How to Build a Simple Skincare Routine That Works for You
If your skincare routine feels like a chore, that’s your sign to simplify it. A few products that suit your skin are easier to use consistently, even on the nights you’re tempted to skip your routine altogether.
Why a Simple Skincare Routine Works For So Many People
When you start several products at once, it’s hard to tell which one helped with dryness or which one left your skin feeling tight. Keeping your basics consistent and adding new products one at a time makes those changes easier to notice. It also helps you avoid piling on exfoliants and other active ingredients that can irritate your skin.
What To Use In the AM and PM
Morning: Start with a gentle cleanser if you need one, follow with moisturizer, and finish with sunscreen.
Night: Cleanse away sunscreen, makeup, and daily buildup, then apply moisturizer to help keep your skin comfortable.
Where serum fits: If you’re working on a specific concern like dullness or uneven tone, choose one serum for that concern. Apply it before moisturizer and follow the product’s directions for when and how often to use it.
Why We Protect Skin by Day and Nourish It at Night
During the day, focus on protection. Moisturizer helps your skin hold on to water, and sunscreen helps protect it from UV exposure, which can contribute to dark spots and premature skin aging. Apply sunscreen as the last step of your morning routine.
At night, focus on replenishing and treating. Once you’ve washed away sunscreen and makeup, apply a moisturizer to help replenish moisture and support your skin barrier. If you’re targeting a concern like uneven tone or rough texture, use a serum before moisturizer. Evening is a convenient time for products designed for nighttime use, especially retinoids.
Find a Simple Skincare Routine That Fits Your Skin
Start with the essentials: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer that feels good on your skin, and sunscreen each morning. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can add a targeted serum if there’s a specific concern you’d like to address.
Need help choosing products?
Take the Skincare Quiz to find a starting point based on your skin type and goals.
If you’d like us to review what you’re using and help you build a routine around your skin and budget, explore our Virtual Skincare Consultation or schedule a Skincare Coaching Call.
