How to Build a Skincare Routine

The key to healthy, glowing skin is a skincare routine that suits your skin type. But first, it’s important to understand what steps to include in your everyday skincare routine.

Read on to learn about skincare routines, including the best skincare routine order and a step-by-step guide for morning and night-time skincare. Get fresh, healthy-looking skin by following these simple steps.

• The ideal skincare routine order
• Night-time skincare routine
• Skincare routine FAQs

The ideal skincare routine order

With so many different skincare products, it can be hard to know when to apply them and in what order. Make the most of each product and give your skin the attention it deserves by following this daytime skincare order:

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleansing your face should be the first step of your skincare routine1. This removes the build-up of dead skin, oil, and dirt that could potentially clog pores and create blemishes. It’s also important to avoid any dirt being trapped in the pores when applying lotions or creams later in your routine.

There are a wide range of cleaners available, from cleansing lotions, creams and oils to foaming washes, micellar water, jellies, and cleansing wipes. Choose a cleanser that works with your skin type – whether it’s normal, oily, dry, combination or sensitive. A moisturising cleanser may be best for dry skin, while an oil-free one is best suited to oily skin, for example. If you find a cleanser is making your skin oilier or it looks or feels rougher than normal, try a different one.

If you have oily skin, you can follow up this step by applying a small amount of toner to help remove excess oil.

Step 2: Exfoliate

You don’t need to exfoliate every day but exfoliating once or twice a week can remove a build-up of dead skin cells to keep your skin looking pure and radiant. You can exfoliate after cleansing if your skin feels or looks rougher or more blemished than normal.

There are two types of exfoliation methods: manual and chemical. Manual exfoliation involves using skincare scrubs with a gritty texture or a tool like a textured cloth, sponge, or loofah to buff away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation works by using skincare products with certain ingredients that dissolve dead skin cells, such as glycolic and citric acid.

Step 3: Apply serums

Once your face is fully cleansed, it’s time to apply your serum (if you’re using one). Skincare serums are fast-absorbing liquids that contain concentrated amounts of nutrients like antioxidants, peptides, and vitamins which are good for the skin.

Serums can be especially beneficial for people with oily skin, as they tend to have a non-greasy finish and don’t leave a residue behind. As they’re water-based, serums should be applied before moisturisers. Moisturisers can contain ingredients that form a barrier, preventing moisture from escaping but also from ingredients in serums being absorbed.

However, serums aren’t suitable for everyone. Those with skin conditions like eczema or rosacea may find serums cause irritation.

Step 4: Moisturise

Once your skin is cleansed and any serums have been absorbed, the next step is to moisturise. Every skin type benefits from moisturisation, which helps keep skin plump and radiant, and prevents dryness. Apply your moisturiser while your skin is still damp to help lock in moisture.

There are different types of moisturisers available to suit all skin types, whether your skin is normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive.

Step 5: Apply sun protection

Lots of face moisturisers contain UV protection, but if yours doesn’t, it’s important to apply a light layer of sunscreen before leaving the house. SPF protects the skin from harmful UV rays which can lead to sun damage, keeping it looking youthful for longer.

Night-time skincare routine

Your morning skincare routine helps prep your skin for the day ahead and protect it from dirt and pollutants. A night-time skin routine is designed to wash away any build-up from the day and address your skin’s needs.

Remove make-up

If you wear make-up, ensure that you never sleep with it on your face. Sleeping in make-up can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Use facial cleansing wipes, a gentle cleanser and a soft washcloth, or cotton pads when removing make-up.

Cleanse again

Washing your skin at night is important, as make-up, oil, weather, and pollution can all take a toll on your skin throughout the day.

Cleansing also creates a fresh surface which will allow creams and lotions to penetrate better while you sleep. It’s important to be diligent about washing your face before bed as part of your night-time skincare routine, as this is the best time for your skin to replenish from the impact of the day.

Moisturise at night

Using a night cream before you drift off every night can work wonders for your skin. Night-specific moisturisers such as NEUTROGENA® Hydro Boost Night Cream tend to be richer and thicker than daytime creams and lotions and are generally formulated to help repair and regenerate your skin while you sleep.

So, there you have it – your fool-proof skincare regimen! Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to picture-perfect skin in no time.

Skincare routine FAQs

How do I create a skincare routine for spot-prone skin?

A good skincare routine with regular, gentle cleansing and moisturising can help keep skin clear of blemishes and spots. It’s a good idea to use products specifically formulated for spot-prone skin, which are oil-free and include skin purifying ingredients, such as salicylic acid. Scrubs and targeted gels may be a useful addition to your routine.

What is a good skincare routine for oily skin?

If you have oily skin, it’s best to avoid using oil-based products in your skincare routine. Instead, try using oil-free foaming cleansers, followed by a toner or astringent. These can help to remove extra oil to keep your skin clean and shine-free.

What is a good skincare routine for combination skin?

No matter what your skin type is, the important thing is to find skincare products that work for you. Remember to be gentle, avoid scrubbing your face, and use plenty of warm water to rinse off your cleanser. You can use products with added moisturiser for dry skin, and oil-free products to help oily areas.

What is the correct order of a skincare routine? 

The correct order of a skincare routine involves cleansing first, then nourishing the skin with serums if you use them, before applying moisturiser. During the day, it’s important to apply SPF to protect against sun damage. You can also exfoliate up to twice a week to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin’s surface.