How to Start a Skincare Routine
In this post, You’ll learn how to start a skincare routine even if you don’t know where to start.
Starting a solid skincare routine is seriously one of the best things you can ever do for yourself,.
But I know how it feels when you don’t know where to start, Or maybe you’ve been overwhelmed by the endless products and steps out there, wondering if you’re doing too much or too little.
Trust me, I’ve been there.
If you’re feeling lost or just looking for a simple, effective skincare routine to follow, you’re in the right place.
Hi, my name is Honey! I’m a 3rd-year pharmacy undergraduate student with oily, acne-prone skin.
After years of trial, error, and a LOT of research, I’ve finally got my acne under control.
Today, I’m sharing AM, PM, and weekly skincare routines that are easy to follow and actually work.
In this post, I’ll discuss about “How to Start a Skincare Routine Step-by-Step Guide AM and PM” and weekly to-do’s.
By the end of this post, you’ll not only know how to start a skincare routine but also how to tackle specific skin issues if they pop up.
TIP: Save this pin to your Pinterest board so you’ll always have these steps at your fingertips!”
Some posts you may like:
- 101 Productive Things To Do Instead of Scrolling Mindlessly
- Morning Routine for Better Concentration (Tried, Tested & Totally Doable!)
- The Productive Morning Routine That Changed My Life.
- The 5 AM Morning Routine That Made Me Super Productive and Mindful.
- How to Set System Not Goals. A System That Will Change Your Life”
- How to Make a Vision Board for 2025 That Works
- 60 List of Goals To Set For Yourself: Live a Fulfilling Life
- 100+ Goal Ideas For 2025(All Areas of life Included).
- How to Change Your Life in 30 Days in 2025| A step-by-step guide.
- How To Look Pretty & Attractive Every Day: Even When You Are Not Leaving The House
- 20 Powerful Habits For A Healthy Morning Routine
Understanding Your Skin Type
Before you start slathering products on your face, you gotta know your skin type.
Different skin types need different care.
Quick Test: To determine your skin type,
- First, start by washing your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
- Then pat your skin dry with a clean towel and avoid applying any additional products like moisturizers, serums, or toners.
- Wait for an hour so your skin can return to its normal state.
- After the hour has passed, take a close look at how your skin feels and appears.
Here’s a quick breakdown I mention:
- Oily: Shiny, greasy, and prone to breakouts. (Yep, that’s me!)
- Dry: Feels tight, flaky, or rough.
- Combination: Oily in the T-zone, dry on the cheeks.
- Normal: Balanced and not too oily or dry (lucky you!).
- Sensitive: Easily irritated or reacts to products.
Related:
- Best Korean Skincare for Teenagers/Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide For Glass Skin.
- 7 Proven Steps to Clear Hyperpigmentation+15 Must-Have Korean Products That Fight Dark Spots.
Why Skincare Routine AM and PM Matters
Your skin works hard day and night, so it needs care to stay healthy. A good skincare routine helps keep your skin hydrated, protected, and looking its best.
Whether you’re new to skincare or keeping it simple, these steps can make a big difference.
If you don’t take care of it, makeup (or no makeup) won’t look as good.
But when you care for your skin, everything else looks better.
Plus, skincare is a way to take a little time for yourself—a few minutes in the morning and evening to focus on YOU.
How to Start a Skincare Routine Step-by-Step Guide AM and PM
☀️ Morning Skincare Routine (AM):
Step 1: Cleanser
Let’s get one thing straight: cleansing is the FIRST and MOST IMPORTANT step in any skincare routine.
It’s like brushing your teeth—you wouldn’t skip that, right?
Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and leftover products from the night before, prepping your skin for the rest of your routine.
Choose a cleanser based on your skin type. If your face feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too harsh.
- Oily Skin: Gel or foaming cleansers with salicylic acid.
- Dry Skin: Creamy or hydrating cleansers.
- Sensitive Skin: Fragrance-free, gentle cleansers.
Tip: If you have oily skin (like me) and feel greasy in the morning, definitely wash your face. If your skin is dry, a splash of water might be enough to remove any overnight residue.
Step 2: Toner (Optional)
Okay, To be honest—toner is optional.
I personally don’t use one because my skin doesn’t need it, and I’m all about keeping my skincare routine simple and effective.
If your skin is generally balanced and you don’t have specific concerns like acne, dryness, or excess oil, you can absolutely skip this step without worrying.
Skincare is all about what works for you, and not every product is necessary for everyone.
That said, if you enjoy using toner or feel like it adds something beneficial to your routine, go for it!
The key is to choose one that matches your skin type and addresses your specific needs.
