You’ve decided to create your skincare routine, but you’re unsure which products to include.
Should you start with a cleanser, a face wash, or a moisturiser? Or maybe just a moisturiser and serum? It can be so confusing.
Finding the right products for your routine can be challenging. This is why we’ve gathered the necessary skincare products for every routine, from cleansers to moisturisers. We’ll guide you in choosing the right ones for your skin type.
1. Cleanser
The first and most important product in your skincare routine is a cleanser. It’s recommended to cleanse your face at least twice a day—once in the morning and once at night 1.
A cleanser is specifically designed to clean your face, so it’s crucial to pick one that matches your skin type. Avoid using body washes or generic products meant for other areas—they just won’t do the job as well.
Finding the right cleanser might take some trial and error, so start with a patch test to see how your skin reacts. And always check the label to make sure it’s right for your skin type.
Here’s how to cleanse your face:
- Start by using a small amount of cleanser and gently massaging it into your entire face. If you have combination skin, use a cleanser that caters to both oily and dry areas.
- Depending on your cleanser, you may need to let it sit for a few minutes. Follow the instructions on your product—some require this step, while others don’t.
- When it’s time to rinse, use warm water and gently wash your face without rubbing too hard, as this can irritate your skin.
- Also, remember to use warm water, not hot. Hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry and unprotected.
Regular cleansing removes excess oils and dirt, preventing clogged pores and dull skin. A good cleanse prepares your skin to absorb the beneficial ingredients from the products you apply afterwards, like moisturisers, so they will work more effectively.
Read more: How to Pick Cleansers for Your Exact Skin Type (With Product Recommendations)
2. Toner
Toning should be the next step in your skincare routine. With an essence, facial mist, or toner, the cleansing process is completed by adding nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that nourish the skin. Toning also reduces dryness, controls excess oil, and removes dead skin cells and redness.
It’s ideal to tone your skin twice daily—in the morning and at night. If you’re short on time in the morning, you can tone at night to remove any remaining impurities before bed. Toning is a quick and simple step that requires only a toner and a cotton pad, making it easy to add to your routine 2.
3. Exfoliants
Exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts by removing dead skin cells from the skin. However, you don’t need to exfoliate every day. Once a week is usually enough, but if you have dry skin, you may need to exfoliate at least twice a week 3.
Exfoliating should be done shortly after cleansing and before toning and moisturising. There are two main types of exfoliants: chemical and physical. Chemical exfoliants usually contain gentle acids or enzymes that dissolve dead skin cells and impurities. Physical exfoliants use tiny particles like granules, beads, or tools like brushes and washcloths to scrub away dead skin for instant results.
Read more: How to Choose the Right Exfoliation Method for Your Skin Type
Most dermatologists advise using chemical exfoliants over scrubs to avoid harming your skin’s protective barrier 4.
When you exfoliate, remember to include areas like your hairline, neck, and behind your earlobes, where products, makeup, and dirt can build up.
Take a Pick from 18 Top-Rated Exfoliants for All Skin Types & Budgets
4. Serum and Booster
Your skincare routine should also include serums, boosters, facial oils, and concentrates. Serums are light liquids that penetrate deep into the skin to help with specific problems like fine lines, dark spots, and dryness. Boosters add extra benefits, like hyaluronic acid for hydration or niacinamide for brighter skin. Facial oils can nourish and moisturise the skin, while concentrates tackle skin conditions such as acne or redness.
You should apply these products twice a day—in the morning and at night—after cleansing (and toning) but before moisturising. However, it’s recommended to use only one product at a time. Applying too many products can clog your pores and reduce airflow to your skin, which can lead to breakouts 5.
In addition to maintaining hydrated skin, reducing redness, and improving your moisturiser’s effectiveness, serums and boosters also contain active ingredients, such as antioxidants, vitamin C, and retinol, that brighten your skin and smooth out its texture.
For You: 20 Serums & Boosters to Transform Your Skincare Routine
5. Moisturiser
Always moisturise your skin daily. Moisturising is crucial for all skin types because it keeps your skin hydrated and protects its natural lipid barrier.
