How to Build the Best Skincare Routine?

How to build a skincare routine? If you are unsure how to put together a skincare routine, or if you are looking to understand the basics, consider this your expert-backed guide.

So, you want to start with a basic skincare routine that suits you, but you may have several doubts, such as:

  • How many skincare products do you need to use?
  • Which ones suit your skin type?
  • In what order you should be applying these products?
  • How to manage a skincare routine?

To make sure you get the most benefit out of your daily skincare routine, no matter what your skin type, you should begin with three simple steps – cleanse, treat and moisturize. You might be familiar with the terms cleansing and moisturizing, but what does treating mean? Depending on your skin type, it means using creams or serums packed with skincare ingredients like retinol alpha-hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and others. Adding this intermediate step in between cleansing and moisturizing components is crucial. It can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the skin.

It’s not just enough to have good skincare products. For your products to be most effective, you also need to apply them appropriately and in the correct order. A perfect skincare routine usually depends on your skin type.

Here is the best dermatologist-approved daily skincare routine for the whole day, including the basic steps in everyone’s home regimen for dry, oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.

  • Cleanser – Face cleansing should be the first step in any skincare routine, as it eliminates impurities and excess dirt, causing pores to clog and leading to dull skin. But be gentle with your skin. Many people cleanse too much or too often with cleansers that are too harsh, which can do more bad than good to your skin. A cleanser containing harsh chemicals will break down your skin’s protective barrier. People with dry or sensitive skin should try washing only at night and rinsing their face with simple water in the morning.
  • Toner – Many of you out there don’t really need a toner but using one can be a great way to achieve a refreshed skin and balance PH. If you are someone with acne-prone skin, look for a toner that contains ingredients like salicylic acid to fight acne. For people with dry or sensitive skin, hydrating toner with ingredients like glycerine and hyaluronic acid can help soothe the skin.
  • Serum – According to your skin type, a serum can treat and protect. Look for the one that contains antioxidants, like vitamin C. Everyone can use vitamin C, no matter what’s their age. Regular usage helps reverse a lot of skin damage caused by pollution and ultraviolet rays. Hyperpigmentation can be a common skin disorder for a darker skin tone, and using a vitamin C serum in the morning can help reduce dark spots.
    Under-eye cream – Under-eye creams fall into the treat category too. If you think you need an eye treatment that targets eye concerns. You can apply it with your ring finger to avoid tugging on delicate skin and causing damage.
  • Moisturizer – Next comes one of the most important steps of your skincare routine that includes some heavier formulas like moisturizers. Regular application of moisturizer keeps skin hydrated and helps strengthen the skin-protecting barrier. Unless you are someone with dry skin, make sure you use a light moisturizer for daytime use. You can opt for a lotion or a gel form that will soak in quickly and won’t pill under makeup. If your skin is excessively dry, use a thicker formula like a cream. Look for hyaluronic acid and ceramides since these skincare products help retain moisture.
  • Sunscreen – It is one of the most important steps of your skincare regimen for people of all skin types and ages. If you don’t use sunblock, you might as well not do any of the other steps. Ultraviolet rays are the major reason people’s skin ages prematurely. Moreover, treating hyperpigmentation without daily sun protection (SPF)use is like taking two steps forward and one step backward.
  • Acne treatment– If you currently suffer from acne, apply dermatologists’ recommended acne treatment. These acne creams or gels usually come under your night skincare routine, cleansing, treating, and moisturizing. Acne sufferers get skin breakouts because of excessive oil build-up, so be consistent with the skin care regimen to keep the pores clear.

The main goal of a perfect skincare routine is to keep your skin looking and feeling the best. Following the above-given steps will help prevent further damage to your skin and minimize skin irritation.