Alright, let's talk about skincare, shall we? That glowy, fresh-faced look you've been eyeing isn't a mystery — it's a well-crafted routine. If you're thinking "I'm a total newbie," don't stress. Here's the lowdown on building a routine that's right for your skin type and needs.
Getting to Know Your Skin Type
No dermatology degree required — just a mirror and a bit of observation:
- Normal — not too oily, not too dry, generally chill.
- Oily — a greaseball by lunchtime? That's you.
- Dry — skin feels tight as a drum right after washing.
- Combination — oily in some zones (hi, forehead), dry in others.
- Sensitive — throws a tantrum every time you try something new.
Breaking Down the Basics
Cleansing
Think of it as your daily skin detox. Pick a gentle cleanser that suits your skin, and wash both morning and night. Honestly? Skip the morning wash if you want or can't be bothered — I find it fairly useless. Never skip the night wash, though.
Bioderma Sensibio (sensitive) ↗ Bioderma Sébium (oily/combo) ↗ Dot & Key Barrier Repair (dry) ↗
Toning
Toners keep things balanced. Dry skin wants a hydrating toner; oily skin does better with an exfoliating one. Pour it onto your palm and pat it in — don't rub.
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner (dry, my favourite) ↗ Pixi Glow Tonic (oily/acne-prone) ↗
I'd also point you toward Tony Moly's toners — genuinely great for the price, quality and quantity, and available for both oily and dry skin.
Moisturizing
The real MVP for every skin type — yes, even oily. Gel for oily skin, cream for dry. Smooth it on and let it soak in.
Bioderma Atoderm Crème (dry) ↗
The Face Shop's Chia Seed Hydro Face Lotion is a solid pick for oily skin.
Sun Protection
Not just for beach days — sunscreen is your skin's shield against the sun's sneaky moves. Get a broad-spectrum SPF 30+, apply every morning, and reapply if you're out and about. My favourite picks are in this sunscreen round-up.
Leveling Up: Treatments
Exfoliation
A mini makeover for your skin. Start slow — once or twice a week — and build up from there. Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid (AHAs/BHAs) are gentler than harsh physical scrubs; research before you start, begin at a low percentage, and patch test. Sunscreen becomes non-negotiable once you're exfoliating chemically. Full review of my go-to: the Minimalist AHA BHA PHA peel.
Serums & Targeted Treatments
Serums are superheroes for specific concerns — dullness calls for vitamin C, dehydration calls for hyaluronic acid. Pat it on after toning, before moisturising. Pick your serum based on your concern, not just your skin type.
Your Actual Routine, Step by Step
Consistency is everything. Here's the order:
Common Concerns
- Acne — a gentle cleanser, a salicylic acid exfoliant, and an oil-free moisturiser. Go easy on scrubbing; it won't help, and can make things worse.
- Sensitive skin — fragrance-free, gentle formulas only. Patch test everything new, and look for soothing ingredients like chamomile.
Skincare isn't magic — it's commitment. Stay hydrated, eat your greens, get your sleep, and check in with a dermatologist if you're ever unsure. You've now got the basics down — go show your skin some love. It's a journey, so keep experimenting until you land on what actually works, and update it as your skin's needs change.
Written by Ritu Singh
Makeup artist and founder of The Beauty Thesaurus. Every review here is written after real, first-hand use — no PR spin, ever.
More about Ritu →