Apply a moisturiser twice a day—in the morning and at night—after washing your face. For an even better result, apply it to barely damp skin.
A high-quality moisturiser keeps your skin soft and smooth while protecting it from irritants. Finding the right moisturiser might involve some trial and error, but patch tests can significantly reduce the risk. To perform a patch test, apply a small amount of the product to a small area of your skin to check for any allergic reactions or irritations.
Also, when shopping for a moisturiser, look for key ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, glycerin to draw in moisture, and salicylic acid for acne treatment.
6. Body care
Don’t focus solely on your facial skin to the point that you neglect caring for your body. Once you’ve completed your facial care routine, shift your focus to caring for your body. To achieve an overall radiant and glowing look, it’s essential to take care of your entire body. This should be done twice a day, in the morning and at night, especially if you’re frequently outdoors.
Read more: What is Your Body’s Skin Type?
There are three main steps to a good body care routine:
1. Scrub
Scrubbing your body will remove dead skin cells and dirt, improve circulation, and stimulate your body’s natural oil production, which is essential to maintaining healthy skin.
Using a gentle scrub, dermatologists recommend exfoliating no more than twice or three times every week 6. The reason for this is that regular scrubbing can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Make sure that the scrub you use is suitable for your skin. If you are unsure, then check out: 15 Skin-Type Body Scrubs: Our Top Choices for You, where you can get product recommendations for your skin type based on top reviews.
2. Wash
This routine involves wetting your skin, using an appropriate body wash for your skin type, and lathering up with a washcloth, loofah, sponge, or just your hands to remove dirt, sweat, oil, and any dead skin if you used a scrub.
Washing helps your body absorb the beneficial ingredients in your moisturiser easily. Therefore, make sure to wash every part of your body, from below your neck to your toes.
Try to use warm water, especially in winter, and avoid using hot water as it strips away your body’s natural oils, leaving your skin dry and tight.
3. Moisturise
Unlike your face, your body doesn’t require as many products because it’s less delicate. But like your facial care routine, you still need to moisturise your body at the end.
To moisturise your skin, do not vigorously dry it with a towel, but leave it damp (not completely wet and dripping with water). Then, using your fingertips, gently massage the moisturiser into your skin until it is fully absorbed.
Applying moisturiser to damp skin helps lock in moisture and allows your skin to absorb the moisturiser as it dries, keeping your skin’s protective barrier hydrated.
For more info: 7 Optimal Body Care Routines Will Make Your Skin Beautiful And Fresh
Remember to also protect your skin
Remember to take care of your skin both inside and outside your home. Protect your skin from harsh weather conditions, such as excessive sunlight and dry seasons. Wear suitable clothing for each season to prevent skin reactions. Avoid injuries or accidents that could harm your skin.
To create an effective skincare routine, it’s important to seek guidance from a certified esthetician for professional treatments and at-home skincare recommendations.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, we all want radiant skin. When you know your skincare routine and choose the right products, you can create a regimen that fits your lifestyle and is simple to maintain.
So, follow your routine consistently, and you will notice positive changes and achieve healthy, glowing skin in no time.
REFERENCES
Eminence Organic Skin Care (2020). Build Your Skin Care Routine. (online) Eminenceorganics.com. Available at: https://info.eminenceorganics.com/skin-care-routine (Accessed June 14, 2024).
Northwestern Medicine (2022). Do You Really Need a Skin Care Routine? (online) Northwestern Medicine. Available at: https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/do-you-really-need-a-skin-care-routine (Accessed June 14, 2024).
Simple (2023). Your Daily Skincare Routine. (online) www.simple.co.uk. Available at: https://www.simple.co.uk/skincare-tips/your-daily-skincare-routine.html (Accessed June 14, 2024).
The Body Shop (2024). Body Skin Care Routine | Body Care Routine | the Body Shop. (online) www.thebodyshop.com. Available at: https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/tips-and-advice/body-care/body-care-routine/e/e00126 (Accessed June 14, 2024).
