Skincare routine for beginners

What should you buy first?

Buy the basics before adding products for acne, dark spots or wrinkles. Using several products can increase irritation as well as cost. Choose products for your skin type rather than copying someone else's complete routine.4

Your morning routine, in order

1. 1Cleanse gently. Use a gentle facial cleanser rather than a scrub. If your skin is dry or sensitive, cleansing just once daily in the evening can be sufficient.
2. 2Apply moisturizer. Apply it while your skin is still damp to help trap water in the skin. Moisturizer belongs in the routine even if your skin is oily.
3. 3Apply sunscreen last. Choose broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Cover skin that clothing does not cover, including your face, neck and ears.

How much attention does sunscreen need?

Wear sunscreen every day, including in winter. SPF means sun protection factor. SPF 30 is generally sufficient if you spend most of your time indoors; choose SPF 50 or higher for planned time in the sun, such as a beach day. Sun protection helps prevent wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. Shade and protective clothing belong alongside sunscreen, not just in the packing list.1345

A moisturizer with sunscreen can combine two steps if it offers broad spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher. Makeup containing SPF is often not enough on its own. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming or sweating. Choose a texture you find easy to apply so daily use is practical.145

How should you wash your face?

Cleansing removes dirt, pollutants and excess oil. Water alone is less effective at removing oily material. A fragrance free liquid cleanser is a useful starting point; the word "gentle" on a bottle is not a regulated term. Skip microbeads and grainy facial scrubs, which can irritate skin.57

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water. Hot water can strip the skin's protective barrier and cause dryness.
2. 2Gently massage cleanser over your face, jaw and neck with your fingertips. Washcloths, loofahs and scrubbing brushes can be harsh.
3. 3Rinse with lukewarm water until the cleanser and any residue are gone.
4. 4Pat with a clean towel rather than rubbing. Leave your skin slightly damp for moisturizer.

Limit face washing to twice daily and after sweating. Dry skin can need only an evening wash. Tightness after cleansing can happen because the cleanser removes some natural oils as well as dirt; apply moisturizer afterward rather than adding another wash.147

Your evening routine

Cleanse before bed, then apply moisturizer. Sunscreen is not needed at night. If you use a treatment, its usual place is after cleansing and before moisturizer. For additional products, the general layering rule is thinner textures before thicker ones so a heavy cream does not interfere with a lighter product's absorption.2

How do you introduce new products?

Introduce one new product at a time so you can see whether your skin tolerates it. If your skin is sensitive, try a small amount on a small area before applying it across your face. Favor fragrance free products because added fragrance can trigger irritation or allergic reactions. Establish regular use of the basics before expanding the routine.6

Do you need toner, serum or exfoliation?

Toners, serums and eye creams are optional, despite the impressive attendance they achieve in routine videos. Toner can dry or irritate sensitive skin. A regular moisturizer is usually preferable to a separate eye cream for the sensitive eye area. If you add a serum, use one at a time after cleansing. Vitamin C can help with dark spots and support sun protection, but it does not replace sunscreen.2

Exfoliation is not part of the essential starter routine. If you choose to exfoliate, a product containing glycolic acid is an option instead of an abrasive scrub. Acid cleansers can irritate sensitive skin. Adding exfoliation is a decision about a specific need, not a requirement for getting your face clean.57

When should you add a treatment?

Add a treatment for an actual concern rather than adding every available active ingredient. For aging skin, retinol is a vitamin A derived ingredient that can improve wrinkles, sun spots and texture with regular use. Stronger retinoids are available by prescription. Retinol can irritate skin if overused, so begin slowly at night and monitor for redness, significant peeling or irritation before increasing use.1

For tweens and teens, start with cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen rather than products aimed at wrinkles or sun damage. Acne changes the decision: benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be helpful, but both can cause dryness and irritation. A dermatologist can help decide whether a retinoid or exfoliating acid is appropriate for younger skin.6

What should you expect, and when should you stop?

The basics have different jobs: cleanser removes surface buildup, moisturizer helps retain water, and sunscreen protects against sun damage. Treatments address concerns such as acne or dark spots separately. Stop a new product if irritation develops, and arrange a dermatologist appointment. For a teen with acne, seek help if breakouts leave dark marks or scars, or have not improved after a few months of nonprescription treatment.246