So, you’ve decided to start a skin care routine? I’m so excited for you! Building a skincare routine from scratch might seem daunting, but I promise it’s not as complicated as it looks.
In fact, I’m going to walk you through the process step by step, just like I would if we were chatting over coffee.
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By the end of this post, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create a simple, effective skincare routine that works for you. Let’s get started!
Understanding Your Skin Type
Before we jump into products, let’s talk about your skin type. Knowing your skin type is like having a roadmap for your skincare journey.
It helps you choose the right products and avoid ones that might not work for you. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Normal: Lucky you! Your skin is well-balanced.
- Oily: Your skin produces excess sebum, often leaving a shiny appearance.
- Dry: Your skin feels tight and may have flaky patches.
- Combination: You might have an oily T-zone but dry cheeks.
- Sensitive: Your skin reacts easily to products or environmental factors.
Not sure what your skin type is? Try this simple test: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and wait an hour without applying any products.
If your skin feels tight, you likely have dry skin. If it looks shiny all over, you probably have oily skin. If it’s shiny in some areas but feels tight in others, you’re likely combination.
Now that we’ve got that sorted, let’s build your routine!
Step 1: Cleanse
Cleansing is like hitting the reset button for your skin. It removes dirt, oil, and makeup, preparing your skin for the rest of your routine.
But here’s the thing: you don’t want a cleanser that strips your skin of its natural oils.
For most skin types, I absolutely love the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. It’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, you might prefer the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which is even gentler.
Pro tip: If you wear makeup or sunscreen (which you totally should!), consider double cleansing.
Start with an oil-based cleanser like the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm to break down makeup and sunscreen, then follow up with your regular cleanser.
Step 2: Treat
This is where you can really customize your routine. Treatments target specific skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines.
Don’t feel like you need to use a treatment if you don’t have any particular concerns – it’s totally okay to skip this step!
If you do want to incorporate a treatment, here are some options based on common skin concerns:
For acne: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is amazing for controlling oil and reducing breakouts.
For hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C is your best friend. The TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is a great affordable option.
For fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol is the gold standard. Start with a gentle formula like the CeraVe Retinol Serum.
For dryness: Look for products with hyaluronic acid. The Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist is a cult favorite.
Remember, less is more when you’re starting out. Pick one treatment to focus on and give it time to work before adding more.
Step 3: Moisturize
Moisturizing is crucial, even if you have oily skin (trust me on this one!). It helps to strengthen your skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated and happy.
When choosing a moisturizer, consider your skin type:
For oily or acne-prone skin: The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is lightweight and oil-free.
For dry skin: Try the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which is rich and nourishing.
For combination skin: The Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb works well for most combination skin types.
For sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is gentle and effective.
Step 4: Protect – Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable
I know, I know – you’ve heard it a million times. But seriously, sunscreen is the most important step in your skincare routine. It helps prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and most importantly, skin cancer.
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. My absolute favorite is the EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46. It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave a white cast, and plays well with makeup.
If you’re not a fan of traditional sunscreens, try a Korean or Japanese sunscreen. The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ is a cult favorite for its lightweight, almost undetectable finish.
Building Your Routine: AM vs PM
Now that we’ve covered the essential steps, let’s put it all together into a routine. Here’s a basic structure to follow:
Morning Routine:
- Cleanse
- Treat (optional)
- Moisturize
- Sunscreen
Evening Routine:
- Cleanse (double cleanse if you wear makeup or sunscreen)
- Treat (optional)
- Moisturize
See? Not so complicated after all!
Tips for Success
Start Slow: When introducing new products, add them one at a time. This way, if you have a reaction, you’ll know which product caused it.
Patch Test: Before using a new product on your face, test it on a small area of your skin (like behind your ear) for a few days to check for any adverse reactions.
Be Consistent: Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take 4-6 weeks to see results from a new product, so be patient and consistent.
Listen to Your Skin: Your skin’s needs can change based on factors like weather, stress, or hormones. Don’t be afraid to adjust your routine as needed.
Don’t Forget Your Neck: Whatever you do for your face, do for your neck too. It’s often neglected but can show signs of aging just as much as your face.
Hydrate from the Inside Out: Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet. Your skin will thank you!
Get Your Beauty Sleep: Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Advanced Steps (Optional)
Once you’ve got the basics down and your skin is happy, you might want to consider adding some extra steps to your routine:
Toner: This can help balance your skin’s pH and prep it for the rest of your routine. The Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner is a gentle option that works for most skin types.
Eye Cream: The skin around your eyes is delicate and often shows signs of aging first. The CeraVe Eye Repair Cream is a great affordable option.
Face Masks: These can be a fun way to give your skin an extra boost. The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is amazing for oily or acne-prone skin, while the I’m From Honey Mask is wonderful for dry or dehydrated skin.
Remember, these are extras – don’t feel like you need to include them if your basic routine is working well for you!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Breakouts: If you’re experiencing more breakouts than usual, it could be a sign that a new product isn’t agreeing with your skin. Try removing one product at a time to identify the culprit.
Dryness: If your skin feels tight or flaky, you might need a more hydrating moisturizer. Try adding a hydrating serum like The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 before your moisturizer.
Oiliness: If your skin feels oilier than usual, make sure you’re not over-cleansing or using products that are too heavy. Sometimes, oily skin is actually dehydrated skin overcompensating!
Redness or Irritation: This could be a sign of sensitivity to a product. Stop using any new products and go back to basics until your skin calms down.
Remember, skincare is personal – what works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. The key is to be patient, consistent, and listen to your skin.
Starting a skincare routine is an act of self-care, and I’m so proud of you for taking this step! You’re investing in yourself and your skin’s health, and that’s something to celebrate.
Here’s to glowing, healthy skin – you’ve got this!
