How To Build A Skincare Routine: Easy Guide To Your Dreamed Skin!

A skincare regime is almost like math, however, in this equation, the order of the factors (skin care products) DOES affect the result. 

There is a morning skincare routine, nighttime skincare routine, and routines according to skin type. Some include cleansers, facial serums, and moisturizers, others treat oily skin or sensitive skin. There’s a lot to take in!

Over the years, many skincare gurus have claimed that they have found the ultimate skincare routine, however, most regimes are confusing or have way too many steps. I know that navigating through all those skin care tips may be overwhelming (especially if you have trouble understanding what each product is used for), that’s why I’ve built an easy guide to help all the beginners out there to rock your routine.  

How many steps should your skin care regimen have? Moisturizer or hydrating cream? WTF are serums? Don’t freak out! Keep reading to unravel these and other questions!

The first step before building a skincare routine: 

A skincare routine is not just a set of steps; it's a personalized ritual aimed at cleansing, hydrating, and addressing your unique skin concerns. Understanding your skin type—whether oily, dry, sensitive, or a combination—is crucial to selecting the right products for your regimen.

As I mentioned earlier, there's a wealth of information about the ideal skincare guide and the number of steps your regimen should include, but an effective routine typically comprises just three fundamental steps: cleaning, toning, and moisturizing. The additional steps such as applying serums, eye creams, or lip balms can be included as needed, but remember, simplicity can often yield the best results.

Keep this in mind: Your skincare routine is a way to cherish and pamper your skin. Its primary goal is to make you feel empowered and radiant, so avoid overwhelming yourself with a complex regimen if that’s not your style—often, less is more!

Lastly, before diving deeper into our guide, remember that your skin is unique and subject to change due to factors such as age, hormonal fluctuations, and environmental influences. Products that delight a favorite influencer may not produce the same effects for you, so this journey is all about understanding your own skin and its specific needs.

The proper skincare routine order

There are two types of skincare routines: morning and night, which means you'll need distinct approaches for both. Here’s how to structure your skincare regime: 

Morning skincare routine

Your morning routine should focus on protecting your skin from UV rays, environmental pollutants, and any factors that can compromise its natural barrier. With that in mind, the ideal morning skincare routine should concentrate on shielding your skin. 

Here are the essential steps for your morning routine:

1. Cleansing:

Many people think washing their face at night is sufficient, but that’s not the case! While you sleep, your skin comes into contact with bacteria from your pillows and the environment. Starting with a facial cleanser is crucial. 

A gentle cleanser will remove dirt and impurities, unclogging pores and prepping your skin to better absorb subsequent products.

Choosing the right cleanser can be overwhelming, but keep in mind that some are formulated for oily skin, utilizing ingredients like salicylic acid to control excess oil, while others boast hydrating components suitable for dry or sensitive skin.

2. Toner: 

Next, use a cotton pad to apply toner, which will help balance your skin tone while eliminating any residual impurities from your skin’s surface. 

Toners should be light and enriched with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C to brighten skin and reduce uneven tone, or salicylic acid for acne prevention.

Bear this in mind: Some dermatologists argue that toners are optional, yet this product can effectively prepare your skin for hydration and protection throughout the day.

3. Serums:

As mentioned, serums are extra but beneficial steps. If you choose to incorporate them into your routine, apply them after toner, particularly opting for an antioxidant serum like vitamin C or vitamin E to combat dark spots and sun damage.

While vitamin C serums are suitable for most skin types, those with sensitive skin may want to introduce them slowly.

4. Eye cream:

The delicate skin around your eyes requires specialized care, which is why eye creams are available to address concerns like dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. 

Note: This is an additional step, and if eye creams aren’t your preference, feel free to skip.

5. Moisturizer: 

Now it's time to hydrate! As we age, moisture loss becomes a significant concern leading to dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Thankfully, moisturizers can help combat this! 

Daily moisturizing keeps your skin looking radiant, as it locks in the nutrients from your previous products. Aim for a lightweight gel moisturizer enhanced with hyaluronic acid to maximize hydration.

Some day moisturizers also contain broad-spectrum SPF to protect against sun damage—look for options like SPF 30 or SPF 50.

