How to build a skincare routine in 7 steps
Skincare shouldn’t be a chore and it definitely doesn’t need to break the bank. Let us help you create a skincare routine in seven simple steps. From washing your face to weekly treatments, learn the correct skincare order, including why you should double cleanse and how to layer skincare. Read on to start building your skincare routine.
01
Cleansing
Cleansing is one of the most important parts of a good skincare routine, morning and night. It removes makeup, oil and pollution and clears the way for ingredients in your other products to absorb properly.
Morning
When we sleep, skin cells rest and repair, so it's important to cleanse any debris and sweat left on the skin in the morning. This allows daytime serums and moisturisers to penetrate the skin properly.
Night
Double cleanse at night, especially if you’ve been wearing makeup and sunscreen. The first cleanse should be done with a cleansing balm or oil cleanser to help whisk away makeup and the day’s debris. The second cleanse can be done with a gel or foaming cleanser to dissolve any remaining makeup and impurities. Double cleansing helps prepare your skin for the next steps in your routine.
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How to cleanse your skin
Step 1 of 3
Choose cleansers that are suited to your skin type. The below recommendations are a good rule of thumb:
- Oily skin: try a gel or foaming cleanser with exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid to control excess oil.
- Dry skin: choose a cleansing balm, cream or oil cleanser. They help melt away makeup and impurities all while helping to keep your skin hydrated.
- Combination skin: use a balancing, gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin barrier (its natural protective layer).
Step 2 of 3
Apply cleanser to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions.
Using a gel or foaming cleanser? Dampen your skin first with lukewarm water. If you’re using a cream or oil cleanser, you can simply massage it directly onto your skin.
Tip: pay extra attention to areas where makeup and pollution might build up, like the hairline, chin and the crevices around your nose.
Step 3 of 3
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and repeat if it’s your nighttime cleanse. If it’s your morning cleanse, simply pat dry with a clean towel.
02
Toning
Facial toners help restore the skin's pH balance after cleansing and remove any impurities that might still be lingering. Toning is another step in prepping your skin for better absorption of serums and moisturisers. It can also help refine pores, brighten tone and smooth skin texture. Select an alcohol-free formula and look for one with aloe vera and cucumber extracts to help soothe skin.
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To apply toner, put a little on a cotton pad or directly into your hand. Sweep the cotton pad across your face, avoiding the eye area. If you’re applying straight from your hands, use patting motions with your fingers.
For a mist toner, spray it directly onto your skin, holding the bottle 30 cm away from your face. For quicker absorption, gently pat it into the skin with your fingers.
03
Serum
Serums are potent formulas with active ingredients designed to address specific skincare concerns, such as brightening, anti-aging or acne. Select a serum that targets your main skincare concern, like dull skin or fine lines. Most serums have this written on the label. You can layer and mix serums, but you shouldn’t use more than three at a time.
Serums containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin B (niacinamide) or vitamin C will suit all skin types and ages. Hyaluronic acid can help skin hydration. Niacinamide can strengthen skin and reduce redness, while vitamin C can brighten skin and reduce pigmentation.
If you’re using a serum with potent actives, like retinol, salicylic acid or hydroxy acids, don’t use them together. Applying several actives at once can damage the skin. As a general rule, if you're using an active like retinol, you should only layer it with a gentler serum like hyaluronic acid, unless a dermatologist has given you a specific routine.
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How to apply serum
Step 1 of 3
Ensure skin is slightly damp before applying serums to help them absorb better. If you’re using more than one serum, you can either layer or mix serums.
To layer serums, apply serums by texture and viscosity. Apply the lightest serum first and wait at least 30 seconds between each layer.
If you choose to mix serums, avoid combining oil-based and water-based serums as they won't absorb well.
Step 2 of 3
Dispense a few drops of serum onto your fingertips. Be careful not to massage it into your hands, as this might activate the ingredients before they get to your face.
Step 3 of 3
Gently pat the serum on your face and neck. Read the instructions first to check if it’s suitable for the eyes. If the instructions say it’s OK, then you can use it on the eye area. Wait 30 seconds to a minute before applying another serum or moving on to the next step.
