How to build a Skincare Routine? (Definite Guide for Beginners)

When it comes to skincare routines, it is safe to say that there is no such thing as “one size fits all” and in this article, we will describe how you can build your own skincare routine from scratch that fits your skin needs. SKINCARE ROUTINE AND ITS BENEFITS Research shows that following consistently a daily skincare routine can have the most significant long-term impact on the overall quality of our skin complexion, helping restore and maintain our skin’s health and beauty over time [1]. For this, we simply need to select effective products that will cover the basic skincare needs (protection, prevention, cleansing, and moisturizing), according to our specific skin type and skin concern [1]. Related reading Dermatologist Tips: The Best Skincare Routine For People In Their 20s 10 Best At-home Microdermabrasion Machine Kits (2025) Deep Cleansing Facial: Everything You Need to Know About It! SKIN TYPE VS. SKIN CONCERN To build your ideal skincare routine, you need to know first which is your skin type: Understanding your skin type is crucial, as it helps tailor your skincare products to effectively address your specific needs. Oily Oily skin can lead to shine and may be more prone to acne, making it important to choose products that help control oil without over-drying. Combination (oily T zone with other dry areas) Those with combination skin should seek products that balance both oily and dry areas, ensuring that neither is neglected. Acne-prone Acne-prone skin requires gentle yet effective products aimed at preventing breakouts while maintaining hydration. Dry or sensitive For dry or sensitive skin, it is essential to use nourishing products that soothe irritation and maintain moisture levels. Normal And which skin concern do you want to tackle: Understanding your skin type is crucial, as it helps tailor your skincare approach to meet your individual needs. Wrinkles and fine lines Addressing wrinkles and fine lines often involves using products that promote collagen production and skin elasticity. Acne Effective treatments for acne may include ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help clear pores. Uneven skin tone To improve an uneven skin tone, look for products that contain brightening agents such as vitamin C or niacinamide. Sensitive or dry skin For sensitive or dry skin, it is important to choose gentle, hydrating products to avoid irritation. THE 3 SKINCARE ESSENTIALS Regardless of your skin type or concern your skincare routine ALWAYS should include three basic steps to start with: The three basic steps—cleansing, moisturizing, and protection—are essential for maintaining healthy skin. 1. Cleansing Proper cleansing helps remove dirt and impurities, setting the foundation for effective skincare. 2. Moisturizing 3. Sun protection Let’s dive into each step to guide you on how to choose the perfect one for your skin type : Understanding your skin type is crucial for selecting products that will work best for you. This ensures that your skincare routine is effective and tailored to your individual needs. 1. CLEANSING Washing your face is always the first step of any skincare routine. As a rule, a good cleanser will perform its function without leaving your skin feeling dry, tight, and irritated , so keep that in mind when trying your new product. Choosing the right cleanser may depend on your skin type, but as a personal suggestion for any beginner, I would advise starting with a mild/gentle cleanser . To choose the perfect one for your needs, here is a general guideline: SKIN TYPE CLEANSER FORMAT WHY? Oily/ Combination/ Acne-prone Light foaming cleanser or gel cleanser Even if you have oily-prone skin, a gentle light foaming, or gel cleanser can remove the excess oil without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Foam is not a synonym for efficacy; a cleanser can do its work without foaming. Dry/ Sensitive Cream/lotion cleanser You want your skin to feel moisturized after a gentle cleansing step, to protect your skin barrier. Normal Gel cleanser or cream/lotion cleanser Cleanse your face in a mild but effective way, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. All skin types Micellar water or Oil cleanser Want to remove makeup? These are great alternatives as a first step of a “double cleansing” routine. After removing makeup, you can use the cleanser selected according to your skin type, to remove any residue of makeup or oil cleanser. 