Having beautiful, healthy skin that feels as good as it looks is what everyone aspires to. But you have to take care of your skin in different ways depending on what type it is. No matter if your skin is oily and prone to acne, dry and flakes easily, or sensitive and responds to practically everything, one thing works for everyone: consistency. This 7-day glowing skin challenge is a quick but effective regimen that helps you change how you take care of your skin and get results that you can see, all while being safe, natural, and matched to your skin type.

Why 7 Days Is Enough to See a Difference

Although your skin may take as long as 28 days to fully heal, unless you have specific health problems, you will see results well before that at around 5 to 7 days. You will also begin to see small results when you develop a routine specifically for your skin type, resulting in progress such as skin texture improvement, hydration improvement, less dullness, and an overall more even tone. This week-long challenge is about getting that process spooled up again. You don't need to incorporate 10 new products and try to slap them on all at once, you just need to give your skin what it needs when it needs it.

Identify Your Skin Type Before You Start

Before you start this routine, consider understanding your own skin type. Oily skin is typically shiny, has enlarged pores, and is more likely to break out. Dry skin can feel tight, rough, or flaked in some cases. Sensitive skin can sting, burn, or flush when exposed to certain products. Knowing your skin type is crucial because using products with ingredients incompatible with your skin type can be detrimental to your skin. A good regimen starts with self-awareness.

7-Day Skincare Routine 

Day 1: Cleanse & Detoxify

Start with a deep but soft cleanse. Oily skin will benefit from a foaming facial wash, using tea tree oil, or salicylic acid to clear pores. Dry skin wants to stick to cleansers that are cream based, and have higher ceramide concentrations. Sensitive skin should select a fragrance free pH balanced cleanser and look for soothing agents like aloe vera or calendula. ​Be careful you don't overwash, usually only twice a day is needed.

Day 2: Mild Exfoliation

Exfoliating clears away dead skin and clears the way for glow. Exfoliate only when you need to and only what is appropriate for your skin type. You have:

  • Oily skin: BHA-based exfoliants (like, 2% salicylic acid)
  • Dry skin: Gentle AHA like lactic acid
  • Sensitive skin: enzyme exfoliants like fruit extracts

Day 3: Hydrate Your Skin

Keeping the skin hydrated is the first step to achieving glowing skin! Oily skin types will want to adhere to lightweight water-based moisturizers that are loaded with hyaluronic acid. A dry skin type is going to want to choose richer creams that are loaded with glycerin or squalane. Sensitive skin should pick items with a limited number, calming ingredients, such as panthenol or niacinamide. You could also try adding a sheet mask for a boost of extra moisture for 10-15 minutes!

Day 4: Add Vitamin C for a Natural Glow

Today is all about adding antioxidants. Vitamin C helps brighten the skin tone, adds luminosity and helps reduce dullness. You can use a light-weight serum for oily and sensitive skin types, but dry skin types can experiment with an oil- based serum with vitamin E. Make sure to patch test before applying all over, especially if your skin responds easily. Add your serums before your moisturizer, and SPF in the morning.

Day 5: Let Your Skin Rest and Heal

After four days of focused care, today is a rest and recovery day. Skip the exfoliating or acidic products. Use a healing moisturizer with ceramides, peptides or some healing botanicals; the more nourishing the product, the better! If your skin tends to be on the oily side try to keep it light. If your skin is on the dry and sensitive side, a thicker restorative night cream or barrier-repairing hydrating mask is suggested as this will help calm down and rebuild your skin's surface. Adhering to the instructions given will support the final healing process. 

Day 6:Focus on Your Skin's Problem Areas

Many people have one area of skin that would benefit from improvement. Oily skin may need a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide for cyclin. Dry skin may just want a second layer of serums like hyaluronic acid or a sleeping mask. Sensitive skin may just need the redness soothed like with some serums or ice compress(es). Keep it simple with the rest of your routine today.

Day 7: Lock in Your Skin's Glow

At this point in the week your skin should be softer, more even and better hydrated. To conclude the week solidifying your skin:

Oily skin: ice roll & matt finish SPF

Dry skin: facial oil with light massage

Sensitive skin: cooling gel mask

6 Tips That Make a Difference

  • Consume 2-3 liters of water a day to flush out toxins
  • Get 7-8 hours of sleep to let your skin regenerate
  • Avoid junk food and sugar in excess - if you eat poorly, it will show on your face
  • Remember, sunscreen on every day, even when it is cloudy
  • Patch test everything - especially if you are trying something new
  • Don't touch your face unnecessarily, as you will spread bacteria

When to See a Skin Expert

Sometimes at home remedies and gentle skincare are sometimes not enough. If your skin keeps breaking out or is itchy or is red no matter what you put on it, it may be best to see a skin expert. A skin expert can dig deeper and suggest what your skin is actually needing. Sometimes a little professional help can save time and hassle.

Conclusion

It isn't just about using expensive products to get glowing skin, it's about knowing your skin, listening to it, and being consistent. This 7 day Glowing Skin challenge will provide your skin with what it needs to reset, refresh and reveal its natural beauty.

But sometimes skin needs more than just a routine, it needs a professional.