Building a skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is applying products in the right order—starting with lightweight products and moving to heavier ones. Whether you want a simple 3-step routine or a full 10-step regimen, I’ve got you covered. Plus, I’ll share my favorite product recommendations along the way!
Morning Skincare Routine
Your morning routine is all about protection and hydration. Here’s how to layer your products for the best results:
Step 1: Cleanser
Cleansing removes oil and dirt that builds up overnight. If you have dry skin, go for a hydrating, non-stripping formula. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a foaming or gel cleanser with salicylic acid works best.
Recommended products:
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (for dry/sensitive skin)
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel (for oily/acne-prone skin)
Step 2: Toner (Optional)
Toners help remove leftover residue and prep your skin for serums. If you have oily skin, go for a mattifying toner with witch hazel. If you have dry skin, a hydrating mist is a great option.
Recommended products:
- Thayers Witch Hazel Toner (for oily skin)
- Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer (for dry skin)
Step 3: Serum
Serums target specific concerns like dullness, fine lines, or acne. For daytime, go for an antioxidant serum like Vitamin C to protect against environmental damage.
Recommended products:
- TruSkin Vitamin C Serum (brightens and fights dullness)
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc (controls oil and acne)
Step 4: Moisturizer
Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing is essential. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogged pores.
Recommended products:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (lightweight and hydrating)
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (for extra dry skin)
Step 5: Sunscreen (Most Important!)
Never skip sunscreen—it prevents premature aging and protects against UV damage. Use SPF 30 or higher every day.
Recommended products:
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (great for acne-prone skin)
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 (for full coverage)
Nighttime Skincare Routine
At night, focus on cleansing and treating your skin. This is when you use your most powerful treatments.
Step 1: Cleanser (Double Cleanse If Wearing Makeup)
Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup, then follow up with your regular cleanser.
Recommended products:
- DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (melts away makeup and sunscreen)
- The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm (gentle and soothing)
Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week)
Exfoliation removes dead skin and helps with cell turnover. Use a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs for the best results.
Recommended products:
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (great for acne-prone skin)
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (brightens and smooths skin)
Step 3: Treatment Serum (Acne, Anti-Aging, or Hydration)
Choose a nighttime serum based on your skin concerns. Retinol is great for anti-aging, while hyaluronic acid adds extra hydration.
Recommended products:
- The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (for anti-aging and acne)
- COSRX Snail Mucin 96 Power Essence (for hydration and skin repair)
Step 4: Eye Cream (Optional)
If you struggle with dark circles or fine lines, an eye cream can help.
Recommended products:
- Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Eye Cream (brightens and firms)
- CeraVe Eye Repair Cream (hydrates and smooths)
Step 5: Moisturizer or Night Cream
At night, your skin loses moisture, so using a nourishing moisturizer is key.
Recommended products:
- Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb (lightweight hydration)
- Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (for intense hydration overnight)
Step 6: Spot Treatment (If Needed)
Use a targeted spot treatment on breakouts before bed.
Recommended products:
- Mighty Patch Original Pimple Patches (for overnight healing)
- Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (shrinks pimples fast)
Final Thoughts
A skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated! Start with a basic routine and add treatments based on your skin’s needs. The most important thing? Consistency. Stick with it, and you’ll see results over time.
Got any favorite skincare products? Let me know—I’d love to hear your recommendations! 😊
