How to build a skin care routine

Whether you're already taking care of your skin or looking to start with a clean slate, it can be helpful to establish a regular skin care routine. No matter the reason, having a consistent routine can help support a healthy-looking, glowing skin tone. That's why we've got a step-by-step guide on the correct order for using skin care products and which ones may work best.

But with so many products available and various steps to follow, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Luckily there are a wide array of drugstore skin care products to choose from that can be part of that routine and help save you money.

The importance of a skin care routine

Before we dive into the specifics, let's talk about why having a basic skin care routine is important. Your skin is your body's largest organ and is exposed to various environmental factors, like ultraviolet (UV) rays, pollution and free radicals. Not to mention, we all deal with the natural process of aging and hormonal changes. All of these factors can lead to dull, dry and damaged skin. However, by following a skin care routine, you can help protect your skin and limit the signs of aging.

The order to apply skin care products in

Now that we've established the importance of a skin care routine, let's get into the order.

The routine order in which you apply your skin care products can affect how well your skin absorbs them and help maximize their effectiveness.

You should also check with your health care provider about which skin care products they recommend based on your needs. Not everyone needs every product listed below.

Here’s a recommended order to apply skin care products:¹

1. Limpiador
2. Tónico
3. Serums and spot treatments
4. Eye cream
5. Hidratante
6. Protector solar

1. Cleanser

First things first: Cleansing helps remove dirt, oil, dead skin cells and makeup from your skin. Various types of cleansers are available, including cream, foaming, gel and oil-based formulas. Choosing the right cleanser depends on skin conditions, type and concerns.

For instance, if you have oily skin, you may prefer a foaming cleanser that can help remove excess oil, like CeraVe’s foaming facial cleanser for normal to oily skin. If you have dry skin, you may prefer a cream or oil-based cleanser that can help hydrate your skin, such as La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.

To properly cleanse, start by wetting your face with lukewarm water. Apply a small amount of cleanser to your hands and gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions. Be sure to avoid harsh scrubbing, as this can cause damage. Rinse off the cleanser with water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.²

2. Toner

After cleansing, toners help balance your skin's pH levels, which can otherwise become unbalanced after cleansing. Toners can also help to remove any remaining dirt or oil from your skin.

Various types of toners are available, including hydrating, exfoliating and astringent toners. If you have oily skin, you may prefer an astringent toner that can help control oil production, such as Neutrogena Clear Pore - Astringente antiseborreico. If you have dry skin, you may prefer a hydrating toner that can help restore the protective skin barrier and lock in moisture, like CeraVe Hydrating Toner.

To apply toner, you can either use a cotton pad or your fingers to gently apply the toner over your face, avoiding the eye areas.

3. Serums and spot treatments

Third, consider applying serums or spot treatments. These products are designed to target specific skin concerns such as acne breakouts, fine lines and dark spots.

When choosing a serum or spot treatment, it's essential to consider your skin type and concerns.

For instance, if you have acne-prone skin, you may prefer an acne spot treatment with key ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, like Acne Control Gel from CeraVe. For more tips for acne-prone skin, here are five skin care methods that can help reduce adult acne.

If you have dark spots, you may prefer a vitamin C serum, such as Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Face Serum.

To apply these products, use a small amount and gently massage it into your skin. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for best results.

4. Eye cream

For the next step, you may want to apply an crema para ojos. This step is optional but offers a lot of benefits for the sensitive skin around your eye. Depending on your skin care needs, eye cream can help depuff the skin, treat fine lines and reduce dark circles.³

Knowing what you need from an eye cream is half the battle of buying one since there is such a vast array of them. To help alleviate the appearance of wrinkles, consider an eye cream with retinol like the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Eye Cream. Or, if you simply need some brightness, try the Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel Cream en su lugar.

Since the skin under the eye is particularly sensitive, eye creams should be applied with a light touch. That's why it's often recommended to apply eye cream by gently tapping it into your skin with your ring finger. Always tap and never tug, which can damage your skin over time.⁴

5. Moisturizer

Next, moisturizers help hydrate and protect your skin from excess dryness. They can also help seal in the other products you've applied to your skin, making them more effective. Moisturizers are especially important in a skin care routine when the weather gets colder, which can lead to dry skin.

When choosing a moisturizer, look for a product that suits your skin type and provides hydration without clogging your pores. For instance, if you have dry skin, ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides are hydrating. Esta Daily Facial Moisturizer from Vanicream is a great option that contains all three. If you have oily skin, you may prefer a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer like Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer from La Roche-Posay.

