How to Establish an Effective Skincare Routine

Co-authored by Diana Yerkes

Last Updated: January 3, 2024 Approved

With so many skincare products on the market, choosing the right combination might seem overwhelming, but creating a skincare routine can be fun! To make sure that your routine works for you, you should first consider what type of skin you have. You can then put together a personalized regimen of cleansers, toners, moisturizers, exfoliants, and masks. Within a few months, you will be delighted by your beautiful skin!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Setting up a Basic Routine

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1
Remove makeup. If you wear makeup, you should remove it before you go to bed. Some cleansers claim to remove makeup for you, but these may not get rid of all makeup. You may want to have an extra makeup remover on hand. Use it before you cleanse your face.^{[1]
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- Makeup wipes or removers are easy and convenient. Simply wipe off the makeup with a soaked pad until it is gone.
- Since eye and lip makeup can be harder to remove, you may want to use a special makeup remover designed for these parts.
2
Cleanse twice a day. You should wash your face twice a day, once in the morning before you put on makeup, and once at night before you go to bed. You should also cleanse after sweating heavily.^{[2]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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- Wet your skin with warm water but not hot water. Warm water helps remove dirt, but hot water will dry out your skin.
- Apply the cleanser and massage it onto your skin in upwards, circular motions. Remove completely, either by using a sponge or by splashing with warm water. Dab your face dry with a clean towel.
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3
Apply toner after your cleanser. Toner should be applied once you have dried your face after cleansing. Pump a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad, and simply wipe over your face. Avoid the eye area. Let the toner dry on your skin. You do not need to rinse off.^{[3]
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Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional

Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.}
- If you have dry or sensitive skin, find an alcohol-free toner.^{[4]
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4
Moisturize your skin. Your moisturizer goes on after your toner absorbs. You can massage your moisturizer into your skin using upward circular motions to your face and neck. Alternatively, you can apply it to your clean palms and gently pat it in.^{[5]
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Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional

Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.}
- If you have dark or puffy eyes or if you are concerned about wrinkles around your eyes, you can use a separate eye cream. Gently pat the cream around your eye with your ring finger.
5
Exfoliate once or twice a week. You should only exfoliate once or twice a week, or else you may cause damage to your skin. Be gentle as you exfoliate. Soft movements are all that are needed. Vigorously rubbing or scrubbing can be harmful.^{[6]
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- There are many different types of exfoliation. You can use a wash-off scrub, a special mitt or sponge, or even a chemical exfoliant such as AHA or BHA.
- You may want to avoid exfoliating if you have active acne breakouts or hyperpigmentation.^{[7]
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6
Wear sunscreen everyday. Daily sun exposure can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and other problems. Even if you don’t plan on going outside for long, put on sunscreen before you leave home. Your sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher.^{[8]
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Go to source} Apply it fifteen minutes before going outside. ^{[9]
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- Sunscreen should be applied as the last step of your routine after you have put on moisturizer but before you have put on any makeup.

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: What Skin Type Do I Have?

Oily, combination, dry, or sensitive—to take the very best care of your face, first you’ve got to know your skin type. Whether it’s acne, flakiness, redness, or oil that’s got you down, we’ll give you all the knowledge you need, and we’ll even recommend our favorite products for your skin type.

1 of 12

Let’s talk about pores. How would you describe yours?

Honestly, they’re super noticeable, large, and all over my face.

They’re noticeable, but only really in my t-zone (AKA, my forehead, nose, & chin).

They’re pretty small. I can hardly see them!

I’m pretty sure my pores are average in size.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Controlling Oily Skin

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1
Choose a foaming cleanser. Foaming cleansers work the best for oily skin as they remove oil gently. You only need a small amount for your whole face. Foaming cleansers come in gel, pump, and cream form.^{[10]
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- Be careful only to wash your face twice a day. Washing too often can actually cause your skin to produce more oil and pimples.
2
Look for ingredients that will fight acne. If you have acne-prone skin, then you should be using tougher ingredients that will reduce oil, shine, and pimples. Some common and effective ingredients include:^{[11]
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- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Sulfur
- Alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid
- Retinoid
- Witch hazel
Using a heavy moisturizer might make your skin even oilier. To combat this, use a water or gel-based moisturizer instead. These are moisturizers where water is listed as the first or second ingredient.^{[12]
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Relax with a clay mask to reduce oil. Clay masks are great for people with oily skin. Smear them on your face after cleansing, and leave them on for fifteen to twenty minutes before rinsing off. Apply moisturizer afterwards.^{[13]
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5
Avoid touching your face. Touching your face can transfer bacteria and dirt from your hands to your face. These can cause pimples. If you must touch your face, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water first.
- Never pick, squeeze, or pop your pimples. It hurts more, looks worse, and eventually may leave behind an ugly scar.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Soothing Dry and Sensitive Skin