Step 3: Serum
Serums are formulated to penetrate deeper into the skin compared to moisturizers, making them super effective for addressing issues like wrinkles, dark spots, dryness, acne, or dullness.
Serums are like problem-solvers for your skin.
I recommend using an antioxidant serum like Vitamin C to protect your skin from environmental damage.
Other great options include niacinamide (for oil control) or peptide serums (for anti-aging).
Step 4: Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is super delicate, so treat it with care. Use a lightweight eye cream to hydrate and prevent fine lines.
Because the skin near your eyes is thinner, it tends to dry out and show signs of aging faster.
A good eye cream can keep it looking fresh and youthful.
Pick one based on your needs:
- Puffiness: Caffeine-infused eye creams can depuff and brighten.
- Dark circles: Look for ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide.
- Fine lines: Peptides and retinol (gentle formulas!) can smooth things out.
👆 How to apply:
- Use your ring finger (it’s the gentlest) to tap—don’t rub!
- Apply under the eye, on the orbital bone, and even on the brow bone.
If you don’t want to use any of them just use VASELINE. It is just PERFECT.
How To Grow Longer Lashes Naturally in Just 7 Days
Step 5: Moisturizer
Okay, let’s talk about it. moisturizer is NON-NEGOTIABLE.
Even if you have oily skin. Skipping moisturizer can trick your skin into producing more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture.
It keeps your skin barrier healthy and prevents excess oil production.
How to Choose the Right Moisturizer:
- For Oily Skin: Look for lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or niacinamide. These hydrate without clogging pores or feeling heavy.
- For Dry Skin: Opt for richer, cream-based moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, peptides, or squalane. These help lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier.
- For Combination Skin: Use a lightweight moisturizer on oily areas (like the T-zone) and a richer one on dry patches (like cheeks).
- For Sensitive Skin: Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas with soothing ingredients like oat extract, chamomile, or ceramides.
Pro Tip: If you live in a humid climate, your sunscreen or hydrating serum might provide enough moisture.
If you need extra hydration, layer a lightweight serum instead of a heavy cream or use aloe vera gel.
Step 6: Sunscreen
SUNSCREEN IS YOUR HOLY GRAIL. Never skip this,
It protects your skin from UV damage, prevents premature aging, and keeps dark spots at bay.
If you have acne-prone skin, choose a non-comedogenic formula.
Sunscreen is the #1 anti-aging product because UV rays can harm your skin, even on cloudy days, wear it.
Tip: Apply two fingers worth of sunscreen for your face and reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re out and about.
🌙 Night Skincare Routine (PM)
Nighttime is your skin’s prime time to heal, repair, and soak in all the goodness you put on it.
During the day, your face goes through a lot—pollution, makeup, sweat, sunscreen buildup, and just general grime.
At night, you’ve got to clean the slate and nourish your skin so you wake up looking fresh, hydrated, and glowing. ✨
Step 1: Double Cleanse
If you’ve never double-cleansed, prepare for your skin to feel so much cleaner.
Double cleansing isn’t just for makeup wearers, sunscreen, pollution, and oil buildup need that extra step too.
First Cleanse: Oil-based cleanser
An oil-based cleanser is perfect for melting away makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Apply it to dry skin and massage gently—don’t rush it! Take a full minute to really work it in.
💡 Tips:
- Do you have eyelash extensions? Use an oil-free remover.
- Not wearing makeup? You still need this step if you’ve worn sunscreen.
- Massage upward to boost circulation (and give yourself a mini facelift,).
💦 Second Cleanse: Water-based cleanser
This step clears away any leftover oil and grime. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser unless your skin has specific needs:
- Acne-prone? Go for a salicylic acid cleanser to help unclog pores.
- Sensitive skin? Cream or gel cleansers are your best bet.
✨ Pro tip: Cleanse for 60 seconds! It takes time to work.
Step 2: Hydrating Toner (Optional, but so refreshing)
Again, toners are optional.
I skip this step most nights, but if my skin feels extra dry, I’ll use a hydrating toner with ingredients like glycerin or rose water.
If you want to use it, Look for ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic acid: Pulls moisture into your skin like a sponge.
- Centella Asiatica: Calms redness and irritation.
- Glycerin: Hydrates and smooths.
👆 How to use:
- Pour a few drops into your hands and pat it in. (No cotton pads—save the planet and your toner!)
How to Start a Skincare Routine
Step 3: Serums (Target Your Skin Concerns)
Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself, so this is the perfect time to use targeted serums.
💥 What’s your main concern? I am sharing here the most common skin concerns people have. Pick yours:
- Breakouts/Acne: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide help calm pimples and reduce oil.
