We’ve all been there — standing in the skincare aisle, overwhelmed and unsure which product to choose. With so many ingredients and products available for different skin issues, it’s easy to feel lost.
As an esthetician, I can’t tell you how often clients come to me completely confused, not by what their skin needs, but by what someone else told them to buy.
Let’s cut through the noise together. No more guessing, no more wasting money on products that don’t work for your skin. I’ll help you build a customized routine that delivers real results — simple, effective, and made just for you.
Why Most Skincare Routines Fail
The biggest skincare mistake I see? People choose products based on what their friends do rather than their specific skin needs. That purple serum in the pretty bottle might work wonders for your friends, but your skin has its own unique story.
Another routine-killer is inconsistency. Skincare isn’t a one-night miracle – it’s a relationship that needs daily attention. The best products won’t work if they’re sitting unused on your shelf most days.
Identify Your Skin Type (For Real This Time)
Before buying anything, you need to genuinely understand your skin type. And no, it’s probably not what your best friend told you, unless they’re a dermatologist or esthetician.
Quick Skin Type Test: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and wait an hour without applying anything. Then, check how your skin feels:
- Tight and flaky? You likely have dry skin
- Shiny all over? That’s oily skin
- Oily T-zone but normal/dry elsewhere? Welcome to combination skin
- Comfortable and balanced? Lucky you with normal skin
Sensitive skin can overlap with any type – watch for redness, burning, or irritation when trying new products.
The Core Routine Everyone Needs
No matter your skin type, three non-negotiable steps form the foundation of any effective routine:
1. Cleanse (Morning & Night)
Think of cleansing as creating a clean canvas. Morning cleansing removes overnight oils, while evening cleansing eliminates makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime.
Dry or sensitive skin types should opt for cream or oil cleansers. Oily and combination skin typically does better with gel or foam formulas.
2. Moisturize (Morning & Night)
Even oily skin needs hydration! Skipping moisturizer signals your skin to produce more oil. Choose lightweight gel moisturizers for oily skin and richer creams for dry skin.
3. Sunscreen (Morning, Reapply as Needed)
This is your best anti-aging product, period. UV damage causes premature aging and increases skin cancer risk. Find one you’ll wear daily – whether that’s a lightweight formula, tinted option, or moisturizer with SPF.
Customizing with “Treat” Products
Now comes the fun part – adding targeted treatments between cleansing and moisturizing. This is where you address specific concerns:
| Skin Concern | Recommended Ingredients | Application Tips | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne | – Salicylic Acid – Benzoyl Peroxide | Apply to clean skin before moisturizer. Start with one ingredient only. | Daily or every other day (based on sensitivity) |
| Fine Lines | – Retinol (0.25–1%) – Peptides – Bakuchiol (natural alternative) | Use at night only. Apply to dry skin. | Start 2× weekly, then increase gradually |
| Hyperpigmentation | – Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – Niacinamide – Alpha Arbutin – Tranexamic Acid | Use Vitamin C in the morning. Others can be used AM or PM. | Daily, consistent use is key |
| Dullness | – AHAs (Glycolic, Lactic Acid) – Enzyme Exfoliants – PHA (for sensitive skin) | Apply in the evening. Wait 30 seconds after applying. | 1–3 times weekly Less for sensitive skin |
Pregnant women should be cautious when selecting skincare products, as certain active ingredients, such as retinoids, salicylic acid, and hydroquinone, can potentially be harmful during pregnancy and should be avoided.
This targeted approach lets you address specific concerns without overwhelming your skin. Remember that consistency with the right ingredients matters more than the quantity of products.
The Practical Approach: Start Small
Don’t overhaul your entire routine overnight. Your skin needs time to adjust to new products, and you need to identify what’s actually working.
Add one new product every 2-3 weeks. This patient approach prevents irritation and helps you pinpoint what’s helping versus hurting your skin goals.
Listen to Your Skin, Not Just the Trends
The single most valuable skincare skill? Learning to read your skin’s daily feedback. Feeling tight? Add more hydration. Breaking out in unusual places? Something new might be clogging your pores.
Your skincare routine should flex with your skin’s changing needs – adapting to seasons, stress levels, and hormonal changes.
Remember, the best skincare routine isn’t the one with the most steps or the fanciest ingredients. It’s the one you’ll actually maintain that gives your unique skin exactly what it needs. Start with the basics, add targeted treatments thoughtfully, and adjust as needed.
Have questions about your specific skin concerns? Drop them in the comments or book a virtual consultation with me for personalized guidance!
People Also Ask
How long does it take to see results from a new skincare routine?
Most people notice improved skin texture and hydration within 2-4 weeks of consistent use, but addressing specific concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation typically takes 6-12 weeks for visible results.
What order should I apply skincare products?
Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency: cleanser, toner, serum, treatment (like retinol or acne spot treatment), moisturizer, and finally sunscreen (daytime only).
Is expensive skincare really better than drugstore brands?
Price doesn’t always indicate effectiveness. Many affordable drugstore brands contain clinically-proven active ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that deliver results comparable to luxury products.
How do I layer retinol with other skincare products?
Apply retinol to clean, dry skin, wait 20-30 minutes for absorption, then follow with moisturizer. Use only at night and always apply sunscreen the next morning, as retinol increases sun sensitivity.
Can I use vitamin C and niacinamide together in my skincare routine?
Yes, despite outdated advice, modern formulations of vitamin C and niacinamide can be used together effectively. Apply vitamin C first (usually in the morning) and wait 5-10 minutes before applying niacinamide for best results.
Thank you so much for joining me on the blog today! If you’d like to see some of the soothing products I use to for my skin, check out my Amazon store linked below, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog and follow me on socials for more helpful content and updates.
Feel Free to send me a message if you have any skin questions. Have a great day!