Starting a skincare routine can feel overwhelming, especially when you are faced with hundreds of products, unfamiliar ingredients, and conflicting advice about what your skin needs.
You may have heard that you need a cleanser, toner, essence, serum, exfoliant, eye cream, moisturiser, facial oil, and sunscreen. Then there are ingredients such as retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid to understand.
Where do you even begin?
The truth is that building a good skincare routine does not require a large collection of products. You can start with just three essentials and gradually introduce additional products as you understand your skin better.
The most important thing is to identify your skin type, understand your concerns, and choose products that address those needs without irritating your skin.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to build a skincare routine from scratch, including the products to buy first, how to choose ingredients, and how to introduce new products.
Step 1: Understand Your Skin Type
Before buying skincare products, take some time to understand your skin.
Your skin type influences the textures and formulations that may work best for you.
Oily Skin
Oily skin produces more sebum than necessary, which can leave your face looking shiny.
You may notice:
- Persistent shine, particularly around the forehead, nose, and chin.
- Enlarged or more visible pores.
- Frequent clogged pores.
- A tendency towards blackheads and whiteheads.
Choose gentle cleansers, lightweight moisturisers, and sunscreen that feels comfortable on your skin.
Dry Skin
Dry skin produces less oil and may feel tight, rough, or flaky.
You may notice:
- Tightness after cleansing.
- Flaking or rough patches.
- A dull appearance.
- Discomfort when using harsh products.
Look for cream cleansers, moisturisers containing ceramides, and hydrating ingredients such as glycerin.
Combination Skin
Combination skin has characteristics of more than one skin type.
Your forehead, nose, and chin may be oily, while your cheeks are normal or dry.
A balanced routine with a gentle cleanser and adaptable moisturiser is usually a good starting point.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin reacts easily to certain ingredients or environmental conditions.
You may experience redness, itching, burning, or irritation after using particular products.
Choose fragrance-free products where possible and introduce new ingredients slowly.
Normal Skin
Normal skin is generally comfortable and does not experience persistent excessive oiliness or dryness.
You can focus on maintaining hydration, protecting your skin, and addressing any specific concerns.
Step 2: Identify Your Main Skin Concerns
Your skin type tells you what kind of products may suit you. Your skin concerns help determine which treatments you might need.
Some common concerns include:
Acne and clogged pores: Consider ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, depending on the type and severity of acne.
Dark spots and uneven skin tone: Niacinamide, azelaic acid, and vitamin C may help improve the appearance of pigmentation.
Dryness and dehydration: Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and other moisturising ingredients.
Dullness and uneven texture: Gentle exfoliating acids may help improve skin texture when used appropriately.
Fine lines: Sunscreen is essential for prevention of sun damage. Retinoids may help improve the appearance of fine lines.
Do not try to treat every concern at once. Start with the issue that bothers you most.
Step 3: Buy the Three Essential Skincare Products
If you are starting from scratch, you only need three products to begin.
1. A Gentle Cleanser
A cleanser removes sweat, excess oil, dirt, and other residue from your skin.
Choose a formula that cleans effectively without leaving your skin tight or uncomfortable.
Product recommendations:
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.
- CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser.
You do not need separate cleansers for morning and evening unless your skin or products require it.
2. A Moisturiser
Moisturiser helps maintain hydration and supports the skin barrier.
Choose a lightweight lotion for oily skin or a richer cream for dry skin.
Product recommendations:
- CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream.
- Cetaphil Moisturising Cream.
- Etude SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream.
Look for ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, and panthenol.
3. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an essential part of a daytime skincare routine.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Product recommendations:
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ PA++++.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+.
- Eucerin Sun Oil Control SPF 50+.
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+.
Apply it generously every morning and reapply approximately every two hours when outdoors.
Step 4: Establish a Simple Morning Routine
Once you have your three basic products, organise them into a consistent morning routine.
Morning routine:
- Cleanse your face.
- Apply moisturiser.
- Apply sunscreen.
If your skin is very dry, you may prefer to rinse with water rather than use a cleanser every morning.
The important thing is to establish a routine you can maintain.
Step 5: Establish a Simple Nighttime Routine
Your evening routine should remove the products and buildup accumulated throughout the day.
