Creating an appropriate skincare routine is crucial if you want healthy skin all year round. When it comes to skincare routines, they’re highly individual and differ for each skin type. But even the ones among us who are blessed with the most gorgeous skin have to take proper precautions in their late teens and early twenties. Even though everyone’s skincare routine will be different, there are a couple of universal skincare products which work as a foundation and that benefit all skin types. Today we will go through each step of your skincare routine and explain how each of them will help your skin become glowing and gorgeous.

For most people, typical skincare regimens consist of two parts: morning skincare routine and nighttime skincare routine. These do have a couple of products in common, but their purpose is different. Let’s start with the basics for an optimal morning skincare routine.

Morning Skincare Routine

When it comes to advice about what you should do to your skin in the morning, it can be quite conflicting. Some people say that you should only wash your face with water in the morning, while others argue that you need a strong foundation for the rest of the day.

Truth is, most people’s lifestyles won’t allow for such a carefree approach to skincare. For some people, a minimalistic skincare routine that consists of water and a towel might do wonders for their skin, but it’s far from being a suitable universal skincare plan.

Especially if you’re an avid makeup user, you will want to pay close attention to your morning habits regarding your skin and the products which you put on it. Applying appropriate products in conjunction with frequent cleansing will ensure that your pores won’t get clogged and your makeup will look flawless as a result.

Even if you aren’t the type to put on makeup, a proper morning regimen will protect you from harmful dirt, bacteria, and pollution which can potentially trigger breakouts and congestion.

Cleanser

We’re starting off with the basic skincare product: a face cleanser. Washing your face is undoubtedly the most essential part of any skincare routine.

But since there are so many cleansers out there, how do you go about choosing the correct one for your skin? The reality is, there is no one universal formula. The cleanser you use will depend on your skin type. Do you suffer from frequent breakouts, redness, and irritation? Then you probably have sensitive, acne-prone skin that needs a foaming cleanser which will get rid of the excess oil and dirt. If you have dry, flakey skin you’ll need a milky formula which will prevent your skin from getting even drier. If you have normal skin, you can opt for a hydrating non-comedogenic oil. If you have oily or combination skin then it’s best to use a cleanser or a specific oil such as jojoba oil or argan oil.

There are some universal no-no’s which you should pay close attention to, regardless of your skin type. Especially if you have sensitive and acne-prone skin, you’ll want to avoid certain ingredients like almond oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, corn oil, D & C red, and lauric acid. Look for products which have the ‘non-comedogenic’ label on them, which basically means that it won’t clog pores or cause any breakouts.

Avoid using harsh products since those have a tendency to dry out your skin and remove or cause damage to the top layer that serves as protection to the skin. Using a gentle cleanser is the best option you have because it won’t strip your skin of its natural oils which are crucial for a healthy glow. In addition, the fewer ingredients a cleanser has, the better. These are the cleansers which are least likely to cause any irritation.

When it comes to the application itself, any cleanser should be gently massaged onto the skin, avoiding the eye area. When you’re done massaging, either wash it off with warm water or use a cloth to remove the excess cleanser.

Moisturizer

No good skincare routine is complete without an effective moisturizer. If there’s one product every dermatologist recommends it’s a proper moisturizer. A moisturizer will hydrate the skin deeply and ensure that you won’t suffer from any dry patches or irritation that’s caused by dry skin. Providing the proper amount of moisture is extremely important when it comes to protecting the skin from breakouts. If your skin is overly dry, it gives your sebaceous glands a signal that they need to pump out more sebum than before, leaving your skin greasy and congested.

What’s more, a top-notch moisturizer will also soften the skin and keep it glowy all year round. So, how should you pick a moisturizer that’s good for your particular skin type? Just like face cleansers, moisturizers have different consistencies which differ from one skin type to another. Moisturizers aimed at people who have oily skin tend to have a gel formula which keeps the excess sebum at bay. Those which are meant for people with dry skin tend to be creamy so that the skin gets extra moisture. Moisturizers for those who have mature skin tend to have anti-aging properties, such as our best-selling wrinkle-free moisturizer.

These skincare essentials provide a base for any other product you’ll be putting on your face in the morning, so it’s crucial that you take your time when choosing one that suits your skin and investing in quality and tested ingredients.

A question you might ask yourself is: What’s the difference between a day cream and a night cream? Although you’re free to use one that you apply both morning and night, day creams are usually designed to protect against environmental pollutants, dust, and bacteria. On top of that, sometimes they contain SPF in order to protect your skin from the sun. Those that are aimed for nighttime tend to have harsher and more chemically-based ingredients such as Retin A and many types of skin acids that work to prevent and repair any damage to the skin.

