Skincare Basics

The Beginner's Guide to Building a Skincare Routine

Start with science, not hype.

Published April 20258 min read
The Beginner's Guide to Building a Skincare Routine

If you've ever Googled "what skincare routine should I have?" and ended up staring at a 13-step lineup involving snail slime and a toner that costs more than your rent, hi — welcome. You're not alone.

The good news? You don't need a cabinet full of products or a PhD in dermatology to take care of your skin. You just need the right structure, a little consistency, and a routine that actually works for you.

Let's break it down.

What a Beginner Skincare Routine Should Actually Look Like in 2025

You've probably heard terms like oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. But the truth is, your skin isn't a fixed type. It changes with the weather, stress, hormones, products, and even what you ate last night.

Instead of obsessing over categories, try noticing what your skin is telling you:

  • Feeling tight, flaky, or itchy? You may need more moisture.
  • Getting shiny by midday? You could be overproducing oil, sometimes due to dehydration.
  • Breaking out regularly? Time to check your products, habits, and triggers.

A routine that supports your current skin condition is more useful than one based on a skin type quiz from 2021.

The Core 3: Cleanse, Moisturize, Protect

There are thousands of products, but only a few that matter when you're starting out. Focus on the essentials first.

Cleanser

Use it once or twice a day to remove dirt, sunscreen, and buildup.

  • Look for gentle, non-stripping formulas
  • Fragrance-free is a safe starting point, especially if you're sensitive

Moisturizer

Even if you're oily, your skin needs hydration. Moisturizers help balance oil production and support your skin barrier.

  • Gels are good for oily or combination skin
  • Creams are helpful for dry or reactive skin

Sunscreen (morning only)

This is non-negotiable. Sunscreen protects from UV damage, irritation, and hyperpigmentation.

  • Use SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum
  • Mineral or chemical is up to you (just find one you'll actually use daily)

💡 Pro tip:

Stick with just these three for two to four weeks before adding anything new. You don't need to start strong. You need to start sustainably.

Three Beginner Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

Doing too much too soon

Starting with five actives, a toner, and a peel sounds productive. It usually ends in irritation.

Copying routines from influencers

Their skin, budget, and climate are not yours. What works for them might hurt your barrier.

Skipping sunscreen but trying retinol

This combination often leads to redness and regret. Always protect your progress.

Adding Treatment Products (If You Need Them)

Once your basic routine feels stable, you can add products that target specific concerns. Go slow and introduce one at a time.

  • Salicylic acid helps with clogged pores and acne
  • Niacinamide supports barrier health and reduces redness
  • Retinoids improve breakouts, texture, and fine lines
  • Vitamin C brightens skin and helps fade pigmentation

These ingredients are backed by research, but that doesn't mean they're right for everyone or every routine. Your skin's response matters more than any label.

How to Track and Adjust Your Routine

Skincare is not a set-it-and-forget-it process. Your skin evolves, and so should your approach. This is where tools like can help you figure out what's working, what's not, and what to adjust.

Track things like:

  • What you're using
  • When you introduced it
  • Any noticeable changes over time

You don't need to obsess. Just pay attention. Patterns reveal progress.

Already Have a Routine but Not Seeing Results?

If you've been using skincare consistently but your skin still feels off — dry patches, breakouts, dullness, or just no improvement — the problem might not be what you're missing. It might be what you're doing wrong. That's exactly what helps with.

Final Thoughts: Build Around You, Not the Algorithm

The skincare world loves to throw "must-haves" at you. But the only must-have is a routine that fits your life, your skin, and your goals.

Start simple. Track what happens. Adjust with care.

TL;DR:

  • • Start with cleanse, moisturize, and SPF
  • • Pay attention to your skin's current needs, not just its "type"
  • • Avoid overwhelm by sticking to basics before adding treatment products
  • • Track what you use and how your skin responds
  • • Already stuck? Let help you figure out what to fix

Ready to Build Your Perfect Routine?

Get personalized recommendations based on your skin's unique needs with our AI-powered analysis.

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