Nighttime routine:
- Remove makeup and sunscreen if necessary.
- Cleanse your face.
- Apply moisturiser.
If you wear water-resistant sunscreen or makeup, consider using micellar water, cleansing oil, or a cleansing balm before your regular cleanser.
You can add targeted treatments once your basic routine is established.
Step 6: Introduce One Treatment at a Time
This is where you can begin making your routine more personalised.
Instead of purchasing five serums at once, choose one ingredient that addresses your main concern.
Here are some options.
For Acne: Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate inside the pores.
It can be useful for blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores.
Product recommendation: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.
For Dark Spots: Niacinamide
Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and can help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.
Product recommendation: Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum.
For Dullness: Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help improve the appearance of dullness and pigmentation.
Product recommendation: Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow.
For Dehydration: Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid attracts water and helps improve skin hydration.
Product recommendation: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
For Fine Lines and Uneven Texture: Retinol
Retinol may help improve the appearance of fine lines, acne, and uneven texture.
Product recommendation: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
Start with a low-strength retinol product and use it gradually. Avoid retinoids during pregnancy.
Step 7: Introduce New Products Slowly
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is adding several new products at once.
This makes it difficult to determine which product is helping and which one may be causing irritation.
A better approach is to introduce one new product at a time.
Give your skin time to adjust before adding another product. Some treatments may require several weeks of consistent use before you notice improvements.
Patch test new products according to their instructions. A patch test can help identify some reactions, although it cannot guarantee that a product will never cause irritation.
Stop using a product if it causes significant burning, swelling, or persistent irritation.
Step 8: Give Your Routine Time to Work
Skincare is not an overnight process.
A moisturiser may make your skin feel more comfortable immediately, but treatments for acne, pigmentation, and uneven texture generally take longer.
Depending on the product and concern, you may need several weeks or longer to assess the results.
Take note of how your skin feels and looks rather than constantly switching products.
A Beginner Skincare Routine You Can Follow
Here is a simple example of how to organise your products.
| Morning | Evening |
|---|---|
| Gentle cleanser | Makeup remover, if needed |
| Optional serum | Gentle cleanser |
| Moisturiser | Optional treatment |
| Sunscreen | Moisturiser |
You can begin with the basic products and add the optional steps later.
How Much Should You Spend on Your First Skincare Routine?
You do not need to spend a fortune.
When starting out, prioritise the products that provide the greatest benefit to your routine.
Spend your initial budget on:
- A cleanser that suits your skin.
- A moisturiser that keeps your skin comfortable.
- A sunscreen you will enjoy wearing consistently.
You can purchase additional treatments when you identify a specific concern.
A simple routine with suitable products is better than an expensive collection that irritates your skin or sits unused.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Skincare
- Buying too many products at once.
- Following someone else’s routine without considering your skin type.
- Using strong exfoliants every day.
- Skipping sunscreen.
- Changing products too frequently.
- Assuming expensive products always work better.
- Ignoring signs of irritation.
- Expecting immediate results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing I should buy when starting skincare?
Start with a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. These three products provide the foundation for a basic routine.
How many products should a beginner use?
Three products are enough to begin: cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. You can add treatments as needed.
Should I use toner as a beginner?
No. Toner is optional and is not necessary for healthy skin.
How long does it take for a skincare routine to work?
It depends on the products and your skin concerns. Hydration may improve quickly, while acne and pigmentation treatments often require several weeks or longer.
Can I use skincare products every day?
Basic products such as cleansers, moisturisers, and sunscreen are generally used daily. Active treatments should be introduced according to their instructions and your skin’s tolerance.
How do I know if a skincare product is not suitable for me?
Persistent burning, redness, itching, swelling, or worsening irritation may indicate that a product is not suitable. Stop using it and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or do not improve.
Final Thoughts
Building a skincare routine from scratch does not have to be overwhelming.
Start by understanding your skin type, identifying your main concerns, and choosing three essentials: a cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen.
Once you have established those basics, introduce targeted treatments slowly and give your skin enough time to respond.
You do not need a complicated routine to care for your skin. The best routine is one that suits your needs, fits your budget, and is simple enough to follow consistently.