Sunscreen

An indispensable part of anyone’s skincare routine should be the application of sunscreen before leaving the house. It helps protect against damaging rays and the side-effects that come along with that. No matter what season it is or what’s the weather like at the time, you should make applying sunscreen on a regular basis a habit. Not many people are aware that most of the harmful rays penetrate through the clouds, winter included. Even if you’re exposing your skin to the sun five minutes a day, it could still contribute to some negative effects.

Chemical sunscreens are most people’s go-to. They contain protective chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobezone, and octisalate. Especially if you have sensitive skin, you should pay close attention to the brand of sunscreen you’re using, along with the ingredients inside. Opt for one that’s specially designed for people with sensitive skin that have a strong reaction to new products.

Whichever one you choose, make sure you put it on regularly so that you can prevent any negative consequences and sun damage. If you’re still not convinced about the importance of sunscreen application, then you should look into purchasing a foundation or a tinted moisturizer which already contains at least SPF 30 and protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Makeup

While we’re on the subject of makeup, if you apply makeup on a regular basis, then this step should follow up in your skincare routine.

The most important thing you can do in this regard is determining your skin type. Knowing which skin type category your skin falls under will help you choose a suitable formula that will work on your skin. This can be a long process and there’s a lot of trial and error involved.

Generally speaking, those who have sensitive skin should stay away from certain ingredients such as talc, perfumes, mica or oils. Go for an oil-free formula specifically designed to combat sensitive skin. Those who have combination skin should be on the hunt for a balanced formula that will help absorb the excess oil but also treat the dryness.

When it comes to people who have oily skin, their approach should be similar to those who have combination skin. Look for powders in the ingredient list that will mattify the skin throughout the day and absorb excess oil without drying out your skin, which can lead to further sebum overproduction. You also might want to try foundations which are meant to minimize the appearance of large pores.

The type of makeup you choose will also depend on what kind of look you want to achieve. If you have relatively clear skin, then go for a foundation that’s lighter so you don’t clog your pores for no reason. If you have breakouts, then a full-coverage foundation that’s designed for acne-prone skin will do wonders for you.

Nighttime Skincare Routine

Makeup Remover

We get it. Sometimes the last thing you want to do after a long, hard day is to spend time removing your makeup. The temptation to jump in bed and skip your evening skincare routine is strong. However, when it comes to having healthy skin, removing your makeup at the end of the day is a must! It not only gets rid of all the products you’ve previously put on it, but it also removes any dirt and bacteria that’s been sitting on top of your face all day long.

So, what’s the best way to remove makeup? By far, the easiest and fastest way is to use micellar water. It can be found in most drugstores, it’s inexpensive and extremely suitable for people with all skin types, especially people who have sensitive skin since they can have a strong reaction to other methods of removing makeup. Just put some of it on a cotton pad and rub it gently all over your face, including the eyes.

Another thing you can use is special oils which are meant for removing makeup, like jojoba oil. These are special because they are non-comedogenic and won’t irritate the eyes, so don’t use any which aren’t designed for this purpose. Although it’s generally not recommended for people who have overly sensitive skin, you could also use coconut oil. Simply rub some of the oil between your fingers so you warm it up and massage it onto your skin.

Last but not least, for the lazy among us, using makeup removing wipes is also an option. These have a special formula which will get rid of all the makeup but won’t irritate the skin. Just make sure you use ones which don’t have drying ingredients in them, like alcohol.

Cleanser

In most cases, just removing the makeup is not enough. You should do a double cleanse and follow up with a face cleanser, preferably the one you used in the morning. This will ensure that you don’t have any leftover gunk on your face that can cause redness, clogged pores, and pimples.

Toner

Now that you’re done cleansing, it’s time to use a toner. Note that this is an optional step and you may not need it as an integral part of your skincare routine, so if you aren’t sure about whether or not you should purchase one consult a dermatologist.

People have different reactions to various toners. Some love it, others think that it does nothing for them. Toners can have certain benefits, that’s for sure. An effective toner helps balance your skin’s pH levels, treats uneven skin tone and helps postpone premature signs of aging.

Applying toner with your hands is the most efficient way of going about it. Pour a few drops between your fingers and gently massage it onto your skin. If you don’t like getting your hands dirty, you can also use a cotton pad. You can use toners in the morning as well, it just depends on your goals whether or not you do so.

