The world of skincare might seem big and intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s not as complicated as it looks. Keeping your skin healthy, clean, and moisturized is a fundamental part of hygiene that’s necessary to prioritize but fun to maintain once you get the hang of it.

Plus, nothing is more rewarding than watching your skin evolve the more time you spend taking care of it! So if you don’t know where to start when it comes to skincare, or creating a routine, don’t worry because you’ve come to the right place. 

Understanding Your Skin Type

Before you run to your nearest Ulta or Sephora and load up your basket with a bunch of skincare goodies, it’s essential first to identify your skin type. Understanding your skin type will inform your skincare decisions going forward and help you create a routine that’s curated for your unique skin. There are three main skin types: oily, combination, and dry. Discover the characteristics and recommendations for each below: 

Recommendations: Gently exfoliate to promote skin renewal and choose products with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. 

Recommendations: Cleanse your skin twice a day, or more if you work out, to dissolve excess oils. 

Recommendations: Opt for an oil-balance cleanser and mix and match a lightweight moisturizer for oily patches and a creamy moisturizer for dry patches. 

How to Create Your Skincare Routine

Your skincare routine will change as your skin evolves and you rotate products over time. Still, every skincare routine hones these five basic steps: 

1. CLEANSER

A clean base is crucial for keeping dirt and bacteria at bay and layering on all your products. You should wash your face twice a day and personally, I am a fan of double cleansing. That is using a balm or an oil, before utilizing your traditional cleansers.  

2. TONER

Your toner will remove any dirt and makeup that your cleanser might’ve left behind, and it helps gently exfoliate and balance the skin’s pH. I love hydrating or nourishing toners for my oily skin, but keep it mind there are some great exfoliating toners as well such as this one from Paula’s Choice. A holy grail product

3. SERUMS

Serums help target specific skincare concerns and treat the skin. For example, you can opt for a hydrating serum, one that targets fine lines and wrinkles, or focus on hyperpigmentation. The list goes on and on. I would recommend using one active per routine, especially if you are just starting out. Allow you skin to get use to one product at a time.

4. MOISTURIZER

No matter your skin type, moisturizing both day and night is crucial for hydrating the skin. But you already knew that right?

5. SPF 

Everyone should wear SPF daily. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Yes, that also includes people with darker skin tones. I know we grew up thinking that sunscreen isn’t needing, but since you are this blog, you are going to de better from now on.

See? Creating a skincare routine isn’t as complicated as it seems, and now that you know your skin type, you can build a skincare regime that’s perfect for you!

Do you have a skin care routine?