Skincare Guide: Your Complete Routine, Explained

A good skincare routine isn't about owning lots of products. It's about using the right ones, in the right order, consistently. In this skincare guide we explain every step, which ingredients to look for based on your skin type and how to combine them, with links to our articles so you can go deeper. You'll find every product we mention in our skincare collection.

First: figure out your skin type

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, don't apply anything and notice how it feels after an hour:

• Oily: shine all over and visible pores. Read oily skin and shine and visible pores: how to minimize them.
• Dry: tightness, rough patches or flaking. See a routine for dry skin and dry skin in winter.
• Combination: a shiny T-zone with normal or dry cheeks. Follow a routine for combination skin.
• Sensitive: gets red or stings easily. Check out a routine for sensitive skin.

Your skin also changes with age: we have routines for your 20s, your 30s and your 40s.

The basic 3-step routine

If you're just starting out, this is all you need:

1. Cleanse morning and night.
2. Moisturize with a cream that suits your skin.
3. Protect with sunscreen every morning.

Once that's a habit, add a toner, serum and eye cream. We have a five-step version in a 5-step skincare routine, and if you're watching your budget, skincare on a budget.

The order of products

The general rule is to go from the thinnest texture to the thickest: cleanser, toner, essence, serum, eye cream, moisturizer and, in the morning, sunscreen. We explain it in the order of skincare products. Morning and night have different goals: see morning vs. night routine.

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleansing removes oil, sweat, sunscreen and makeup. At night, if you wore makeup or sunscreen, Korean double cleansing is your best bet: first a balm or oil, then a foam or gel cleanser. To pick yours, read how to choose a face cleanser.

Step 2: Toners, pads and mists

Toner rebalances your skin after cleansing and preps it for what comes next. There are hydrating, soothing and exfoliating toners. Learn more in what toner does, discover toner pads and how to use a face mist during the day.

Step 3: Exfoliate (1 to 3 times a week)

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps your skin look brighter. Start slowly and never exfoliate on the same night you use retinol. Full guide in facial exfoliation for beginners.

Step 4: Serums

A serum concentrates active ingredients for a specific goal. Do you need one if you already use a moisturizer? We explain in serum vs. moisturizer. The most popular are:

• Hyaluronic acid: draws in water for hydration. How to apply it.
• Niacinamide: helps balance shine and refine the look of pores. How to use it.
• Vitamin C: adds radiance, ideal in the morning. How to use it.
• Retinol: the nighttime classic for more even-looking skin. Retinol for beginners. If your skin is sensitive, look into bakuchiol.
• Peptides and PDRN: Korean favorites for firmer-looking skin. Read more.

Torn between two? Compare them in hyaluronic acid vs. niacinamide, and if you want to layer several, follow how to combine serums. To understand what you're buying, read how to read skincare labels.

Step 5: Eye cream

The skin around your eyes is thinner. Apply a rice-grain-sized amount with your ring finger, using gentle taps. If dark circles bother you, read dark circles and tired eyes and under-eye patches.

Step 6: Moisturizer

Every skin type needs moisture, even oily skin. Gel textures are ideal for humid climates and oily skin; richer creams suit dry skin. Choose yours with how to choose a face moisturizer. At night, a sleeping mask can replace your cream a few times a week.

Step 7: Sunscreen

It's the most important step of your morning. Wear SPF 30 or higher every day and reapply every two hours if you're outdoors. In Puerto Rico's climate it's essential: read daily sunscreen in Puerto Rico and avoid the usual slip-ups with sunscreen mistakes to avoid.

Extra care

• Masks: clay for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin. Types and how to use them.
• Pimple patches: they protect the spot and keep you from picking. How to use them.
• Radiance: if your skin looks dull, see dull skin: how to bring back the glow.

Korean skincare

The Korean routine is built on light layers, consistent hydration and plenty of sunscreen. Learn the steps in Korean skincare step by step, catch up on what's new in trending Korean skincare and meet brands like Goodal. Every product is in our Korean skincare collection.

A sample complete routine

Morning

1. Gentle cleanser.
2. Toner or mist.
3. Vitamin C or niacinamide serum.
4. Eye cream.
5. Lightweight moisturizer.
6. Sunscreen.

Night

1. Cleansing balm or oil.
2. Foam or gel cleanser.
3. Toner.
4. Hyaluronic acid, peptide or retinol serum (alternating nights).
5. Eye cream.
6. Moisturizer or sleeping mask.

Mistakes to avoid

• Introducing several new products at once: add them one at a time and wait a couple of weeks.
• Over-exfoliating.
• Mixing retinol and strong exfoliants on the same night.
• Forgetting your neck.
• Expecting results in days: consistency is key.

If you have a skin condition or irritation that doesn't improve, see a dermatologist.

Shop it at BeautyRosee

Cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens and masks: it's all in our skincare collection. Also browse Korean skincare, Goodal, Moira and Xime.

FAQ

How many steps should a skincare routine have?

Three steps (cleanse, moisturize and protect) give you a solid foundation. Everything else is added based on your needs.

What order do products go on?

From thinnest to thickest: cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturizer and sunscreen.

How long does it take to see a difference?

Usually four to eight weeks of consistent use, depending on the product and your skin.

Does oily skin need moisturizer?

Yes. Choose a lightweight gel; dehydrated skin can produce even more oil.

Start today

Pick a cleanser, a moisturizer and a sunscreen, and stick with them for a month. Then add a serum. Find everything you need in the BeautyRosee skincare collection.