How to Build a Skincare Routine: 7 Essential Steps

Skincare routine: a phrase comprised of two words that have generated a lot of buzz over the last few years on social media and in the press. Asking someone about their skincare routine has become a form of endearment. 

It can be overwhelming to start from scratch in an industry ruled by ingredient terminology and many treatments for targeted concerns. Whether you struggle with breakouts or signs of aging, you may be wondering how to build a skincare routine and the most effective beauty regimen.

Building a successful skincare regimen starts with seven essential and universal steps. These include steps such as the use of a cleanser, targeted treatments, a moisturizer, and sunscreen which are the foundational steps of a quality skincare routine that delivers results.

Here’s everything you need to know about building a successful skincare routine from start to finish. 

Identify Your Skin Type

Your skin is your largest organ. It helps protect us day in and day out from potential threats to our internal organs. Skin comes in many different types, from dry to oily. By determining your skin type, you’re setting the stage for which products will work best for you.

Skin types can be classified into four categories: dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Here’s how to distinguish what skin type you may have.

• Dry skin naturally produces less oil than other skin types. This can be caused by various factors, including hormones, medications, or just simple genetics. Dry skin can feel tight and appear dull or rough in texture. It’s also prone to itchiness and irritation.

• Oily skin produces more oil than other skin types. It can be caused by genetics, medication, or dehydration. It’s shiny in appearance and can lead to clogged pores. Without proper exfoliation and treatment, oily skin can cause the accumulation of dead skin cells, which can lead to breakouts.

• Combination skin is a blend of both dry and oily skin. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oilier while the cheeks tend to be drier. It can be caused by stress, lack of a proper skincare routine, seasonal changes, and hormones.

• Sensitive skin is easily sensitized by environmental factors or topical treatments. It can burn and sting, become swollen or visibly irritated, and break out into rashes or hives. It’s naturally prone to inflammation, which can be caused by eczema, allergies, or other conditions.

It’s important to note that you can have a blend of skin types. Your skin can be a combination and sensitive. Or, it can be dry in the winter and oily in the summer. Skin fluctuates since it’s an organ. Therefore, determining what skin type you have can help you figure out which way to go when it comes to building a skincare routine.

The Three Main Pillars Of A Skincare Routine

While everyone’s skin concerns vary, there are three main pillars when it comes to creating a stellar skincare routine. Cleansing, treating, and moisturizing are the core components of an effective skincare regimen. Sun protection should also be incorporated every single day, year-round.

 

Cleansing the skin properly is essential. We know that it’s important to wash our hands, but also just as important as observing a proper face wash routine. Our skin accumulates oil, dirt, bacteria, and pollutants, and it also absorbs products every single day. Washing it twice ensures that you’re working with a clean canvas so your products can work properly while also ridding your pores of potential breakout-causing irritants.

 

Treating is when you use certain products for desired results, like using a retinol serum for acne or aging. Treatment is the core of what creates a successful skincare routine since it helps target any concerns.

 

Moisturizing is what keeps your skin happy and healthy. Specifically, it helps nourish your skin barrier to protect against irritation, dryness, and breakouts. Without a healthy skin barrier, your other products may do more harm than good.

Main Steps You Need To Include In Your Routine

Now that we’ve established the basics, let’s dive into what home skincare routine steps you need to implement to get the glowing skin of your dreams!

Step #1 – Choose a Cleanser

The ideal cleanser depends on your specific skin type and concerns. Whether you’re new to skincare or a savvy expert, your cleanser should help rid your pores of any accumulated dirt, bacteria, and oil it may have collected during the day.

Rejuvoderm clarifying cleanser, which contains acids and natural oils can help remove dead skin cells and exfoliate the pore lining to get a deep clean. These ingredients are ideal if you’re looking to build a skincare routine as they help purge your pores. Their ability to deep clean ensures that your other products are absorbing properly, without the barrier of impurities.

Step #2 – Find the Right Toner

Toners can serve many things. They help balance the pH of the skin, clear away any excess dirt or oil, and can pick up any residual makeup your makeup remover may have missed! In addition, toners help prep the skin for the absorption of your other products.

Maxatone clarifying toner with plant-based moisturizers, botanical astringents, and antimicrobial agents purifies the skin, prevents breakouts, soothes irritation, and balances the skin’s pH level!

Step #3 – Look for Serums with Active Ingredients

Serums are concentrated formulas that usually contain active or moisturizing ingredients to help treat any visible concerns. Since serums are so concentrated, they work deeper within the skin. With certain ingredients, they’re able to effectively treat a wide variety of skincare concerns.

A compound found naturally in the skin, hyaluronic acid is responsible for binding water into the skin and retaining it. It helps hydrate and aid firmness and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid serums, like Excelagene, are non-negotiable in any skincare routine. Since we naturally produce HA, Excelagene is safe for all skin types. 

Step #4 – Invest in the Best Moisturizer

The skin is the largest organ that works to protect us from external stressors and irritants. Its main line of defense is its moisture barrier. As previously mentioned, a quality skincare routine cannot exist without moisturizer. With regular use of moisturizers, you're keeping your skin barrier intact, which results in healthy, balanced, glowing skin!

Infusoderm, a moisturizer that contains natural antioxidants, is a safe treatment for all skin types. Lighter-weight moisturizers layer well under makeup and sunscreen and provide deep hydration. Additionally, natural antioxidants work to protect your skin against damaging pollutants and free radicals.

