Over time, I've discovered a few favorite brands and products that have earned a permanent place in my skincare collection. Here's how I approach my everyday routine and some of the products I've personally enjoyed.
Starting a Skincare Routine
The 4 Basic Steps
I follow four basic steps in my skincare routine, whether it's morning or evening:
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Apply Serum
- Moisturize
In the morning, don't forget to finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen is an important final step to help protect your skin from UV damage.
The serum step is optional, but it's one I find useful when focusing on a particular skin concern, such as dark spots, uneven texture, redness, dullness, or fine lines.
Just getting started? Keep things simple! Begin with cleansing, moisturizing, and daytime sunscreen. You can add a toner or serum later if your skin needs something more.
A Few Tips for Building Your Routine
- Start slowly: If you're new to skincare, don't overwhelm yourself with too many products at once.
- Introduce one product at a time: If you want to test something new, swap in just one product and give your skin time to adjust. This also makes it easier to identify what is or isn't working.
- Patch test: Test new products on a small area of skin before applying them to your entire face.
- Be consistent: Give a routine time to work, but stop using a product if it causes significant irritation.
If you're concerned about the upfront investment, you can also check out my Apple Cider Vinegar Toner Recipe. Just a warning: it smells like vinegar because, well, it's vinegar! Be cautious with homemade acidic skincare products, as vinegar can irritate or burn skin if it isn't formulated and diluted appropriately. I recommend a properly formulated commercial toner instead, especially for sensitive skin.
Find What Works for Your Skin
Skincare is a personal journey. You don't need an elaborate 10-step routine or the most expensive products to get started.
Focus on the basics, introduce new products gradually, and pay attention to how your skin responds. Over time, you'll discover which products are worth keeping and which ones aren't a good fit.