Skincare Routine Steps Guide
Welcome to my skincare routine steps guide! Below is a list of the steps I choose from during my routine. I say “choose from” because I don't use all these steps in every routine. Rather, I use only what my skin needs on a given morning or night. Also, know that not all of these steps are for everyone, and what works wonders for someone with dry skin may be an overkill for someone with oily skin. The best part about skincare is that it's totally customizable and can be designed to fit your skin’s specific needs. The steps below are listed in my usual order of application but can be tailored to your skins preferences. Always patch test new products before adding them to your routine to make sure your skin won’t have a bad reaction. If you're a beginner, check out this Beginner Skincare Routine Steps post where I break down the basic steps you should incorporate into your first routine!
Oil Cleansers
This should be your first cleanser at night - it breaks down all the oil-soluble products on your skin like sunscreen and makeup. Oil cleansers are to be massaged into dry skin and then emulsified and rinsed off with water.
low ph cleansers
This is the first cleans you'll do in the morning and the second cleanse you'll do at night. Low pH cleansers are important because they keep the pH of our skin in a low, balanced state and prep it for the use of active ingredients in the next step.
Actives
Active ingredients are going to cause the most noticeable improvements to your skin. They can reduce things like acne, dark spots, and the appearance of fine lines. From chemical exfoliants to vitamin C, there's an active to target everyone's skin concerns.
Hydrating toners
Hydrating toners prep your skin for the rest of your routine. They’ll moisten your skin with hydration so that subsequent thicker products will be absorbed more easily.
Essences & Serums
These are lightweight liquid-based formulas containing targeted ingredients ranging from yeast to plant extracts to snail goo. Serums can provide a variety of skin benefits before focusing on moisturizing in the next step.
Facial Oil
Emulsions, lotions, and creams made to moisturize your skin and lock it in hydration so it can't evaporate. Moisturizers come in light-weight formulas for oily skin and thick occlusive formulas for dry skin.
Moisturizers
Emulsions, lotions, and creams made to moisturize your skin and lock it in hydration so it can't evaporate. Moisturizers come in light-weight formulas for oily skin and thick occlusive formulas for dry skin.
Eye creams/Gels
Under-eye skin is the thinnest on our face and prone to a variety of issues. Eye creams/gels aim to target fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness with concentrated ingredients that sink into the skin.
sunscreen
If you are going to use just a single product for your skin, it should be sunscreen. It protects you from harmful UV rays that cause hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and reverse any progress you've made on your skin.
Masks
Sheet Masks
The most fun part of my skincare routine. Sheet masks trap all their good ingredients into your skin and make for endless selfie opportunities. Peeling them off reveals radiant, glowing skin like never before.
Wash-off Masks
Supplemental skincare meant to be enjoyed. Wash-off masks are only left on your skin for short periods of time but deliver instant results like brightness and plumping from moisturizing masks or clear pores and improved texture from exfoliating masks.