Step #5 – Make Use of Sunscreen

Most people think that you only need sunscreen on vacation during the summer. However, the sun does not take PTO. Whether you’re attending a music festival in July or commuting to work in the middle of January, you still need to wear sunscreen daily.

Sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause the visible signs of aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns during the summer. With skin cancer being the most common disease in the US, it’s important to apply sunscreen to protect your skin.

Wearing SPF 30 every day reduces your risk of developing skin cancer and protects against visible signs of aging. While your makeup may have sunscreen in it, it would require layers and layers of product to get the effectiveness of one layer of sunscreen.

Dermaxsol sunscreen with zinc oxide works upon application and is generally safe. Ingredients like beeswax and glycerin provide hydration and soothing properties.

Step #6 – Don’t Forget Eye Cream!

Eye cream protects and nourishes the eye area to keep it youthful and taut. Without conscious care, the gentle skin around the eyes can become dry and damaged. Whether or not you have dry skin, eye cream is essential in any skincare routine. 

Great eye cream is many things as it is the only product on the market that’s formulated for dark circles, under-eye bags, or crow’s feet. No two eye creams are created equal, but it’s important to look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory agents, and plant oils to hydrate, soothe, and nourish the eye area.

Step #7 – Use a Face Mask

When you’re wanting a little extra TLC, a face mask can be great for deep cleaning, relaxation, and removing impurities. Face masks are designed to provide concentrated ingredients to help address skin concerns, like dryness or breakouts.

Using a face mask at bedtime can help rid your skin of the impurities that may have been collected throughout the day and repair damage. If you’re new to skincare, try Somaxcell, a face mask with antioxidants and omega fatty acids that help replenish and restore moisture levels.

Follow The Routine Regularly

While quality skincare primarily provides treatment for skin issues, it actually works to prevent skin problems. Regularly following your routine ensures that you maintain desired results while preventing potential breakouts or sun damage.

If you don’t follow a routine, the benefits may significantly reduce. Consistency is just as important. To achieve great results, make sure to use products correctly.

Extra Tips

Aside from the seven essential steps, other tips and tricks can help you achieve and maintain the skin of your dreams. Following additional interventions and advice here and there can make a world of difference.

Consider Acne Treatments

If you’re struggling with adult acne, you may need to add some acne treatments to your skincare routine. Spot treatments and regular chemical exfoliation can help clear existing breakouts and prevent new ones by unclogging pores.

Using a peel with alpha hydroxy acids, such as Glowpeel, helps address multiple skin problems, especially acne. Alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic and glycolic acids, work on the surface to remove dead skin cells and speed up cell turnover, which prevents the accumulation of debris that can lead to breakouts. 

Zeroblem spot treatment, which contains sulfur, works quickly to clear up existing breakouts. Sulfur is a natural antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal agent that has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It can even help treat ringworm and scabies! Since it has natural antiseptic and clarifying properties, it can quickly reduce inflammation and heal infected pores.

Don’t Skip Your Doctor’s Advice

Depending on the severity of the afflicting skin condition at hand, you may need medical intervention. Our skin needs gentle care. If you’re struggling with severe cystic acne, eczema, or rashes, it could be a sign of a disorder.

Skin issues may indicate health problems. Thyroid disorders, reproductive disorders, autoimmune disorders, certain cancers, and even liver, heart, and kidney diseases may manifest problems in the skin.

If you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to skin issues, be sure to consult your doctor right away. Additionally, your doctor may advise a change in lifestyle habits or diet. Be sure to follow the advice of a health professional.

Dos:

• Consult your doctor right away if you suspect something is wrong.

• Take note of any other symptoms unrelated to your skin.

• Follow doctor’s advice.

• Change lifestyle habits accordingly.

• Take medication as directed.

Don’ts:

• Neglect potential skin concerns, like severe acne, rashes, or skin cancer.

• Rely solely on your routine if you suspect something is wrong.

• Wait to consult your doctor.

• Neglect sleep, water intake, or diet.

• Wait for the issue to resolve itself.

FAQs: How To Build A Skincare Routine

Question #1 – What is a basic skincare routine?

A basic skincare routine consists of a cleanser, a treatment, a moisturizer, and sun protection.  This strips your routine down to the essentials.

Question #2 – What is three-step skincare?

Three-step skincare means you only follow three steps within your routine. These usually are cleansing, treating, and moisturizing.

Question #3 – How do I start a skincare routine as a beginner?

If you’re new to skincare, aim for the following products and facial routine steps for the best results:

1. Cleanser

2. Toner

3. Serum(s)

4. Moisturizer

5. Eye cream

6. Sunscreen (during the day)

Question #4 – Is a simple skincare routine better?

Simple skincare routines can be beneficial for those with damaged skin barriers or very sensitive skin. Depending on your skin concerns and type, you may need to simplify your routine for the best results.

Key Takeaway

We all start somewhere when building a skincare routine. What’s most important is using the correct products for your skin issues and following your routine diligently. If you’re wondering how to get started, start by investing in a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer.

With regular TLC and quality products, you’ll have the skin of your dreams in no time! Skincare is equal parts treatment and prevention. As long as you maintain your routine, you’ll maintain your results.