Whenever you decide to start a skincare routine, the first thing you face is confusion questions like – Which cleanser should I choose? Is a moisturizer necessary for oily skin? What SPF level should the sunscreen have? Should a serum be applied before or after other products? And so on.

It doesn’t stop there; when you open Instagram, you see people recommending everything from niacinamide and Vitamin C to retinol.

The issue isn’t just the sheer number of skincare options available; the real problem is that you often don’t know what your skin actually needs.

As a result, some people never even get started, while others begin using so many products at once that, after a while, they can’t tell if their skin is benefiting or getting irritated.

If you want to understand skincare from the basics, be sure to read the article to the end, as we will discuss everything essential about skincare.

Start With The Basics

A skincare routine doesn’t mean you have to buy a product from every category. To get started, you only need three essentials: a cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. Additionally, if you have specific skin concerns, you can use a serum or a product containing active ingredients. Now that you know the basics, let’s take a closer look at each of these products.

Cleanser

Let’s start by talking about cleansers specifically face washes. Often, the skin feels very tight after washing the face; while we might interpret this as a sign that the cleanser is working effectively, it is important to understand that causing skin tightness is not the function of a cleanser.

If you experience tightness, discomfort, or sudden dryness after washing your face, the face wash you are using might not be right for you. You should always use a face wash that feels comfortable on your skin.

For instance, if you have sensitive or dry skin, it is generally best to start with a gentle cleanser.

On the other hand, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, as it is highly effective for this skin type.

Additionally, if you have combination skin meaning your T-zone is oily while your cheeks are normal or dry avoid using a face wash that dries out your entire face or strips away its natural moisture.

Overall, a simple rule of thumb is that your skin should feel clean after washing, not uncomfortable.

Now, let’s look at how to use a cleanser.

To use the cleanser, first wet your face with water; then, take a small amount of face wash in your hands, massage it gently over your entire face using circular motions, and finally, rinse your face with plain water.

Additionally, if your skin is very dry, you might not need to use face wash in the morning, so you can adjust your routine according to your skin’s needs.

Moisturizer

After washing your face, the next step is to apply a moisturizer. It helps retain moisture and supports the skin’s protective barrier.

If you have dry skin, you can use a cream based moisturizer, whereas a lightweight moisturizer is a good choice for oily or combination skin. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, you can opt for a moisturizer with a gentle formula to avoid irritation.

Sunscreen

Now, let’s talk about sunscreen; remember one important thing: never forget to apply sunscreen before stepping out of the house. Failing to do so can lead to pigmentation caused by harmful UV rays.

Keep a few things in mind when choosing a sunscreen: it should have an SPF of 30 or higher and offer broad-spectrum protection.

Also, do not select a sunscreen based solely on the SPF number; pay attention to its texture as well. For instance, if you have dry skin, you can use a cream-based sunscreen, whereas for oily skin, you might opt ​​for a fluid sunscreen.

Serums

Now, let’s talk about serums. Using a serum isn’t mandatory; it should only be used if you have a specific skin concern.

For instance, if you have very oily skin, you can use niacinamide to control oil; conversely, if you struggle with acne or clogged pores, you can use a serum containing salicylic acid.

However, if you are just starting a skincare routine, you shouldn’t jump straight into using serums that contain multiple active ingredients. Doing so could cause skin irritation or an adverse reaction.

To avoid this, the first step is to identify your specific skin concern and choose the right active ingredient for it. Additionally, whenever you introduce a new active ingredient into your skincare routine, start with a small amount or use it on alternate days.

If you are unsure about what to do or which active ingredient to include in your routine, you can consult a dermatologist; they can examine your skin and advise you on what would work best for you.

So What Does Your Routine Actually Look Like?

We have covered all the essentials so far; now, let’s discuss what your skincare routine should look like.

For instance, if you plan to start your skincare routine tomorrow morning, the first step is to use a cleanser.

Next, if you have any specific skin concerns, you can use a serum, although this step is optional. You can choose to include a serum or skip this step entirely. After that, apply moisturizer, and finally, apply sunscreen.

So, that covers the morning routine. Now, let’s talk about what to do at night.

First, apply some micellar water to a cotton pad and cleanse your face thoroughly. Next, wash your face to remove any remaining dirt or pollutants. Then, if you use a serum, apply it, followed by a moisturizer.