How to Build a Step-By-Step Skin Care Routine

There’s no better time than the present to perfect your skin care routine. We’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to know to build the best regime for your complexion.

Let’s break things down step-by-step and by skin type so you can begin your summer with glowing skin. 

5 Basic Skin Care Routine Steps

While you can (and should!) personalize your skin care routine for your complexion, these five steps and skin care products should always be included. 

• Cleanse: Morning and night, you should use a gentle hydrating cleanser while washing your face.
• Tone: Remove any lingering dirt and dead skin cells from clogged pores to make your face a clean palette. 
• Treatments: Serums, face oils, and treatments packed with vitamins and minerals help rejuvenate your skin.
• Moisturize: Daily moisturizer and night creams give your skin the hydration it needs to look refreshed.
• Protect: Finally, don’t forget to apply sunscreen (ideally SPF 30 or above) and protect your skin for the day ahead.

Understanding Your Skin Type

The best skin care routine for you will largely depend on your skin type. Here are some different products to try depending on your skin type along with how to know if it’s time to add or reduce using certain ingredients. 

Balanced Skin

There’s no such thing as “normal skin”, but the closest to it is balanced skin. For this, you will want to stick to the basic skin care routine and perhaps add glycolic acid once a week to proactively prevent fine lines and dark spots and promote a bright complexion.

If you notice your skin feeling tight, reduce any use of salicylic acid and add more moisture. On the other hand, if you begin experiencing breakouts, try to reduce your use of any oil-based products to maintain your balanced skin.

Dry Skin

If you have dry, sensitive skin, you will want to add more hydration to your skin care routine. Opt for more moisturizers and rich eye creams while avoiding harsh exfoliants. Instead, use gentle cleaners and hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain moisture.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin that’s prone to breakouts, you should purchase oil-free products. The right toner will be especially effective at keeping your skin lightly hydrated while reducing oil production. 

Combination Skin

If you have some places where your skin is oily and other places where it’s dry, you need products that help provide balance. Choose products that are not too oily and not too drying, such as lightweight moisturizers. 

How to Add New Products To Your Routine

Whenever it comes time to add a new product to your skin care routine, it’s best to do so cautiously. Always introduce only one new product at a time using a patch test. After making sure your skin isn’t irritated (i.e. inflamed, rash, breakouts, hives), begin using it on your face consistently. 

Make sure to always listen to how your skin feels and stop if it begins to feel irritated.