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Since cleansers can strip your skin of good oils, you do not need to use them in the morning. Instead, rinse your face with warm water and pat dry. Wash your face with cleanser at night.^{[14]
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Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional

Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.}
Makeup removers often contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients that can dry out and irritate your skin. Oil cleansers are gentler than makeup removing wipes. Simply apply the oil to your dry skin, and wash off with warm water.^{[15]
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A serum is a watery moisturizer that gives your skin an extra boost of hydration. Gently dab the serum onto your face with a cotton ball or clean hands. Let it absorb into your skin before you apply moisturizer.
4
Apply a cream with oils. If you have dry or mature skin, oil-based products will not only add hydration but seal moisture into your skin. Check the label to see if oil is one of the first listed ingredients.^{[16]
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- Mineral oil or petrolatum may be helpful if you have cracked skin or flaky patches.
- Rosehip oil and jojoba oil can help prevent moisture from leaving your skin.
5
Pick soothing ingredients if you have irritation. Irritation and flaky skin can be common for both dry and sensitive skin types. To soothe your skin, pick products that contain moisturizing ingredients, such as aloe, chamomile, green tea extract, or Vitamin C.^{[17]
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- Note that high amounts of Vitamin C can cause dryness. If you're experiencing dryness, try Magnesium ascorbic phosphate.^{[18]
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6
Avoid alcohol and other astringents. Alcohol can dry out skin and irritate sensitive skin. Read the ingredients of all of your products so that you can avoid alcohol. In addition to alcohol, you should avoid irritating ingredients like:^{[19]
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- Witch hazel
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus oil
- Fragrance
- Acids (note that Hyaluronic acid retains water and will not dry out your skin)^{[20]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Handling Common Skincare Problems

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1
Look for antioxidants to reduce signs of aging. Antioxidants can help prevent signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Common ones one include Vitamin C, retinol, tea extracts, grape seed extracts, and niacinamide.^{[21]
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- While they are not antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines.
2
Treat uneven skin tones with lightening ingredients. If you want to reduce hyperpigmentation or dark spots on your face, choose ingredients that will lighten these areas. Some products that may be effective include:^{[22]
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- Kojic acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Arbutin
- Niacinamide
- Licorice Root Extract
Dull skin is a common side effect of dry or mature skin. If you are looking for more of a glow, try to find products that contain Vitamin C, arbutin, niacinamide, and mulberry extract.^{[23]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} These products are more effective when used together, so feel free to mix and match.
To avoid flares, choose a mild cleanser and moisturizer.^{[24]
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Go to source} You should avoid products that contain alcohol, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, or witch hazel.^{[25]
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Research source} For the best treatment, talk to a doctor about getting a prescription to treat your condition.
If you are struggling to find products that work for your skin, visit a dermatologist. They can help you identify your skin type while pinpointing the underlying issues that may be causing your concerns. They may even give you prescriptions that can help.^{[26]
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Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional

Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.}

Weekly Skincare Routine

Sample Weekly Skincare Routine

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Expert Q&A

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Question

Can men use this skin care routine?

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

Of course! Keep in mind that because of male hormones, the skin may be more oily (but, not always the case). The marketing of many skin care products are geared toward females; however, they can be used on males as well. Once you know your skin type you can lay out a routine. If you need help, you can see an esthetician or visit a dermatologist.

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Question

When you use facial exfoliator do you also need to use facial wash?

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

Yes, you do. If you are talking about using a device, such as an exfoliating brush or cloth, then you will definitely use a facial wash. A chemical exfoliator on the other hand, may require a different additional prep, usually after you have cleansed the skin. Follow the directions of the exfoliator you purchased. These articles may be helpful: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Glycolic-Acid-Peel http://www.wikihow.com/Exfoliate-Your-Face

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Question

Cleansing is followed by toning and moisturizing. But do I need to do toning and moisturizing after exfoliating? And if yes, then I should exfoliate in place of cleansing?

Community Answer

Yes, there's no need to cleanse after exfoliating. You just have to tone and moisturize afterwards.

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Tips

Consider using natural or homemade products, especially if you have sensitive skin that does not react well to commercial products.

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New products rarely work right away. If you are starting a new routine, give yourself between six weeks and three months to let the products work. Keep doing your routine in the morning and at night for consistency.

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Drink plenty of water, if you're well hydrated, your skin will be too.

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Warnings

If a product causes redness, irritation, flaking, or swelling, stop using immediately. Rinse off with water if the product is still on your face.

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Do not apply products that contain an ingredient that you are allergic to.

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