04
Eye cream
The skin around the eyes is delicate and prone to fine lines, shadows and puffiness. Eye creams can moisturise and nourish the area, reducing puffiness, dark circles and the appearance of fine lines. To apply eye cream, dab a small amount onto your ring finger. Gently tap the product around your eye area, including the under-eye and outer corners.
Choose an eye cream suited to your skin type. If your skin is very dry, opt for a hydrating cream formula. Normal, sensitive, oily and combination skin types can look at gel or serum formulas, which are cooling and soothing.
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05
Moisturiser
Moisturiser will help keep your skin barrier healthy, so make sure to apply it morning and night. It helps prevent signs of premature aging and helps keep skin smooth, firm and hydrated. The below recommendations will help you find the right formula for your skin type:
- Oily, acne-prone or combination skin: try a gel moisturiser or lightweight milkier lotion. These absorb quickly into the skin and won't feel greasy. It's important to moisturise, even if you have oily skin. If you're worried about clogged pores, look for non-comedogenic products.
- Dry skin: look for creamier formulas with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter and hyaluronic acid.
- Sensitive skin: use a mild, calming cream or lotion with soothing ingredients like aloe vera.
Sensitive skin: use a mild, calming cream or lotion with soothing For deep hydration for all skin types, find a face oil formulated to suit your needs. Face oils should be used in the evening as the last step in your skin routine.
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The best way to moisturise morning and night
Step 1 of 3
After cleansing and applying serum, use moisturiser to lock in hydration and all the goodness from your serum. In the morning, use a cream or lotion formulated for day or choose a lighter formula that can sit under sunscreen. In the evening, use a richer night cream to help boost skin hydration and repair while you sleep.
Step 2 of 3
Using clean hands, gently massage a small amount of moisturiser in upward movements over your neck, face and decolletage.
Step 3 of 3
If your skin feels tight and dry, or if you prefer more hydration, you can add a second layer or consider adding a face oil to your moisturising routine.
Face oils are best used at night as they're more easily absorbed while you sleep. If you have dry skin, add a few drops to your morning routine to help maintain hydration, particularly in winter. Face oils should be the last step of your nighttime routine, as water-based moisturisers won't absorb into the skin if they're applied after oil.
06
Weekly facial at home
All skin types can benefit from exfoliating and using a face mask once a week. It's like an at-home facial.
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and promote cell turnover. There are three ways you can exfoliate your skin:
- A physical scrub with small grains to gently remove old cells and dirt from the skin
- A chemical exfoliant with fruit acids that naturally dissolve skin buildup
- An exfoliating mask that uses clay or algae to draw out impurities
How to choose an exfoliator
If your skin is balanced, happy and healthy, you can choose any exfoliant type you prefer. However, if you have dry, sensitive, oily or congested skin, opt for gentle chemical exfoliants or exfoliating masks. Look for products formulated to your skin needs and always be gentle using whichever formula you choose.
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After you exfoliate, gently dry your skin and follow with a skincare treatment mask best suited to your skin type.
How to choose a face mask
If your skin is balanced and healthy, you can pick and choose masks according to your skin’s needs. The mask’s label will specify what it targets. For other skin concerns:
- Dry skin: try a cream mask with lots of moisturising benefits or a hydrating sheet mask.
- Combination and oily skin: opt for a gentle mud mask or specially formulated sheet mask.
- Acne-prone skin: try a spot treatment like salicylic acid patches that go directly onto pimples, protecting them from dirt and mindless picking.
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07
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most important product in your skincare routine. Apply it every morning as the last step in your skincare routine to protect your skin — even if you're not swimming or going to the beach. The sun’s UV rays can cause skin damage even in winter and on very cloudy days. Here are some top tips to remember when it comes to sun protection:
- Choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF30+ or higher protection
- Apply sunscreen generously at least 20 minutes before going outdoors
- Reapply every two hours (at least)
- A water-resistant formula is always a good choice
- Don't forget to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide
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