To apply moisturizer, use a small amount and gently massage it into your skin in circular motions. Be sure to cover your entire face, neck and chest.

6. Sunscreen (morning only)

The last step in your skin care routine should always be protector solar. Along with other sun-protection measures, sunscreen helps protect skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

When choosing a sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Consider choosing a formula with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Mineral Face Sunscreen from La Roche-Posay provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with a matte finish.

Be sure to apply sunscreen to your face, neck and any other exposed areas of your body, and reapply as directed by the product.

Skin care routine order for different skin types

Like any approach to hair or skin care, not every routine works for every person the same way. Personalizing a skin care routine for each individual's unique needs may help for different skin types. Remember to use all products as directed.

For dry skin

When you have dry skin, moisturizer can be your friend — but it should be applied while the skin is still damp to enhance moisture retention.⁵

For oily skin

An important thing to remember for oily skin types is to look for cleansers labeled “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic” and to avoid oil- and alcohol-based cleansers.⁶ For moisturizers, consider gel-based options.⁷

For combination skin

Having combination skin involves navigating through considerations for both oily and dry skin types. You want to utilize gentle cleansers and only apply moisturizer to dry areas.⁸

Common skin care mistakes to avoid

Missteps can easily happen, especially when you first approach a new skin care routine. This can happen when experimenting with new-to-you products, which can worsen existing skin problems. But don't worry — we have a list of the most common skin care mistakes to help you avoid them.⁹

• Not washing your face thoroughly can lead to a buildup of bacteria, dirt and oil.
• Touching your face introduces dirt and bacteria, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.
• Using hot water to wash your face can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness. You want to use lukewarm water instead.
• Picking at or popping pimples can cause scarring and can spread bacteria on the skin. Instead, you could try this Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch to cover and protect the breakout.
• Skin care products containing harsh ingredients, like alcohol, sulfates or fragrances, can cause irritation and dryness. You want something gentle enough for everyday use.
• Skipping the application of sunscreen and other sun protection measures can lead to damage from the harmful effects of UV rays.
• Neglecting to remove makeup before bed can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Desmaquilladores can help, even with tough-to-remove makeup, like waterproof mascara.
• Using expired skin care products can be ineffective and even cause skin irritation.
• Don't make the mistake of only focusing skin care on your face and not the rest of your body. You also want to apply routine skin care to your neck, chest and hands to keep them looking vibrant.

Get started with your personalized skin care routine today

Following a proper skin care routine order can help protect and nourish your skin. You can also choose to opt for a natural skin care routine for more eco-friendly choices. The order in which you apply your skin care products is crucial because it can affect how well your skin absorbs them. To properly order your skin care routine, consider starting with a cleanser, followed by a toner, then a serum and spot treatments, eye cream, then moisturizer and finally sunscreen.

Remember to choose skin care products suitable for your skin type and concerns, and always apply sunscreen as the last step in your morning or daytime routine. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your skin is healthy-looking, radiant and protected.

Taking care of your skin regularly in the correct order will help keep it looking healthy for years to come.¹⁰ The first step to glowing skin is prioritizing the things that maintain its barrier and brightness. Once you have a daily routine down, following your routine in the correct order every day will be a breeze.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is a basic skin care routine?

Want to keep it simple? A basic skin care routine typically involves three steps: cleansing, moisturizing and applying sunscreen. Cleansing removes dirt, oil and impurities from the skin; moisturizing helps keep the skin hydrated and soft; and sunscreen helps protect the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.

How often should I use an exfoliant?

It depends on your skin type and the product you're using. Over-exfoliation can damage the skin's protective barrier and cause irritation, so it's important to be gentle and not overdo it. Conozca más sobre over-exfoliating skin.

Should I apply sunscreen every day?

Yes, applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy or overcast days, is recommended. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and cause damage to the skin, so it's important to apply sunscreen and other sun protection measures to help keep your skin protected.

What should I do if I have sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, it's important to use gentle, fragrance-free products and avoid harsh ingredients, like alcohol and sulfates. Patch test new products before using them on your face and consult a dermatologist if you have any persistent skin concerns.

Can I use the same products for both my morning and evening skin care routines?

Yes, you can use the same products for both your morning and evening routines if they suit your skin type and address your specific concerns. However, some people prefer to use lighter products in the morning and heavier ones at night to avoid feeling greasy during the day.

This work contains AI-generated content.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.