- Fine lines & wrinkles: Retinol and peptides help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen and smoothing your skin.
- Hyperpigmentation & dark spots: Vitamin C and alpha arbutin brighten and even out your skin tone.
- Dryness & loss of elasticity: Hyaluronic acid and peptides plump and hydrate.
- Redness & sensitivity: Azelaic acid and centella asiatica soothe and calm flare-ups.
🌟 Pro tips:
- For best results, apply serums from the lightest to the densest formula.
- Don’t mix strong actives like retinol and vitamin C unless your skin is used to it—alternating nights is safer.
- Start slow with potent ingredients like retinol (2-3 times a week) to avoid irritation.
Step 4: Eye Cream
Don’t forget your under-eyes! Use a hydrating eye cream to keep the area moisturized and protected.
Step 5: Moisturizer (Glazed donut vibes )
Night creams are typically richer to deeply hydrate and repair your skin overnight.
Because your skin loses moisture while you sleep, so a good moisturizer helps keep it hydrated and plump.
💖 Ingredients to look for:
- Hyaluronic acid: best for dewy and plum look.
- Ceramides: Strengthen your skin barrier.
- Peptides: Boost collagen for firmer skin.
- Shea butter or squalane: Great for dry skin that needs extra nourishment.
- If you are feeling extra dry, add a few drops of facial oil on top of your moisturizer.
save this pin now,
Bonus Step: Spot Treatments (Only where needed!)
If you got a pimple that decided to pop up at the worst time. Dab on a spot treatment after your serum but before your moisturizer.
Options include:
- Benzoyl peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria.
- Sulfur treatments: Help dry out stubborn spots.
- Hydrocolloid pimple patches: Perfect for overnight healing and stopping you from picking!
Weekly Skincare Routine
Exfoliation (2-3 times a week)
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and helps products absorb better.
But don’t overdo it! Over-exfoliating can make your skin red, sensitive, and just… angry.
Types of exfoliators:
- Chemical exfoliants:
- AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid): Brighten and smooth texture.
- BHAs (salicylic acid): Perfect for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Physical exfoliants: Use with caution! Gentle ones (like rice scrubs) are okay occasionally, but harsh scrubs with big grains? A big no-go.
✨ Tips:
- Start with once or twice a week if you’re new to it.
- Always wear SPF after exfoliating—your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
- Don’t exfoliate on nights you use retinol or strong actives.
How to Start a Skincare Routine
Face Masks
Masks can address specific concerns and make you feel pampered. Make it a ritual, put on your favorite playlist, grab a tea, and relax.
Types of masks:
- Hydrating masks: These are great if your skin feels dry, tired, or dull. Look for ones with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera to calm and refresh your skin.
- Clay masks: Perfect if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Clays like kaolin and bentonite help soak up extra oil and clean out your pores.
- Sheet masks: Quick and easy! Just put one on while watching your favorite show for a fast hydration boost.
- Overnight masks: Put these on before bed and wake up with soft, glowing skin. They’re awesome if your face feels super dry.
- My Go-To Mask: I love using a hydrating sheet mask on Sundays—it’s my little way of relaxing and taking care of my skin.
✨ Tip: Don’t let clay masks fully dry—they can dehydrate your skin. Rinse off when they start to feel tacky, not bone-dry.
Facial Massage & Face Yoga
Facial massage boosts blood flow, helps with lymphatic drainage, and just feels amazing. Plus, it can reduce puffiness.
🌟 How to do it:
- Use clean hands, facial oil, or a serum for slip.
- Massage upwards and outwards—never pull down!
- Use tools like jade rollers, gua sha stones, or your fingers.
- Keep tools in the fridge for a cooling effect (perfect for morning puffiness!).
Tip: Be gentle—especially if you have active breakouts.
Final Touch: Don’t forget your lips and neck!
Your neck and lips need love too:
- Apply your skincare products down to your neck and chest.
- Use a thick lip balm or a sleeping lip mask—no one wants chapped lips!
Final Thoughts: How to Start a Skincare Routine Step-by-Step Guide AM and PM
Remember, LESS IS MORE. Stick to the basics, listen to your skin, and adjust as needed.
Whether you’re dealing with acne, dryness, or just want to maintain healthy skin, this step-by-step guide has got you covered.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed, just come back to this post.
Do you have questions or need personalized advice? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help!
I hope you found this post on “How to Start a Skincare Routine Step-by-Step Guide AM and PM helpful!
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive more posts. Also, save the pin below and follow us @glowplusbeauty on Pinterest and Instagram.
Save this pin now,