Remember this: Moisturizers are essential! Avoid skipping this step unless you’re unconcerned about aging or maintaining moisturized skin.

6. Sun protection:

We can’t emphasize this enough: WEAR SUNSCREEN!

As your last morning step, you need to take sun protection seriously. Regular exposure to UV rays can lead to skin irritation, premature aging, and potentially skin cancer, making daily sunscreen use non-negotiable (yes, even if you work inside).

Opt for lightweight chemical sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, allowing sufficient time for absorption before applying makeup. Typical SPF choices are SPF 20, SPF 30, and SPF 50.

P.S.: The lone exception to skip this step is if your moisturizer already includes SPF.

Nighttime skincare routine

If your morning routine focuses on protection, your evening routine is all about repairing damage, delivering nutrients, removing dead skin cells, and aiding in rebuilding the skin barrier. 

Let’s shift into repair mode with the ultimate nighttime skincare routine: 

1. Cleanser *yes, again*:

Throughout the day, your skin encounters numerous pollutants, so washing your face with a cleanser is essential for removing excess oils and unclogging pores.

If you wear makeup, start with a makeup remover to ensure your skin is completely clear, then follow up with your favorite facial cleanser.

2. Toner:

You may use the same toner as in your morning routine, thanks to its lightweight formula, applying it before thicker products.

3. Serums:

For nighttime use, choose a serum with different active ingredients than your morning choice, like hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid, a powerhouse alpha hydroxy acid, helps remove dead cells, combats acne, and boosts skin cell turnover.

Can you layer serums? YES, ABSOLUTELY!

Make sure to generously apply serum for optimal absorption before proceeding to the next step.

4. SPOT TREATMENTS: 

Whether tackling dark spots, acne scars, or blemishes, there’s a spot treatment tailored for every issue. 

• For eliminating scars and blemishes:

Seek products containing niacinamide, lactic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids, keeping in mind that sensitivity can vary, so patch testing is wise.

• To prevent breakouts:

If you're combo to oily, acne breakouts may be common. Utilize products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide during nightcare to manage oil and prevent breakouts.

5. Eye cream

You can apply the same eye cream as in the morning; this will help diminish dark circles for a refreshed appearance the next day.

6. Moisturizer: 

Next is the unskippable moisturizer—this step is truly essential! Just like in the morning, for nighttime use, opt for a rich, hydrating moisturizer free from SPF to lock in moisture while you sleep.

Apply moisturizer as the final step in your routine, and feel free to conclude your care here!

7. Retinol

Retinol's usage can vary; some dermatologists support its inclusion for all skin types, while others recommend caution for sensitive individuals.

Testing your skin’s tolerance with retinol on alternate days is often a good way to start.

This miracle ingredient is beloved for its youth-preserving properties, being effective in reducing wrinkles, clearing up blemishes, and improving overall skin texture.

8. Night cream

Unlike regular moisturizers, night creams are designed specifically for nighttime use, formulated to maximize the benefits of your beauty sleep.

P.S.: Night creams aren't mandatory, so you’re perfectly fine using just a moisturizer!

9. Sheet masks: 

Sheet masks are an optional yet luxurious way to round off your routine, infusing your skin with hydration as you prepare for rest.

Explore various options like sheet masks, clay masks, and gel masks, each offering unique benefits for your skin.

How can you build your ultimate skincare routine? Let us help you out!

There are many places where you can find skin care products: from local stores to online skincare e-commerce! However, if you are a fan of Asian products *just like us* and dream of having the skin of your favorite K-pop idols and k-dramas actors, you have come to the right place! 

In Asian Beauty Essentials you will find everything you need to create your ultimate skincare routine in Korean style.

Visit our shop and get started!

Guide to skincare: Our last thoughts

As we have said before, your skincare regime is a magical ritual to honor and treat your skin. Both morning and night regimes are important if you want to have glowing, healthy-looking skin, so you should follow the proper order and enjoy every step. 

Remember that not every step is mandatory and building a skincare regime will always depend on your goals and how much time you want to invest in them. 

Moreover, you should bear in mind that good skin will also depend on your daily habits, so drink water and eat healthily, that way you will complement your regimen.

Now go, celebrate your skin, and get ready to enjoy your dream skin! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!