Skincare is all the rage these days – especially among teenagers. I started doing my skincare when I was in high school, during the pandemic. With social media buzzing about ways on how to find the perfect skincare routine, I found myself drawn into it during the pandemic. But it became more than just a trend for me.
Skincare became something grounding that I look forward to during the times of my day that seemed to blur together: from when the sun rose to when the sun decided to sleep.
Initially, my esthetician was the one who showed me my first skincare products. At fifteen year old, my skin was painfully sensitive yet frustratingly unpredictable. Once I found the right products, everything changed. Her recommendations taught me how to work with my skin rather than against it which helped me develop the perfect skincare routine for myself.
Skincare routines aren’t just for vanity, but a fascinating part of healthcare. In fact, the global skincare market is expected to reach $198.35 billion by the end of 2025, according to a study by Statista. Its growing popularity is tied not only to appearance, but to real health benefits.
Not only does it help me to improve self esteem and mental health, but it it also easily help me with skin cell regeneration and UV protection over the years.
Creating the right skincare routine also made me more self-aware of my body’s needs beyond diet and exercise. Sure, skincare may seem surface-level, but our skin is the body’s largest organ—it deserves attention.
Even though skincare is often associated with ‘influencers’, it doesn’t have to be exclusive. Finding the perfect skincare routine isn’t about expensive products or ten-step regimens—it’s about understanding your skin and your lifestyle. At least, that’s been true for me.
So, if skincare piques your interest, keep reading because I’ve come prepared with a list to help you find your perfect skincare routine. I’ll share my favorite tips and tricks for building a blissfully effective skincare routine from the ground up!
4 Easy Steps to Achieve the Perfect Skincare Routine
Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type
A good way to test for your skin type is to cleanse your face and see how your face reacts after 30 minutes of no product. You can also buy a blotting sheet to help determine your skin type.
- Oily Skin – Oily skin is when your skin builds up a lot of oil throughout the day. If you have this skin type, you may notice enlarged pores, blackheads and whiteheads on your nose and chin, and shininess in your T-zone (nose and forehead). Your blotting sheet would come out wet after 30 minutes.
- I used to have very oily skin, and I was prone to breakouts before starting doing my skincare more consistently.
- Ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide can help balance out the oiliness of your skin.
- Be careful not to dry out your skin too much. While it can be tempting to use alcohol based drying ingredients, these products can damage your skin barrier.
- Dry Skin – Dry skin feels tighter after being cleansed. You may notice flakiness or ashiness, depending on how dry your skin is. You may notice water being absorbed by your face as you cleanse it.
- This skin type is prone to sensitive skin, so be careful when selecting your products.
- Use products like hyaluronic acid and glycerin on dry skin to add moisture back in.
- Aloe vera and shea butter can also be good additions to your skincare routine.
- Combination Skin – Combination skin, in my opinion, is the hardest one to take care of. This skin type has different patches of oiliness and dryness throughout the face. The most common one is having an oily t-zone with dry cheeks and chin.
- However, people can have combination skin in different areas of the face.
- Products with lactic acid can help exfoliate oily patches in your skin without further drying out the dry patches.
- Hyaluronic acid is great for cleansing your face without aggravating the oiliness or dryness further.
- Sensitive Skin – Sensitive skin is easily irritated. You may notice redness or breakouts as you try new products. You can have sensitive skin with each skin type, so remember to find products that work for you.
- Think of this as an addition to your skin type. Look for ingredients that fit your skin type first and then see if it is sensitive skin friendly.
- Use gentle ingredients on your skin. Look for ingredients with lower concentrations of active ingredients.
- Normal Skin – If you have this skin type, I am jealous. This is the end goal of many skin care users. This skin type means your skin is balanced, neither too oily nor too dry.
- If you have this skin type, your skin might be smooth, without many visible pores, and doesn’t have too much sensitivity. Still, you should use skincare to protect your skin from the elements of the world.
- AHAs can be helpful to exfoliate your face to cleanse it without being overwhelming.
- Vitamin C can help brighten your skin and promotes collagen production to keep your skin looking glowy and healthy.
Now that we know what each skin type is, let’s jump right into how you can build your perfect skincare routine! Remember to treat your face with the same care that you do when you wash your body. Be careful of what you use on your face and how often you use it.
