Skincare Beginner's Guide: Step-by-Step Basic Routine
Where to start with skincare? How to build a basic routine? Product selection guide based on your skin type and proper application order.
Skincare Beginner's Guide
The world of skincare can seem complex at first glance. It's easy to get lost among dozens of products, ingredients, and techniques. In this guide, we'll share the essential knowledge you need for healthy skin and steps to create a beginner routine.
Info
This guide is designed for skincare beginners. After learning the basic concepts, you can develop your routine according to your skin type and concerns.
Know Your Skin Type
First and foremost, you need to know your skin type. Correct product selection is built upon this foundation.
How to Determine Your Skin Type?
When you wake up in the morning, observe your skin without washing your face:
Skin Type Characteristics
Dry Skin Signs:
- Tightness and constriction feeling
- Flaking and peeling
- Small pores
- Matte appearance
Oily Skin Signs:
- Shine (especially T-zone)
- Large pores
- Frequent breakouts
- Makeup sliding off
Combination Skin Signs:
- Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
- Normal or dry cheeks
- Variable pore size
Normal Skin Signs:
- Neither too oily nor too dry
- Minimal issues
- Balanced appearance
Sensitive Skin Signs:
- Easy redness
- Burning and stinging sensation
- Prone to allergic reactions
Expert Opinion
— Dr. Zeynep Kaya, DermatologistYour skin type can change with seasonal variations, hormonal cycles, and age. Reevaluate your skin at least once a year and adjust your routine accordingly.
Basic Skincare Routine: 3 Steps
No need for complex routines. An effective skincare routine consists of three basic steps:
1. Cleansing
Cleanse your skin twice daily (morning and evening).
Tip
A gentle cleanser is sufficient in the morning. In the evening, you can do double cleansing (oil-based + water-based) for makeup and daily accumulated impurities.
Cleanser Selection by Skin Type:
| Skin Type | Recommended Cleanser |
|---|---|
| Dry | Cream or milk cleanser |
| Oily | Gel or foam cleanser |
| Combination | