A Beginner’s Guide to Skincare: Simple Steps for a Fresh Start
Starting a skincare routine can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. But don’t worry—building an effective skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simplified guide to help you kickstart your morning and evening skincare with just the essentials.
Morning Skincare Routine: Fresh and Ready
1. Cleanse:
A gentle cleanse helps remove any overnight oils or sweat. I use a light gel or milky cleanser, like Elemis Pro-Collagen or Indie Lee’s Brightening Cleanser. It’s a simple way to feel refreshed without stripping your skin.
2. Tone:
Toning helps balance your skin after cleansing. I prefer a gentle toner like Indie Lee’s CoQ10 Toner to hydrate and prep my skin for the next steps.
3. Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is a must for protecting your skin from environmental damage, brightening your complexion, and boosting collagen. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is my go-to, but Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum is a more budget-friendly option.
4. Eye Cream:
A hydrating eye cream helps smooth the under-eye area and preps it for makeup. I’m still testing a few options, but the goal is to find something light and moisturizing.
5. Hyaluronic Acid (Optional):
If you want an added boost of hydration, hyaluronic acid (HA) is fantastic. It plumps and hydrates your skin, making it look fresh and bouncy. My favorites are from Skinceuticals and PCA.
6. Moisturizer:
On some days, the SPF I use doubles as a moisturizer. But when my skin needs extra hydration, I apply a lightweight moisturizer like Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Cream or First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream.
7. SPF:
Never skip SPF! A tinted sunscreen like EltaMD UV Clear or Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen provides both protection and light coverage, perfect for a no-makeup day.
Night Skincare Routine: Repair and Relax
1. Double Cleanse:
Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a lighter cleanser to remove dirt and impurities. Clinique Take the Day Off Balm is great for this.
2. Tone:
Apply a toner to prep your skin for overnight treatments and hydration.
3. Retinol:
Retinol speeds up cell turnover and helps with fine lines and texture. I recommend starting slow with a gentle product like The Ordinary Retinol or Drunk Elephant’s A-Passioni Cream.
4. Eye Cream:
At night, use a thicker eye cream to hydrate and reduce puffiness while you sleep.
5. Hydrating Mask (Optional):
Once or twice a week, use a hydrating mask to give your skin extra moisture. Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask is great for overnight hydration.
6. Moisturizer:
Finish off with a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture and repair your skin overnight. Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream works wonders.
Final Thoughts
A simple, effective skincare routine focuses on cleansing, toning, treating, and protecting. Stick with the basics, and over time, you’ll build a routine that works for your skin. Remember: consistency is key, and your skin will thank you for it!
