When I first entered the skincare world, I was a newbie who didn’t know how to build a solid routine, but over time I learned that just a few minutes in the morning and at night provides wonders for your skin and adds so much self-care and love to the day. What I’ve found is that while everyone has a different skin type and specific concerns, the essentials are the same: gentle cleansing, hydration, and sun protection, which work across the board and generally works for most people. Here’s how I do it—I focus on building a routine step-by-step, starting with what’s essential, then adding products that also target our unique needs, because that’s how you and we both get back to healthy skin that actually works for you. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes, and although it may feel like abasic process, when done every day it truly can do wonders—trust me, I’ve seen it at work not just for me, but for friends too who are looking to build their confidence with skincare.
How to Start a Basic Skincare Routine
Figure out Your Skin Type
When I first started skincare, I thought a 10-step routine was the secret, but it only left my skin feeling more irritated and tight. A professional like a dermatologist or esthetician can help with a skin analysis, yet you can also determine your skin type at home by noticing if it feels dry, dehydrated, or shows fine lines, or if it’s more oily, shiny, and greasy on the nose, chin, or forehead with excess oil and breakouts.
Some teenager skins are acne-prone, while others stay normal with a balanced, smooth texture, and minimal pores. My own combination skin can get red, itchy, and sensitive depending on weather and hidden dyes or fragrances in products that irritate. That’s why I always figure it out before I purchase or invest in the right care for my age or even changing seasons—because today it’s about keeping things basic, not complicated.
Basic Skincare Routine Steps
When I first built my skincare routines, I realized the morning and nighttime flow mattered as much as the step itself. Starting with cleansing the face is key—whether you have combination, oily, or dry skin, the right cleanser makes a difference. I’ve used Avene Gel Cleanser when my skin produces oil, while Tatcha cleanser or La Roche-Posay cream cleansers feel gentler, less drying, and perfect for sensitive skin.
After the cleansing process, I always moisturize to lock in hydration and protect the barrier from irritation. My daily picks vary: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate for dehydrated skin, Tatcha Water Cream moisturizer for lightweight hydration, or Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel with hyaluronic acid and salicylic acids when acne-prone skin causes blemishes. I’ve even tried La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream for dry skin, while the Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich feels like a true splurge.
In the morning, I never skip sunscreen—it’s my shield against UVA rays, UVB rays, sunburns, and long-term signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, or even skin cancers. I love Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen because it doubles as a makeup primer, and on days I want a subtle color complexion, the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted is my go-to for oil-free sun protection. At nighttime, I simply skip SPF products and let my routine focus on repair.