Skip to content
A good skincare routine does not need to be complex. Quite the contrary, in fact. There are three basic components, which we will detail below. Once you have those components mastered, you are then able to customize your skincare routine with more advanced products and treatments to fit your overarching aesthetic goals.
What are the most important parts of a skincare routine?
The three most important steps in a skincare routine are cleansing, hydrating, and protecting the skin from the sun and other environmental elements. Finding a cleanser and moisturizer that fit your specific skin type is paramount. With literally tens of thousands of skincare products on the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed or enticed by a cleanser in an ornate bottle with a cool font. When it comes to selecting the right skincare products, it’s essential to know which type of skin you have.
Determine your skin type
Figuring out your skin type is an essential first step for creating a skincare routine. The three major skin types are: Oily, dry and combination. The main characteristics of those skin types are:
- Dry skin generally feels tight and shows signs of flakiness. Dry skin can also be itchy.
- Oily skin is typically shiny, especially in the T-Zone. Oily skin is susceptible to acne breakouts.
- Combination skin is a combo of both dry and oily skin. Some areas on the face will be dry, while other areas are oily. The most common dry areas are the cheeks and chin while oilier areas are typically seen on the forehead and nose.
Another way to determine which skin type you have is by cleansing the skin and waiting 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, if your skin feels tight, you likely have dry skin. If the skin is shiny, you likely have oily skin. If your skin feels tight in some parts but looks shiny or oily on other areas, you are likely a combination skin type.
It is worth noting that any of the three major skin types can be classified as sensitive. When you have sensitive skin, it’s important to refrain from using products with parabens or artificial fragrances.
Start with the basics: 3 steps
As mentioned earlier, there are three basic steps in a good skincare routine: Cleansing, hydrating and protection. Cleansing the skin should happen twice a day–in the morning and in the evening. Washing your face at night is crucial for removing makeup and any dirt and grime that landed on your skin during the day. If you don’t wash your face at night, you’re giving all the bacteria and dirt a chance to seep into the pores and cause breakouts and irritation. The skin also renews itself at night, so going to bed without cleansing your face is a missed opportunity. Plus, all your skincare products work better on a clean face.
The second step, using moisturizer, helps the skin to retain hydration and restore its suppleness. Moisturizer also helps fight fine lines and wrinkles. Even if you have oily skin, you still need a moisturizer.
Protecting your skin with sunscreen is step number three in any good skincare routine. You will need to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 every day to your face. Makeup with sunscreen does not count, as it does not provide enough protection.
Advanced: Add in spa treatments
Once you have mastered the basic skincare steps, you can now add in spa treatments. Monthly facials with extractions is a good place to start. Facials can deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin in a way that cannot be done at home. A licensed esthetician can safely extract any pimples and leave the skin with a gorgeous glow. Other spa treatments that can visibly improve the skin are peels, microneedling and microdermabrasion. Spa treatments can also be very relaxing and are the perfect way to treat yourself to some me-time.
Do I need a different skincare routine at night?
While cleansing and moisturizing are to be done in both the morning and the evening, there are other skincare steps that can vary depending on the time of day.
AM/PM skincare customization
After cleansing, your morning routine should include an antioxidant serum or moisturizer and a heavy dose of SPF. HydroPeptide Face Lift moisturizer contains antioxidants to help your skin fend of environmental stressors and free radicals during the day. By choosing a tinted sunscreen, you can forgo the foundation and give the skin a chance to breath. Try HydroPeptide Solar Defense Tinted.
Your evening skincare routine looks like your morning regimen, except instead of protecting the skin, your goal is rejuvenation. A night cream with peptides, hyaluronic acid and Bakuchiol, such as HydroPeptide Power Luxe, will restore the skin and help provide collagen support as you sleep.
What are some easy face care routines that you swear by?
When your face care routine is easy, that is when you’re going to stick to it. If you choose a 10-step, complex skincare routine, you’re more likely to veer off track.
Start with the basics - 3 steps
To have a good skincare routine, just means sticking to the three basics: Cleanser, Moisturizer and SPF. At the very basic level, all you need are three skincare products to ensure your skin is properly cared for and to safely protect yourself from sun damage. Cleansers remove dirt, oils, grime and makeup. A moisturizer replenishes the skin and provides hydration, it also protects the skin barrier. A sunscreen is essential for fighting photodamage, which leads to premature aging and skin cancer.
Where does a shower fit into your skincare routine?
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to shower every single day. In fact, if you have dry skin on your body, many dermatologists recommend only showering a few days a week or after sweating. When you do shower, it is recommended to keep shower time on the shorter side and not to use very hot water. When the water is hot, it can dry out the skin. After showering, apply a moisturizer to the body to damp skin to help lock in the hydration. Try HydroPeptide Soothing Balm to keep moisture in and irritants out.
