3 Simple Steps of a Skincare Routine: Beginner’s Guide

Do you get overwhelmed every time you go over to the internet and find an exhaustive list of skincare products? Are you also skeptical about what might suit your particular skin? And, are you afraid to invest your entire monthly budget in costly products you see online? If you are one of these people, then you are in the right place!

Maintaining a simple and sustainable skincare routine should not be this complicated. Skincare is not just about having this almost filter-like glass skin—it’s about maintaining a healthy skin barrier that is not prone to dryness, dullness, premature aging, acne, and other such concerns. 

So, whether you are an absolute beginner, a seasoned skincare enthusiast, or an expert looking to revive your skincare routine, this simple guide will help you understand the most essential steps of skincare that will ensure you have an optimum skincare routine.

Order to Apply Skin Care Products

Step 1: Cleanse – The Start of Every Skin Care Routine

Face cleansing is the first and most important step of every skincare routine. This step makes sure that all dirt, sebum, makeup, SPF, and other impurities are removed from your face. It also ensures that your skin is prevented from unwanted texture, clogged pores, and pesky breakouts. 

But how do you effectively clean your face and what sort of cleanser is best suited for each skin type?

How to Choose the Cleanser for Your Skin Type?

• For oily skin: You are always recommended to choose a foaming or a gel-based cleanser that does not strip your skin but provides the necessary hydration and cleansing properties. Look for cleansers that contain ingredients like salicylic acid (at most 2%), benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil to combat sebum production and clogged pores that lead to acne.
• For combination or normal skin: Any hydrating gel-based cleanser could be the right fit for you.
• For dry or sensitive skin: Hydrating and cream-based cleansers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin will cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

How to Cleanse: Order of Application Skin Care:

1. Wet your face with lukewarm water (never hot water) to open up your pores
2. Apply your desired cleanser onto your palm and produce a lather
3. Now apply the lather directly onto your skin in a circular motion for about 30-60 seconds.

Step 2: Moisturize – Essential in Every Basic Skincare Routine

No matter what your skin type is, moisturizing your skin is an indispensable step in your skincare routine. The right moisturizer will help your skin prevent dehydration, keep natural oils in your skin intact, and maintain a healthy skin barrier. Even if you have oily skin, you need a moisturizer to prevent your skin from dehydration which often leads to the overproduction of oil.

How to Choose the Moisturizer for Your Skin Type?

Oily skin: A lightweight, oil-free, water-based moisturizer with hydrating ingredients (aloe vera, panthenol)  that keep excess shine at bay. Make sure to always go for a non-comedogenic product.

Combination skin: Go for a gel or water-based moisturizer that hydrates without leaving an oily residue.

Dry skin: Heavy, cream-based moisturizers with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter can provide deep moisture and prevent dryness.

Step 3: Sunscreen – Protect Your Skin from Damage

Regardless of how amazing your 10-step skincare routine is, it will be futile if you do not use sunscreen daily. No matter the weather, sunscreen should be an integral part of your face routine.

A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ can prevent skin damage from UVA and UVB rays. 

How to Choose the Sunscreen for Your Skin Type? 

Oily skin: A lightweight, water-based sunscreen with hydrating ingredients like centella asiatica that does not produce excess oil. Make sure to always go for a non-comedogenic product.

Combination skin: If you have this skin type, you will never go wrong with a water-based sunscreen. Many Korean sunscreens create amazing water-based sunscreens.

Dry skin: Cream-based sunscreens are going to be your best friend!

Order to Apply Skin Products: Sunscreen as the Final Step

As part of your daily skincare routine steps, sunscreen is always considered as the final layer of protection. Always apply it right after you moisturize and before you apply makeup to create a solid barrier against harmful sun rays. Always apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go out in the sun. 

Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen after every two hours (especially if you are outdoors). Sunscreen is an essential step even if you stay indoors as harmful sunrays can still penetrate through the windows, doors, etc.

Conclusion

The secret to having healthy-looking skin is consistency, regardless of whether you’re starting with a basic skincare routine or branching out with a multi-step routine like the 10-step skincare routine. Skincare is not one-size-fits-all, so feel free to modify these steps to your unique skin type and concerns. Remember, the right order to apply skincare products will most likely guarantee you get the most out of your routine.