Alright, let’s talk about skincare, shall we? You know that glowy, fresh-faced look you’ve been eyeing? It’s not a mystery anymore—it’s a well-crafted skincare routine. If you’re thinking, “Hey, I’m a total newbie,” don’t stress. We’re here to give you the lowdown on creating a skincare routine that’s just right for your skin type and needs.

SKINCARE FOR BEGINNERS

Getting to Know Your Skin Type

First things first, let’s chat about your skin type. No fancy dermatology degree is required—just a mirror and a bit of observation:

  • You’re rocking normal skin if your skin is chill, not too oily or dry.
  • If you’re a greaseball by lunchtime, oily skin’s your jam.
  • If your skin feels tighter than a drum after a wash, hello, dry skin.
  • If some parts are oily (like your forehead) while others are dry, welcome to combo skin club.
  • If your skin often throws tantrums with new products, congrats, you’ve got sensitive skin.

Breaking Down the Basics

Cleansing:
Think of cleansing as your daily skin detox. Pick a gentle cleanser that suits your skin’s vibe. Wash your face in the morning and before bed to keep it fresh. Moreover, I would suggest skipping the morning face wash if you want or cannot make it, but you never should skip the night face wash. I find the morning wash of my face useless.

Recommendation: bio derma sensibio gel moussant for sensitive skin (pink one)

bio derma sensi bio gel moussant cleansing foaming gel for combination/oily skin (blue)

dot n key barrier repair hydrating gentle face wash for dry skin

Toning:
Toners are like your skin’s BFFs—they keep things balanced. Do you have dry skin? Hydrating toner is your go-to. Feeling oily? Opt for an exfoliating one. Please pour toner on your palm and pat it in a dabbing motion

Recommendations: Laneige cream skin refiner (my favorite) for dry skin (complete Laneige cream refiner review here)

Pixi Glow tonic for oily skin (exfoliating toner) for acne-prone and oily skin

Moreover, I highly recommend trying out the Tony Moly toners, which are perfect for the price, quality, and quantity. They come for both oily and dry skin types.

Moisturizing:
Moisturizing is the real MVP for all skin types. Yep, even if you’re oily. Choose a moisturizer that clicks with your skin—gel for the oily bunch, cream for the dry peeps. Smooth it on and let your skin soak up the goodness.

Recommendations: The Face Shop chia seed hydro face lotion (oily skin).

bioderma atodermcreme ultra-nourishing face and body daily care (dry skin).

Sun Protection:
Sunscreen’s not just for beach days. It’s like your skin’s shield against the sun’s sneaky moves. Get yourself a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Slather it on in the morning and reapply, especially if you’re out and about. Here are a few of my favorite sunscreens if you want to check out.

Leveling Up with Treatments

  1. Exfoliation:
    Exfoliation is like a mini makeover for your skin. Start slowly, once or twice a week, and work up. Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid are gentle ways to go. Skip those harsh scrubs and replace them with AHAs and BHAs. Read and research appropriately before starting them. Start with a minimum percentage and a patch test. You must be regular with your sunscreen once you are into chemical exfoliation. You can check the complete minimalist AHA/BHA chemical exfoliation review here.
  2. Serums and Special Treatments:
    Serums are like superheroes for specific skin issues. Have you got dullness? Vitamin C serum’s got your back. Need a hydration boost? Hyaluronic acid is your hero. Pat it on after toning but before moisturizing. Always select your serum according to your skin concerns, not your skin type.

Crafting Your Very Own Routine

Remember, consistency is vital. Craft a routine that jives with your day—morning and night. Here’s an order in which it should be applied/routine:

Morning:

  1. Cleanse
  2. Toner
  3. Vitamin C serum (klairs freshly juiced vitamin drops)
  4. Moisturize
  5. Sunscreen

Evening:

  1. Cleanse
  2. Exfoliate (1-2 times a week)
  3. Toner
  4. Hyaluronic acid/niacinamide serum (the ordinary and the minimalist have good ones)
  5. Moisturize

Dealing with Common Concerns

  1. Battle with Acne:
    For the acne warriors, go for a gentle cleanser, a salicylic acid exfoliant, and an oil-free moisturizer. Easy on the scrubbing—it won’t help.
  2. Sensitive Skin Savvy:
    Sensitive skin? Stick to fragrance-free and gentle stuff. Always patch-test new things. Look for soothing ingredients like chamomile.

Parting Wisdom and Takeaways

Skincare isn’t magic—it’s commitment. Stay hydrated, eat your greens, and get those Zzz’s. If you’re ever puzzled, chat with a dermatologist.

Bottom Line

Congrats, you’ve unlocked the secrets of skincare basics! Armed with your skin knowledge and a routine that’s all you, you’re on your way to that oh-so-enviable glow. Go ahead, show your skin some love, and rock that confidence—it’s all about taking care of yourself. Finally, skincare is a journey, so keep trying different products till you find the perfect one, and do not forget to update it according to your skin needs and concerns.