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Step 2: The Essential Skincare Routine (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Cleansing – The First Step to Fresh Skin
- Your face has different skin than the rest of the body, and using a facial cleanser can target the things your face has endured throughout the day. This can help clean off any pollution, dust, or makeup that is left on your face after a long day.
- Cleansing can dry out your face, so unless you have oily skin, consider cleansing once a day. There are many different cleansers out there. I’ve been using the Ésfolio Snail Cleansing Foam, and it’s been amazing. My skin’s not too sensitive, and this cleanser has been good at maintaining oil levels without drying out my skin.
- Many people choose to double cleanse. I recommend you start with an oil based cleanser or makeup remover to break up any leftover product on your face. Then, use a water based cleanser to get off any remaining residue.
Cleanser recommendation for dry + sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Toleraine Hydrating Cleanser
I first heard of this cleanser when I was browsing through Target. I heard a lot of great things about it and I wanted something that wouldn’t desensitize my skin but nourish it instead.
When I first used it, it helped me to gently wash the outer layer of my face and I love how it’s fragrance-free. I know how other people can also be sensitive to fragrance additives so I easily favor this cleanser over my other ones in the past.
Outside of loving that it was also quite affordable for it’s size, the only tweak I would suggest for this cleanser is to make it for travel-friendly. I love it so much I wish there was a travel size version where I didn’t have to manually do it, however – it can up to personal preference on this point.
For people who have combination to oily skin, this may not be suitable for your skin-type as those skin-type requires ingredients that contain sebum production.
Price wise, I believe it’s a fair price product. It’s lasted me well over a couple months and it’s a great starting cleanser to get your day started – making it my go-to oily cleanser to recommend when starting out your perfect skincare routine!
Oil cleanser recommendation for all skin-types: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
This oil cleanser is one of the first of it’s kind that hit the market. Oil cleansers were originally popular in the eastern hemisphere and it made a boom in the western hemisphere when asian skincare began to make headlines. This is why I decided to give it a go because I heard that it was more mild than using a makeup wipe and it easily removed more makeup.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this cleanser is that it comes in the form of a liquid oil. To me, I’ve never head of that and it sounded quite peculiar at first. However, I was intrigued about how it would hold up to my regular makeup wipes and how it was sensitive skin friendly.
After using it a couple times, I got over the odd sensation of rubbing oil on my face because it left it feeling buttery soft. It helped calm my skin down compared to when I used face wipes and it would be more abrasive on my skin. It’s definitely a life changing decision because I felt less wasteful with products and I love how it’s fragrance-free as well!
The only thing I would say is that even if there are no additive fragrances, you can smell a slight hint of the base oil that makes up this cleanser. If you are sensitive to smells, this product may be off-putting at first.
As I mentioned, I do think that anyone can use this oil cleanser because it’s extremely forgiving and mild in formulation. For the price point and the quantity, it’s quite unbeatable in my book.
It’s now a staple product in my version of a ‘perfect skincare routine’ so I do hope that you give this product a try if you haven’t yet!
Now that we understand what makes a cleanser a great one, let’s start discussing why toners are a must in everyone’s perfect skincare routine in this next section.
2. Toning – Restoring pH Balance
- Think of a toner as a foundation for the rest of your skincare routine. Now that your face is fully cleansed, a toner can help bring hydration back into your face. It is especially important to find a toner that suits your skin type.
- Since toners act as a base to your skincare, I would make sure your toner addresses your biggest skin concern. I’ve been using the Deoproce Intensive Hydrating Rice Enriched Brightening Toner to help with my hyperpigmentation.
- A toner with hyaluronic acid could be good for dry skin while BHA toners are good for dry skin.
Recommended toner for all skin types: Thayers Alcohol-free Witch Hazel Toner
This toner has been a longtime staple in almost all drugstores that I’ve visited. I remember my mom storing Thayers in her cabinets when I was growing up. I figured that if it’s been around long enough, surely there is a reason for why it’s a beloved choice amond skincare lovers.
Dermatologist recommend using witch hazel toners because it helps to keep your skin moist before you apply other products on top for better penetration which is why I decided to purchase it. Specifically for this toner, I attracted to the fact that’s alcohol free and that it’s formulated to be vegan as well.
After using it a couple times, I noticed that my other skincare products that came afterwards seemed to sink into my skin deeper than without using it. My skin also seemed to calm down quickly instead of feeling sensitive right after using my facial wash as well. That’s why it’s not a must-have in my perfect skincare routine.
