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How To Build A Skincare Routine [Ultimate Guide]

Here are 5 steps (plus optional steps!) to a good skincare routine.

By MaddyPublished about a year ago 4 min read
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In the age of beauty influencers and shopping shelves lined with beauty products, skincare has never been more popular. However, it’s worth noting that using good skincare products does not necessarily mean that you have a good skincare routine.

For example, popular products might not have the right ingredients needed to target your specific skin concerns. This highlights the importance of crafting an individualised skincare routine.

A good, personalised skincare routine means that your skin has the products needed to withstand the day and at night, the nutrients needed to aid in the repair and regeneration process.

The Science Behind A Good Skincare Routine

One of the keys to a successful skincare routine is application technique. This essentially means applying products from thinnest to thickest. The science behind this is because thin products won’t be able to penetrate the thicker products in order to work on the skin.

Like anything in life, results take time. With this in mind, it’s important to play the long game with your skincare routine. The right products used in the right order and at the right time of day will need time to work. As such, allow 6-12 weeks for improvements to become visible.

5 Steps To A Good Skincare Routine

The foundations of a good skincare routine are cleansing, toning and moisturising. From there, it is about layering in the correct products to deal with concerns from acne and oily skin to age spots and wrinkles.

As such, a good skincare routine requires multiple steps and therefore, products. With this in mind, when purchasing products to incorporate in your skincare routine, make sure that these products align with your skin type. Otherwise, the wrong product may exacerbate issues.

Step 1: Cleanse

In both the morning and night, it’s important to start your skincare routine with a good cleanse. This ensures that environmental dirt and grime along with makeup can be washed from the skin.

For those with oily skin, look for a foaming cleanser. Acne prone skin types should opt for a gentle cleanser while those contending with dry skin should utilise cleansers complete with a cream or balm formula.

Option Step: Spot Treatment

For those dealing with acne spots or breakouts, after cleansing an optional step is to apply targeted spot treatments. Containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, healing is promoted. Additionally, spot treatments will need at least 5 minutes to dry.

Step 2: Tone

The next step in a skincare routine is applying toner. Essentially acting as a way to refresh the skin, toner also works to balance pH levels. An exfoliating toner can only be used at night while a hydrating toner can be used both morning and night.

Acne prone skin will need a toner complete with hydroxy acid while dry skin types should look for hydrating toners made without alcohol. For those with oily skin, an astringent is advised as it helps to tighten pores.

Optional Step: Serum Application

After toner application, an optional step is to use a targeted serum. Today’s serums are tailored to treat and provide protection from skin concerns. If your skin has multiple areas of concern, different serums can be used in the applicable areas.

Step 3: Eye Cream

As the skin around the eyes ages faster than other areas of the face, using a targeted eye cream is key. The application can include both morning and night, but it’s important to lightly tap on the cream rather than using a rubbing motion.

Step 4: Moisturise

Moisturiser works to hydrate and soften the skin. Additionally, when applied as part of a broader skincare routine, moisturiser works to lock in the properties of other products. In terms of application, opt for a lightweight morning lotion and a thicker cream for the night.

Those with dry skin should look for a moisturiser that is a rich cream base while those with oily or acne prone skin are best suited to light lotions and even gel-based formulas to prevent clogged pores.

Option Step: Masks

Sheet masks and clay masks are great tools to use when your skin needs a boost of hydration or a little help absorbing excess oils. However, application should be limited to weekly use otherwise skin may become dehydrated or irritated.

Step 5: Sunscreen

The most integral step of any daytime skincare routine is sunscreen application. SPF should be at least 30 in order to provide sun protection. Something that is integral when it comes to protecting the skin from UV rays that can cause skin cancer and visible signs of ageing.

Building The Right Skincare Routine For You

While it can be tempting to follow the masses and certain online trends, no two people’s skincare routines will be the same. This is largely because skin types and skin concerns will dictate the products and application order that encompasses a good, successful routine.

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About the Creator

Maddy

Maddy has a journalism background and is an aspiring novelist. Proud dog mum to two border collies TJ and Max and has the ability to decipher any Taylor Swift song lyrics hidden meanings.

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  • Loryne Andaweyabout a year ago

    The steps are easy. It's the habit that needs work. Thanks for the reminder 😊

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