breakouts or dullness.
Light exercise, mindfulness, or calming activities help the skin remain steady.

Diet makes a visible difference over time.
Limiting highly processed foods while eating fruits, vegetables, and omega 3 rich foods maintains elasticity and hydration.
Drinking enough water keeps the skin looking naturally healthy without overloading it.

Environmental care is also essential. Harsh heating, cooling,
and air pollution can gradually disturb balance.
Using a humidifier, changing pillowcases often,
and gently protecting the skin after outdoor exposure help prevent hidden stress.

Avoiding smoking and excessive drinking keeps the skin youthful
and radiant.
Regular physical activity, followed by cleansing and hydration,
boosts circulation and gives the skin a natural glow.

Finally, avoid touching your face unnecessarily.
Even normal skin can react to bacteria and dirt transferred from hands or phones.
Keeping surfaces and daily items clean preserves the skin’s natural condition.

Skincare Glossary

Low-pH Cleanser: A gentle face wash with a pH close to healthy skin (around 5.5). It cleans without damaging your skin barrier.
Skin Barrier: The outer “shield” of your skin that keeps moisture in and blocks harmful bacteria and irritants.
Toner: A watery product used right after cleansing to quickly rehydrate the skin and prepare it for the next steps.
Essence: A light, watery product that adds extra hydration and helps your skin absorb following products better.
Serum: A stronger, more concentrated liquid used occasionally to give your skin a boost when it feels dry or tired.
Lotion: A light moisturizer that feels fresh and is good for mornings or hot weather.
Cream: A thicker moisturizer that locks in hydration and is best for nighttime or dry weather.
Hyaluronic Acid: A “moisture magnet” that pulls water into your skin and keeps it plump and hydrated.
Glycerin: A classic ingredient that attracts water from the air to keep your skin soft and prevent dryness.
SPF: A number that shows how well sunscreen protects you from UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburn).
PA+++: A rating that shows protection against UVA rays (the ones that cause wrinkles and aging). More “+” = stronger protection.
UV Rays (UVA & UVB): UVA causes wrinkles and aging, while UVB causes sunburn and dark spots.