How to Start (or Refine) Your Skincare Routine (Part 1)

Having an effective skincare routine that you adhere to day in and day out is something that comes up again and again in this blog. That’s because great skin isn’t purely about genetics. In fact, your daily habits can have a significant impact on how your skin looks and feels.

But for newcomers and dedicated veterans alike, knowing what to include in a skincare routine can feel overwhelming. Between cleansers, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and everything in between, there are countless products and even more opinions about what to use and how to use it.

Ultimately, a skincare routine should be built around products that address your specific needs. And it should be simple enough that you’re going to stick to it. That’s because there’s no such thing as a quick fix in skincare. To reap the benefits of a product, you need to use it consistently over a period of at least six weeks.

That said, there are a few fundamental components of a skincare routine. I’m going to walk you through them over the course of my next three blog posts. Along the way, I’ll answer some questions that I’m asked all the time, like what exactly does non-comedogenic mean? (More on that in a moment.) And, do I really need to use a serum?

Step 1: Cleansing

Your skincare routine should consist of three main steps:

1. Cleansing
2. Toning
3. Moisturizing

Cleansing refers to washing your face. It’s the simplest, yet most essential, step of any routine. Every day, your face is assaulted by dirt, environmental pollutants, and a host of other agitators that need to be gently removed to avoid clogged pores, acne, and dull-looking skin. 

You should wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and then again at night. What kind of cleanser you use matters because the wrong one will strip your skin of healthy, essential oils. So it’s important to find one that’s formulated specifically for your skin type. To help with that, here’s a quick guide:

SKIN TYPE CLEANSER TYPE

Oily or acne-prone Foaming liquid

Dry or eczema-prone Cream or lotion

Sensitive Oil

Mature Melting balm

Any type Micellar water

Micellar water contains molecules that draw debris out of the skin like a magnet. It’s suitable for almost every skin type. And unlike most other kinds of facial cleansers, it doesn’t need to be rubbed in or rinsed off. Even more, it’s fairly inexpensive.