Skincare Routine

A good skincare routine isn’t one-size-fits-all — it should be built around your unique skin type, concerns, and goals. With the skincare space constantly evolving, new ingredients and science-backed routines are reshaping how we approach skin health.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your current regimen, this guide breaks down everything you need to know in today’s skincare stories and trends.

1. Know Your Skin Type

Before anything else, identify your skin type. This determines what products you should use and how often.

Common Skin Types

• Normal: Balanced — not too oily or dry. Generally clear with minimal sensitivity.

• Dry: Feels tight, flaky, or rough. May have visible dry patches.

Oily: Noticeable shine, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). Prone to breakouts.

• Combination: Mix of oily (usually T-zone) and dry/normal areas.

• Sensitive: Easily irritated, red, itchy, or reactive to products.

Tip: To confirm your skin type, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, wait an hour, and observe how your skin feels and looks without any products.

2. Understand the Core Steps of Any Skincare Routine

No matter your skin type, a basic routine includes three essential steps:

1. Cleanse

Removes dirt, oil, makeup, and pollution.

2. Treat

Target specific concerns with serums or actives.

3. Moisturize

Locks in hydration and strengthens the skin barrier.

4. Protect (AM Only)

Sunscreen is non-negotiable.

3. Building Your Routine by Skin Type

Normal Skin

You’re lucky — your skin tolerates most formulas, but consistency matters.

Morning

• Gentle cleanser
• Hydrating toner (optional)
• Vitamin C serum (brightening + antioxidant protection)
• Lightweight moisturizer

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+

Evening

• Cleanser

• Hydrating serum or antioxidant

• Moisturizer

Why it works

Normal skin thrives on balanced, gentle maintenance with antioxidant support to protect from aging and environmental stress.

Dry Skin

Dry skin needs deep hydration and barrier support.

Morning

• Cream or oil-based cleanser

• Hydrating toner with humectants (e.g., glycerin, hyaluronic acid)

• Moisturizing serum (e.g., hyaluronic acid + ceramides)

• Rich, nourishing moisturizer

• SPF 30+

Evening

• Double cleanse only if you wore makeup/ SPF — otherwise gentle cleanse

• Hydrating essence

• Night cream with ceramides or peptides

• Facial oil (optional)

Key Ingredients

• Hyaluronic Acid — draws moisture into the skin

• Ceramides — strengthens the skin barrier
• Glycerin — locks in hydration

Dry skin benefits from creamy textures and occlusive layers.

Oily Skin

The goal is to control oil without stripping your skin.

Morning

• Gel or foaming cleanser

• Lightweight toner (with niacinamide)

• Oil-control serum (niacinamide or BHA)

• Oil-free moisturizer

• SPF 30+ gel or fluid

Evening

• Cleanser

• BHA (salicylic acid) 2–3 times a week if oily + acne-prone

• Lightweight moisturizer

Key Ingredients

• Niacinamide — helps regulate oil production

• Salicylic acid (BHA) — clears pores & prevents breakouts

• Zinc oxide — controls shine (especially in sunscreens)

Tip: Oily skin also needs moisture — skipping it can trigger more oil production.

Combination Skin

Balance is key. T-zone needs oil control; cheeks need hydration.

Morning

• Gentle cleanser

• Balancing toner

• Lightweight serum (niacinamide or antioxidant)

• Medium-weight moisturizer

• SPF 30+

Evening

• Cleanser

• Chemical exfoliant (AHA on dry areas, BHA on oily zones — 2–3 times a week)

• Moisturizer

• Mixing Products

• Use different products for different zones, or choose formulas labeled for combination skin.

Sensitive Skin

Less is more. Avoid potential irritants like strong fragrances.

Morning

• Very gentle cleanser (fragrance-free)

• Soothing toner with calming botanicals

• Anti-irritant serum (e.g., centella asiatica)

• Minimalist moisturizer

• Mineral SPF (zinc/ titanium dioxide)

Evening

• Gentle cleanser

• Barrier-repair serum (niacinamide or peptides)

• Moisturizer

Avoid

• Harsh exfoliants

• High % retinoids without tolerance buildup

• Heavy fragrance or alcohol

4. Active Ingredients: Use Smartly

Knowing what actives do helps you choose better.

Ingredient Best for Benefits

Vitamin C All skin types (especially dull/aging skin) Brightens + antioxidant protection

Retinoids Aging, acne Boosts collagen, cell turnover

AHAs (glycolic/lactic) Dry or dull skin Gentle exfoliation

BHAs (salicylic acid) Oily, acne-prone Deep pore exfoliation

Niacinamide Oily, sensitive, combination Reduces redness/oil

How to introduce actives

– Start every other day

– Patch test before full use

– Combine carefully (e.g., avoid retinoid + strong AHA/BHA on same night)

5. Sunscreen: Your Most Important Step

No matter your skin type, SPF is essential. UV damage accelerates aging, dark spots, and inflammation.

• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day
• Reapply every 2–3 hours if in sun
• Mineral SPF if sensitive

6. Routine Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Dos

• Patch test new products

• Layer light to heavy (thin → thick)
• Adjust for seasons (lighter in summer, richer in winter)
• Be patient (4–6 weeks for results)

Don’ts

• Mix too many actives at once
•  Over-exfoliate (1–3x weekly max)
• Skip SPF
•  Ignore your neck and chest

7. Final Thoughts

Building a skincare routine is personal and evolves over time. Start with the basics, listen to your skin, and introduce actives thoughtfully. With the right approach, your routine will not only support a clear complexion but also strengthen your skin’s resilience and glow.