You’ve probably seen a million and one blog posts and articles on “how to build the best skincare routine”, but most of them don’t actually give you any specific or tangible advice. They’ll tell you that cleansing is important, use SPF every day, don’t forget to moisturize, and maybe exfoliate a couple times a week – but they never give you an actual step-by-step guide on what products to use and when. Or they will recommend 10 different serums without telling you how much of each one to use or in what order to apply them! So frustrating, right?

Don’t worry though, I got your back. In this blog post, I’m going fully armored with the best advice out there on building an effective skincare routine tailored specifically for YOU. From using certified Organic eyeliner to cleansing oils, I’ll help you determine the best products to use for each step of your routine and how to fit it all into your busy schedule!

Double Down on Your Cleanser

The most important step in any skincare routine is cleansing. This is because cleansers remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin’s surface – which if left uncleaned can lead to breakouts, dullness, and uneven texture. When choosing a cleanser for your routine, it’s important to find one that suits your specific skin type.

For example: If you have dry skin, then you’ll want to avoid harsh foaming cleansers as they will strip away natural oils and leave your complexion feeling tight & irritated. Instead opt for a hydrating milk or cream-based formula. Oily/acne-prone types should look for gel or foam formulas that contain active ingredients like Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid. Those with normal, combination, or mature skin can choose from a range of formulas depending on their needs.

Exfoliate Twice a Week

Exfoliating regularly is an important part of any good skincare routine, especially if you suffer from acne or dullness. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, allowing for better absorption of other products in your routine. There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical.

Physical exfoliants such as face scrubs gently slough away surface impurities with tiny grains, while chemical exfoliants penetrate deeper into the pores to dislodge buildup with acids (glycolic, salicylic and lactic). You should aim to use a physical scrub 2–3 times a week (more for oily skin) and a chemical exfoliant 1–2 times per week.

Hydrate!

A good skincare routine is not complete without proper hydration. This step helps to lock in all the moisture from the previous steps and leaves your skin feeling plump and dewy. Choose a hydrating product that suits your skin type—for dry skin, opt for a creamy moisturizer; for oily or acne-prone skin, go for a gel-based formula. In addition to using face products, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin cells properly hydrated from within.

Use Sunscreen Like You Mean It

We can’t stress this one enough. No matter what time of year it is or whether you’ll be spending time outdoors, sunscreen should be the last step in your morning skincare routine. It not only helps to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, but it also prevents sunspots and uneven skin tone. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher— but don’t forget to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time in direct sunlight.

Up Your Antioxidant Intake

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and cause inflammation—both of which can lead to premature aging. To combat free radicals, make sure your diet is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, and manganese. Foods like berries, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, nuts and seeds are all great sources of these nutrients. You can also look for skincare products that contain antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea or resveratrol.”

Add an Eye Cream to Your Routine After 40 Years Old

The skin tissue around the eye area is thinner than most of the body, so it’s important to use a cream that’s specifically formulated for this trouble spot. In addition to looking for an eye cream that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, you can also include ones with peptides or retinol. These ingredients can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”

So, there you have it! The skincare tips and products you need to create the perfect routine for your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. While some of these steps may seem overwhelming at first glance (we’re looking at you, C-Serum), we promise they’re worth it. And hey—it only takes a few minutes out of your day to make sure your skin is looking its best.