The key to great looking skin is to practice a solid skincare routine and consistency. Skincare can be confusing and with so many products in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which products are right for you.

If you’re looking to dip into the skincare world but aren’t sure where to begin, this guide outlines everything you need to know. From the order you should apply products, to determining your skin type.

• The first step to building a skincare routine is knowing what type of skin type you have so you can purchase products best suited for you.
• The three key steps to a skincare routine are to cleanse, moisturize and protect.
• When it comes to skincare, consistency is key. Be sure to practice this routine both morning and night everyday to see the best results.

Know Your Skin Type

Like earlier said, the first step in building a skincare routine is to determine your skin type. This helps narrow down which products will benefit your skin and target your specific skin problem. The best way to determine your skin type is to pay attention to what your skin looks like a few hours after the shower, with no product applied to it. There are three main skin types and they are dry, oily, and combination. If your skin appears dry or flaky, you likely have dry skin. If your skin appears shiny or greasy, you likely have oily skin. If you have shine on just your forehead and nose but nowhere else, you may have combination skin. If you don’t notice any of these issues then congratulations, you just might be a part of the lucky group that have a normal skin type. When choosing products, be sure to look out for your skin type on the labels.

Basic Skincare Essentials

There are three key steps when it comes to building a simple skincare routine: cleanse, moisturize, and protect.

Cleansing the skin is very important, always begin your skincare routine with cleansing the skin to remove any makeup, oil, or leftover debris on the skin. Next, moisturize the skin to add hydration back to the skin. Lastly, protect your skin from the sun with an SPF.

Step 1: Cleanse

The first step of a basic skincare routine is to cleanse. The general rule of thumb is to cleanse twice per day, once in the morning and once at night. When cleansing at night, it’s often recommended by skincare professionals to do a “double cleanse,”.⁷ This involves cleansing with an oil or cleansing balm first to breakdown stubborn makeup, then cleansing again with a gentle, hydrating cleanser afterwards to remove any excess build up on the skin.

Your morning cleanse, on the other hand, is a great way to remove any sweat, debris or oil left on your skin that may build up during your sleep.

Step 2: Moisturize

The next key step in your skincare routine should be a moisturizer. While this may seem counterintuitive if you have oily skin, it’s still a step that cannot be skipped. If you do have oily skin, just try to opt for an oil-free moisturizer which will be more lightweight and won’t add any extra shine to your skin. If you have dry skin, you may want to opt for a thicker, richer moisturizer formula. If you have normal skin, you may want to opt for a lighter moisturizer in the summer and thicker in the winter to cater to the seasonal changes.

Step 3: Protect

The last key step to an effective skincare routine is to protect your skin from the sun with SPF. Be sure to apply your sunscreen generously to both your face, neck and chest about 15 to 30-minutes before you go into the sun.

SPF is so important to protect your skin from premature aging, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and most importantly, skin cancer. Many makeup and moisturizing products contain SPF, but it’s always best to be extra cautious and layer a sunscreen underneath for double protection. It may take experimenting with a few different facial sunscreens to find which one works best for you.