2. MOISTURIZING Once you wash your face, the next step is to moisturize. Moisturizers increase skin hydration and help reduce trans-epidermal water loss by different mechanisms, improving the skin barrier, integrity, and appearance [2]. Moisturizing is essential for maintaining skin health, as it helps lock in moisture and keep your skin looking fresh and vibrant. You can find 3 types of moisturizers in your products: Identifying the right type of moisturizer for your skin can greatly enhance its appearance and overall health, making it a vital step in your routine. Humectants: they provide hydration to the stratum corneum by attracting water from the skin’s deeper layers. Examples are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, urea, propylene glycol, and sorbitol. Humectants are particularly beneficial for hydrating dry skin, as they help draw moisture into the outer layers, making your skin feel plump and revitalized. Emollients: they rebuild the lost lipids in your skin and smooth and preserve the skin barrier. Examples are vegetable oils, ceramides, cholesterol, and squalene. Emollients play a significant role in maintaining a smooth skin texture, which can enhance your skin's overall look and feel. Occlusives: they create a hydrophobic barrier on the skin surface able to prevent transepidermal water loss, sealing all moisture in. Examples are petrolatum, shea and cocoa butter, mineral oil, beeswax, lanolin, and dimethicone. Occlusives are especially useful for those with very dry skin, as they help to lock in moisture and provide lasting hydration throughout the day. According to your skin type here is a guideline on how to choose the perfect product for you: Choosing the right moisturizer is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Consider your skin's unique needs to ensure optimal hydration. SKIN TYPE MOISTURIZER FORMAT WHY? Oily/ Combination/ Acne-prone Gel or Gel-cream Gel-based products are formulated to avoid a “greasy” feel. Look for products rich in humectants. Dry Cream Creams nourish your skin with different types of moisturizers. Look for thick creams rich in occlusives and emollients. Sensitive Lotions (“perfume free” and for “sensitive skin”) Avoid perfumes, they can act as sensitizers. Look for lotions for “sensitive skin” with emollients (ceramides or squalane), humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), and even calming extracts (aloe vera, oat, or chamomile). Normal Cream or lotion They can provide emollients, humectants, and protective occlusives at the same time, to keep your skin functioning properly. 3. SUN PROTECTION Sunscreens are an essential step in any morning routine. UV radiation is the worst enemy of your skin, responsible not only for the skin photoaging process but also for the development of skin cancer in the long run [3]. Protecting your skin from UV radiation is vital to prevent premature aging and serious skin issues. Daily sunscreen use can significantly reduce these risks. You must protect your skin every day with sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or higher) . To choose your ideal sunscreen follow the same guidelines described for moisturizers. You can choose a suitable moisturizer with SPF for your morning routine (2 in 1 application), meaning that you will need a second moisturizer for the night routine. 4. ACTIVES TO TREAT YOUR SKIN CONCERN To this point, building a basic skincare routine using consistently your 3 essential products is more than enough. Starting with just three essential products allows your skin to adjust while providing necessary benefits. This foundation is key to developing a successful routine. However, if you want to treat a particular skin concern you can incorporate a serum into your night routine. A serum is a light water-based product intended to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients into your skin. Serums can provide targeted treatment, enhancing your routine by addressing specific concerns like dryness or acne. They are a valuable addition for more advanced skincare. Here is a general guideline on how to choose an ideal serum for you: Identifying the right serum involves understanding your skin type and the specific issues you want to address. This ensures you choose the most effective product. SKIN CONCERN WHAT TO LOOK FOR Wrinkles and Fine lines Actives that help build collagen: peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol*, or AHAs* (Alfa Hydroxy Acids, like glycolic acid). They can also contain antioxidants to help fight free radicals involved in skin aging. Acne Actives such as salicylic acid (also labeled as BHA), azelaic acid, niacinamide, or retinol*. Uneven skin tone Actives such as vitamin C, azelaic acid, niacinamide, retinol* or AHAs* (like kojic acid). Dry or Sensitive skin You can benefit from a simple hydrating serum with humectants and ceramides, and/or also look for products labeled as “calming”, “soothing” or “sensitive”. Avoid fragrances. CAUTION*: Be cautious when introducing new active ingredients into your routine to avoid irritation