How to Build A Skincare Routine
- Science Holic
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Author: Shuhan Yu
Editors: Hwi-On Lee, Kacey Ye, Linzi Yeung
Artist: Felicia Chen
Starting a skincare routine can feel overwhelming with such a wide variety of products on the market, and an abundance of opinions on what works best. The truth is, you don’t need a huge collection of products to take care of your skin—a few basic steps done every day go a long way. Once you establish the fundamentals, you can add supplementary steps at your discretion.
The first step most people start with is cleansing. Washing your face in the morning and at night helps remove dirt, oil, and any additional buildup on your skin. The type of cleanser matters, though. Someone with oily skin may have better results with a foam or gel cleanser, while another person with dry skin might need something creamier. The point is to clean your skin without leaving it red or tight, which are two indicators that you are using a harsh product.
After that, moisturizer comes in. This is a step everyone needs, even those with oily skin. It is common for people to skip it, thinking they don’t need it. However, moisturizer is vital to the overall health of your skin, supporting the skin’s natural barrier and hydrating your face. The trick is choosing the right one for you. If your skin is oily, focus on light and oil-free products. If it’s on the drier side, go for a thicker cream. It’s all about keeping your skin balanced so it feels comfortable and moisturized.
One thing that should never be skipped is sunscreen. It might feel like the least exciting step, but it’s probably the most important. Sun damage doesn’t just mean burns—it causes wrinkles, dark spots, and in the worst cases, skin cancer. Even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors by a window, UV rays can still reach your skin. Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day is the best way to protect yourself long term. Think of it as a habit, like brushing your teeth; the more you do it, the more natural it becomes.
Once those three basics—cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen—are part of your routine, then you can think about extra steps. Serums are a good place to start. Vitamin C is great for brightening, hyaluronic acid adds hydration, and niacinamide helps reduce redness and uneven tones. At night, some people use retinol, a vitamin A derivative, to smooth out lines and improve texture; however, it’s best to start slow so your skin can adjust. The key is to add products gradually, rather than exposing your face to a bunch of new products all at once, a common mistake that can inflame and irritate the skin.
It’s important to note that what truly matters isn’t the number of steps you have, but whether you can actually stick to it. A short but consistent system, done daily, will always be better than a complicated one that you give up on after a week. Too many products can overwhelm your skin, and a lengthy routine can become a burden rather than a means of self-nourishment—after all, building a skincare routine is about finding balance. Start with the basics, then add products in accordance with your skin type. Keep it simple, keep it consistent, and over time, you’ll notice your skin looking and feeling healthier. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be something you can keep up with.
Citations:
Madsen, Liana. “I Simplified My Skincare Routine—and My Skin Is Better for It.” Vogue, 26 July
Mikhaila, Femi. “A Simple Skincare Routine That Works for Every Skin Type.” Health, 28 May
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