Building a Skincare Routine: step-by-step instructions

The process of building a skincare routine starts with cleansing the skin thoroughly. Cleansing is the process of detoxifying; dirt, makeup, and impurities accumulate on the skin throughout the day. An effective yet gentle cleanser is key to the maintenance of your skin's natural balance.     

We recommend iS Clinical Cream Cleanser, an enriching formulation that cleanses without stripping the skin. Its creamy gel texture glides over your skin and dissolves impurities, leaving your skin soft, hydrated, and nourished. Apply the product with lukewarm water, massage against damp skin for about 60 seconds, and rinse off completely. Pat to dry.   

Exfoliation is key to getting rid of all dead skin cells, which promotes skin turnover, thus revealing smoother, brighter skin. Depending on your skin type, it is advisable to exfoliate 1-3 times weekly. In your choice of exfoliants, you may go for physical exfoliants (scrubs) and chemical exfoliants (AHAs or BHAs) based on your preference and skin needs.

As you incorporate exfoliation into your skincare regime, always remember to be gentle. An over-exposed skin easily gets irritable and even compromises the outer layer. With such exfoliation, your skin receives an excellent boosting power for absorbing whatever benefits the later stages may afford.  

Toning is an important step in a skincare routine yet is regarded as difficult. A toner helps balance the pH of your skin, gets rid of some last-minute impurities, and prepares your skin to absorb moisture and serum better.  

For a calm, soothing, and refreshing formula, a toner such as SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner is good. You can cup the toner with a cotton pad or use your hands to rub it lightly on your skin. This leaves your skin feeling refreshed and prepared for focus treatments. 

The serum is a stronger formulation targeted against specific skin challenges, such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or dehydration. Using this step, you can always customize your routine as per your skin's special needs.

You choose the vitamin C serum, which brightens up skin, or hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. Apply a few drops of your chosen serum to the cleansed, toned skin, gently pressing into the skin for maximum absorption. Wait for a minute before proceeding with your next step.

Moisturizing is necessary to maintain hydration and protect the skin barrier. A good moisturizer will lock moisture in, leaving your skin soft and plump.

SkinCeuticals Emollience is a rich, nourishing formula that hydrates even the driest skin types. Apply small dots to the face and neck then, using an upward motion, gently massage the area. This step seals in the benefits of your previous skin-care products.

Many people ask how to build my skincare routine effectively, and the key lies in following a consistent regimen with high-quality products. No skin-care routine is complete without sunscreen. Always protect against sunburn, premature aging, and skin damage by applying sunscreen every day, come rain or shine. On cloudy days, harmful UV rays can still make their way into your skin.

The Avene Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 offers broad-spectrum protection with a light non-greasy formula. Generously apply 15 minutes before going out into the sun to your face and all exposed areas of your skin. Reapply every two hours while you are outside.

Your night routine is equally important to your morning regimen. The skin regenerates at night, further enhancing the absorption of nourishing treatments.  

After cleansing, exfoliating(if it's an exfoliation day), and toning, use a hydrating serum or a nighttime treatment. Apply a richer more hydrating moisturizer afterward. You can also incorporate a retinol-based product a few nights a week to encourage cell turnover and reduce signs of aging. Remember, consistency is key to getting results!