If there was something to be improved on, I would suggest that the cap could be more user friendly. I would enjoy it more if I had more control of how much product could come out in one go.
As for the pricing and the size, this toner easily lasts me for almost an entire year with daily use without costing me a pretty penny – I love it!
I would highly suggest this product to all skin types because it’s quite affordable and accessible to anyone of all ages.
3. Serum – Targeting Skin Concerns
- If toner is the foundation, serum would be the wiring of the house. Serums are targeted ingredients to your skin. They are usually highly concentrated in one ingredient, making them incredibly powerful in giving targeted care.
- I currently have Niacinamide and Vitamin C serums in my skincare routine. Retinol is known for its anti-aging traits, and hyaluronic acid can be good for making the skin more plump and moisturized.
Recommended serum for all skin-types: Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid
Confirmed by dermatologists and beauty gurus alike, this serum is a great fit for all skin-types because everyone needs hydration in their skin – even my oily girls. I picked this up because I heard that it could help boost the effects of any lotion you use afterwards while giving the skin an extra plump effect.
This product seemed promising at delivering higher hydration levels and helping to create a plump skin effect with regular usage. Again, being fragrance-free was one of it’s most attractive features for me.
After using a couple drops a couple times in the morning before I applied my lotion, I noticed that my skin felt softer once I washed my face at night. I didn’t feel as dry as I did before and it helped to even any redness and discoloration I had.
I would say though to be cautious of exactly how much product to use. Since serums are highly concentrated, a little can go a long way.
In my opinion, this product is amazing enough for me to say that it’s perfect the way it is. Meaning – anyone is able to use this product.
For being so low on the expense scale, this is a product that sizable and delivers exactly what’s promised without compromising your paychecks and I love it! I highly recommend this to anyone who dabbling with finding out what serums to include in their perfect skincare routine.
4. Moisturizing – Locking in Hydration
- Moisturizer is like the roof. It locks everything in, protecting all of the skincare you’ve done so far. Moisturizer provides hydration for your skin, fighting dryness.
- Remember that even oily skin needs moisturizer. Without moisturizer, oily skin usually overcompensates with more oil.
Moisturizer recommendation for most skin-types: Neutrogena Hydroboost Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 25
This product has been a house favorite on the market for years now. I’ve known girlfriends who swear by this product and said it effective and lightweight. It was time that I gave it a try and I can confidently say I never went back.
One of the best things about this lotion is that it’s non-comedogenic, meaning that it would not clog pores. It also comes with hyaluronic acid, built-in UV protection and it’s water-like consistency is to-die-for!
I loved how this product didn’t sit like a film on my skin. Instead, it sunk in and didn’t leave me feeling greasy throughout my day. It also felt soothing upon initial application and was non-irritating for my sensitive skin.
If I had to improve one thing, it would definitely be the amount one container has. I would love for it to be increase. The other thing I would consider is making this product more hygienic – as in possibly in a pump container.
I would say that if you are more on the dry side, this product might not be deeply moisturizing as you would like it to be.
For the price point and accessibility, this is definitely a product worth trying out at least once if you haven’t. It’s definitely my most permanent lotion in my rotation for my perfect skincare routine.
5. Sunscreen – The Ultimate Anti-Aging Step
- SPF is your armor against the sun. A lot of skincare is associated with vanity, but SPF is especially a health concern. SPF serves as protection against the UV rays of the sun, helping prevent things like skin cancer.
- I must admit, using SPF was a learning curve for me. As someone with darker skin, it was difficult to find a product that wouldn’t leave a white cast. The standard rule is to use two fingers worth of SPF on your face and neck.
- There are different types of SPF on shelves. The higher the SPF level, the more protected you are. There are also combination products (like SPF in makeup, chapstick, and moisturizer) that you can use.
Sunscreen recommendation without white cast: Face and Body Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
For my girls who have melanin, this sunscreen is something that’s worth giving a try at least once – trust me. I heard that this is a top secret recommended sunscreen and let me tell you why after I tested it out.
When I first used it, the first thing I noticed was that it swiped on like a dream. You want to know the best part? There was no white cast in sight!
It sat amazingly on my skin throughout the day and even with a couple more thin layers through the day, it didn’t feel greasy or budge at all! Being formulated without added fragrance is something I’ll die on a hill repeating because it helps out my sensitive girls.
If there was one thing I would like for it to improve on, it would be the range of sizes. Please make a bigger one because a lot of us love it!