Treatment

Many products are applicable to all skin types such as cleansers and toners. However, when it comes to this step in your skincare process, it has to be customized to your particular skin concerns. Treatment can tackle skin issues such as redness, acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.

It’s a safe bet to use a treatment plan that’s prescribed by a dermatologist. They would give you a proper diagnosis and a product that will work on it.

When it comes to not-so-serious skin problems such as a pimple here and there, you could go for either OTC spot treatments or, if you prefer a more natural way, DIY spot treatments which you can make in the comfort of your own home. Whichever way you choose, you don’t have anything to lose by trying it out on one pimple. Remember, when it comes to figuring out what’s right for your skin, there will be a lot of trial and error involved.

And if you’re lucky enough not to suffer from any skin issues, then you should skip this step and proceed to either a moisturizer or a serum.

Serum

Serums have the potential to be miracle workers. They are an exceptionally potent source of active ingredients which aid the skin in every way imaginable. Serums tackle numerous skin concerns such as acne, signs of aging, dark spots and redness. You don’t have to suffer from any of these in order to use a serum, though. They can be used as a preventative measure. Besides, who doesn’t need an extra shot of antioxidants in their lives?

As far as serum ingredients are concerned, they will depend on the outcome you’re looking for. Vitamin C is incredible at treating fine lines and wrinkles, refreshing your skin tone and treating hyperpigmentation. Retin A also has anti-aging properties and it helps with acne immensely. Hyaluronic acid has amazing moisturizing properties which can be of great help for people with dry skin. Vitamin B3 and peptides work as collagen stimulants and are a great option if you’re on the hunt for some products that combat signs of aging. Sulfur can work on both spots and redness.

It’s important to remember that you can also use multiple serums at the same time, but you will need to consult your dermatologist first because some ingredients can cross-react with each other, which can be bad for your skin. Another option you could try if you want to save time is to mix your serum and your moisturizer. Although it depends on the kind of serum you’re using, you can use it twice a day for quicker results.

Under Eye Cream

A largely overlooked area on the face is the under-eye area. It’s very common for people to ignore it until it’s too late. Just like other parts of your face, it needs proper care and moisture.

There are many eye creams available on the market, and the one you choose will depend on what your specific goal is. Some can brighten dark circles and treat under eye bags while others help with any signs of aging. You could make your own DIY under eye cream at home using brightening ingredients.

Lip Balm

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to give some love to your lips as well. After brushing your teeth, apply a layer of lip balm or lip butter on your lips. Another option is to use oil as a lip balm. Vitamin E oil works wonderfully as a lip moisturizer.

Face Mask

Unlike other treatments, face masks don’t have a set schedule. You can apply them in the morning, at night or at any point during the day. When it comes to pampering days, they are a must! Here are some of the most amazing benefits that come from applying face masks on a regular basis.

Face masks work as deep cleansers and they do a more thorough job than regular face cleansers. They can help bring out any dirt and impurities that are beneath the surface level and cleanse your skin overall. Face masks unclog pores and, in turn, help with treating spots and preventing them. On top of that, they can help control excess sebum which is incredibly useful for people who have oily skin.

There are many types of masks: clay, sheet, DIY from natural ingredients and store bought. If you’ve been thinking about introducing them into your skincare routine, think of this as a sign to do so.

Going for more serious treatment options such as chemical peels, lasers and exotic face masks (vampire blood mask comes to mind) is always an option ready for you to explore. If you’re suffering from serious acne, you could also consider going on oral acne medication in order to speed up the healing process.

General Tips

As important as having a suitable, effective and tailored skincare routine is, it won’t do much for the skin if your lifestyle is damaging your complexion. No matter how many outstanding skincare products you choose, they will always come short in comparison to important factors such as sleep, exercise, and proper diet. Make sure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep each night. During sleep, our skin regenerates itself, so it’s crucial to get that beauty sleep and allow that to happen. Exercising helps lower our stress levels, and it’s been proven time and time again that stress can lead to breakouts and speed up the aging process. As far as diet is concerned, avoid processed foods, sugar and dairy as much as possible and include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to get lots of fresh air and sunlight (don’t forget sunscreen though) so that you can ensure that your skin is getting the best treatment it can, both inside and out.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you’ve learned the basics from this ‘Skincare routine steps explained’ guide. Getting into a proper skincare routine can seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it can actually be extremely enjoyable and not to mention beneficial.

This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances, and its goal is to offer a general view of the subject. In case you are suffering from a severe case of acne, you should consult with a dermatologist or a certified medical professional.