We’ve all been through this. You look at Instagram and see that perfect skin and think, “Why doesn’t my skin look like that?” It’s all about the routine, and no, it’s not just about using the “right” products. To make a good skincare routine, you need to know what your skin needs, find a balance, and stick to it.
The secret to healthy skin is to tailor your routine to your skin type, whether you have dry skin, acne, or just want that dewy glow. Let’s break it down so you can make the skincare routine of your dreams.
First Things First: Cleanser, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen
This is where it all begins: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These are the least you can do; they are not up for discussion. You can think of them as the building blocks of any skincare routine. But what you add to your routine after these three steps depends on what your skin needs.
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Cleanser: Get rid of dirt, oil, and makeup.
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Moisturizer: Keep your skin soft and smooth by locking in moisture.
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Sunscreen: Keep your skin safe from UV damage (yes, even when it’s cloudy!).
How to Tell What Kind of Skin You Have
You need to know what type of skin you have before you start doing all the fun things for your skin. This is a simple guide to help you figure it out:
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Normal: Clear, balanced, and not too touchy. You’re lucky!
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Dry: Your skin might feel tight, flaky, or rough.
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Oily: Is your T-zone greasy? Pores that are too big? Do you get acne? You might be oily.
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Combination: Oily T-zone and dry cheeks make up this skin type. It seems like your skin can’t decide what to do.
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Sensitive: Easily red, irritated, or stinging. You should be gentle with the products.
Your Morning Routine: Start Your Day with Clean Skin
In the morning, you should wake up your skin and get it ready for the day. Here’s a summary:
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Cleanser: First, wash off the oils that built up while you slept. If your skin is dry, choose something that will hydrate it, like glycerin or ceramides. Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid will work if you have oily skin or are prone to acne.
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Toner (optional): Add moisture or get rid of any leftover dirt. A toner with hyaluronic acid is great for people with dry skin, while people with oily skin might want to use witch hazel or salicylic acid to keep things in check.
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Spot Treatments: If you have dark spots or blemishes, use your favorite acne treatment. Salicylic acid is great for acne, and hydroquinone can help lighten dark spots that won’t go away.
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Serum: Vitamin C is your best friend when it comes to antioxidant serum. It will protect your skin from free radicals and damage from the environment, and it will make your skin look better. Niacinamide is a great alternative if you have oily skin. It helps control oil and lowers inflammation.
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Eye Cream (optional): If your eyes are tired. To get rid of puffiness, try something with caffeine. If not, a little bit of moisture around the eyes will do.
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Moisturizer: Even if your skin is oily, don’t skip this step. A light, oil-free moisturizer will help keep your skin in balance and stop it from overcompensating and making more oil.
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Sunscreen: The most important step is to put on sunscreen. Always, always put on sunscreen. You should look for something with at least SPF 30 that works on a wide range of skin types. Don’t forget to put it on again every two hours. Yes, even inside.
Your Evening Routine: Rest and Repair While You Sleep
While you sleep, your skin works hard to fix itself. Give it the tools it needs to do this.
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First Cleanse (if wearing makeup/sunscreen): Get rid of the dirt from the day. If you wear makeup, wash your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser.
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Second Cleanse: Follow with a gentle face wash suitable for your skin type.
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Toner (Optional): Use an AHA or BHA toner a few times a week if you want to get rid of dead skin cells. But don’t go overboard, especially if you’re also using retinol.
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Spot Treatments: Keep treating those blemishes overnight, but remember that less is more. Don’t use all of your treatments at once.
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Treatment Serum: Pick one active ingredient for your serum or acne treatment. It could be hyaluronic acid for moisture or salicylic acid to get rid of acne.
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Retinol: Retinol works magic at night. It helps get rid of acne, fights fine lines, and makes collagen. To get used to it, start with a small amount every other night.
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Eye Cream (optional): Do you want retinol around your eyes? Not a good idea. Choose an eye cream with peptides or hyaluronic acid instead.
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Moisturizer or Night Cream: Night creams are usually thicker than regular moisturizers, which means they give your skin the moisture it needs while you sleep. If your skin is dry, choose something with ceramides. If your skin is oily, choose something light.
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Face Oil (Optional): If your skin is very dry, you can add a few drops of face oil to keep the moisture in.
A Few Important Warnings
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Don’t mix retinol and AHA/BHA in the same routine! If you use them together, they can cause irritation. Alternate them every one to two days to keep your skin happy.
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Be careful when you exfoliate. Exfoliating too much can do more harm than good. Do it two to three times a week and stay away from harsh scrubs.
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Face masks can be fun, but don’t go overboard with them. Use them once or twice a week after you clean your face, but avoid using potent active treatments like acids or retinol immediately after masking.
Last Thoughts
It doesn’t have to be hard to make a skincare routine. Start with the basics: cleanse, moisturize, and protect. Then add treatments that are right for your skin type and goals to make your routine your own. But keep in mind that taking care of your skin is a long-term project, not a short-term one. Results take time, so be patient and don’t forget to have fun along the way.
If you’re still not sure what’s best for your skin, talk to a dermatologist. They will help you make a routine that fits your needs.
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