and ensure your skin adapts gradually. As a beginner, I would recommend you start with the other active ingredients, or with the lowest and most gentle concentration of Retinol or AHAs (get yourself informed first). Starting with lower concentrations helps your skin acclimate to active ingredients. This approach minimizes potential irritation while still providing benefits. Retinol and AHAs can never be applied together. Understanding the interaction between retinol and AHAs is crucial for effective skincare; using them together can lead to unwanted side effects. Retinol and AHAs can produce irritation at the beginning, so you can’t apply them every night . Follow the guidelines on the label (normally you start with a very small amount every other night). Starting slowly with these products allows your skin to adjust, minimizing potential irritation and enhancing the benefits over time. They make your skin sensitive to sunlight, so wash your face well the next morning and apply sunscreen. Sun sensitivity is a common concern with these ingredients, highlighting the importance of proper sun protection during the day. NIGHT ROUTINE VS. MORNING ROUTINE Now that you know how to select the building blocks to tailor your skincare routine, let’s see how you can combine them to build your Night and Morning routines. Combining products effectively can significantly enhance your skincare routine, leading to better results tailored to your specific needs. Night routine. Your night routine should follow this sequence: Consistency is key in a night routine; following the recommended steps can improve your skin's health over time. 1. Cleanse: essential to remove all makeup, excess oil, sweat, pollutants, dirt, and bacteria trapped in your face at the end of the day. You can benefit from “double cleansing” by first removing makeup with a micellar water or oil cleanser, and secondly washing your face and neck with your cleanser. 2. Treat*: apply on your face and neck the serum to treat your skin concerns. Targeted treatment with serums is essential for addressing specific skin concerns, making this step vital in your routine. 3. Moisturize: after your serum absorbs, apply a generous amount of moisturizer to seal all actives and moisture into your skin (face and neck). Sealing in moisture is important to maintain hydration levels, ensuring your skin stays nourished and healthy overnight. * If you are starting to apply Retinol or AHAs in your night routine: only in this case can you apply the moisturizer first as a buffer, to reduce the irritation potential of these actives if they are not well tolerated by your skin. Morning routine. The morning routine should follow this sequence: 1. Wash your face (and neck) completely with abundant water. The use of a cleanser may not be necessary, so it’s up to your skin’s needs. 2. Moisturize . Hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin, so ensure your moisturizer is suitable for your skin type. 3. Sun protection: applying sunscreen (on the face and neck) should always be your top priority in the morning and the last step in your skincare routine. Sun protection is crucial as it helps prevent skin damage and premature aging caused by UV rays. What about using a moisturizer with SPF (30 or higher)? In this case, you can simplify your skincare routine to 1) washing and 2) Moisturizing (+SPF). Using a moisturizer with SPF can save time while still providing effective sun protection. THE TAKEAWAY An effective skincare routine doesn’t need to follow a long list of steps and products to actually work. Just a cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen can do wonders for your skin, so keep it simple! Always tailor your skincare routine to make it work for your own needs and most importantly, give it time to see the real results. Remember, your skin is unique and so it must be your skincare routine. Related reading The Best Skin Care Routine for Men (Even for Beginners) REFERENCES Rodan, K., Fields, K., Majewski, G. P., & Falla, T. (2016). Skincare Bootcamp. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open, 4, e1152. https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001152 Purnamawati, S., Indrastuti, N., Danarti, R., & Saefudin, T. (2017). The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review. Clinical Medicine & Research, 15 (3–4), 75–87. https://doi.org/10.3121/cmr.2017.1363 Bosch, R. J., Philips, N., Suárez-Pérez, J. A., Juarranz, A., Devmurari, A., Chalensouk-Khaosaat, J., & González, S. (2015). Mechanisms of Photoaging and Cutaneous Photocarcinogenesis, and Photoprotective Strategies with Phytochemicals. Antioxidants, 4 (2), 248–268. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox4020248 Ulike Welcome to Ulike! We hope our expertise can bring value to you.