Price wise and quantity wise, I would say it’s worth purchasing at least once. It was one of the best investments I’ve made for myself thanks to my curiosity about building myself the most perfect skincare routine possible.
Step 3: Building a Morning & Night Routine
- Your AM routine is focused on protection. Protection from the wind, the sun, and any particles in the air. Ingredients like Vitamin C and SPF protect your skin from the outside and act as a wall between your face and any makeup products that you may use.
- I have less time in the morning (I’ll take more sleep any day!), so my morning routine is a lot shorter.
- My PM routine is a little longer because it’s a way for me to wind down after a long day. I focus on cleansing and rejuvenating my skin. I do things like double cleansing at night to get rid of my makeup and SPF.
- I then go in and use the same cleanser from the morning and continue with the same routine as always.
- Once or twice a week, I’ll exfoliate and use a face mask. This highly depends on how much time I have and how my skin feels. While there are a lot of benefits for my skin, they are incredibly relaxing and a good way to de-stress when life gets difficult.
Step 4: Extra Skincare Tips for Best Results
- Don’t over exfoliate! Trust me, I know how great the skin feels after a good exfoliator. While I recommend using a mild exfoliator once a week, make sure you don’t overdo it. However, over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier and create irritation.
- Say it with me… cleanser, toner, serums, moisturizer, SPF! This is the order you should be going with your skincare. Use a pump/squeeze of cleanser, enough toner to fit the palm of your hand, a couple drops of serum, a pump of moisturizer and 2 tablespoons (2 fingers worth) of SPF.
- Try to use cold water on your skin, since it helps close pores. If you prefer hot water, try to use it towards the beginning of your routine and splash some cold water at the end.
- Use a Gua Sha if you can! I swear by facial yoga, and it really does make a difference! Gua Shas encourage lymphatic drainage, which can improve the quality of your skin.
- Curating the perfect skincare routine is merely half of the process of caring for your skin’s wellness! Make sure you are eating healthy and drinking enough water every day to make sure you keep both your skin and the rest of your body healthy.
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FAQs
What is the most important step in a perfect skincare routine?
- To me, sunscreen is non-negotiable. SPF protects against skin cancer from skin damage from UV rays. If nothing else, please please PLEASE use sunscreen before you step out of your house.
How long does it take to see results from a curated skincare routine?
- Skincare requires patience. The changes may be subtle, and it’ll probably take a bit for various ingredients formulations to work. I found that skincare results were more noticeable when I was a teenager and targeting acne.
- Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt at finding your perfect skincare routine doesn’t render results right away; remember that consistency is key. As a general timeline, here is the time it takes for some popular ingredients to work:
- AHA/BHA 3-4 weeks
- Vitamin C – several weeks to 1 month
- Niacinamide – several weeks to 1 month
- Hyaluronic Acid – 8+ weeks
- Retinol – several weeks to months
Should I change my skincare routine in different seasons?
- Different seasons can make your skin feel different, depending on where you live. The Georgia sun makes my skin oilier in the summer, so I wear a more powerful SPF and focus on brightening products like Vitamin C. I use a thicker moisturizer and lip balm in the winter since it gets very dry.
- Remember to listen to your skin. It was a learning curve, but recognizing what my skin looked like during the day and using products that helped my symptoms helped improve my skin.
- ‘Perfect skincare routine’ evolved with you! It might never be the same as how it was last season. Remember that!
Do I need a different skincare routine in my 20s, 30s, and beyond?
- In your 20s, your skincare routine doesn’t need to be too extensive. Your skin is still developing, so don’t worry about using products like retinol unless a dermatologist or esthetician recommends it. Instead, focus on using SPF and hydration.
- Also, if you’re like me and wear makeup everyday, invest in a good cleanser.
- As you get into your 30s, consider your skin concerns as you expand your skincare routine. If you are worried about fine lines and collagen loss, you can slowly introduce retinol into your routine. Continue listening to your skin as you get older and giving it what it needs is how you can keep perfecting your vision of the perfect skincare routine.
Final Thoughts
It took me years to find my own version of the perfect skincare routine. As you age, your skin concerns evolve with you. Start off with a basic routine and adjust as needed.
The best habits are built bit by bit, giving yourself time to adjust to new routines. Remember that finding your own perfect skincare routine is about experimenting and finding what works for you!
Share your skincare routine secrets and most beloved products in the comments! I always love learning about effective products on the market 🙂
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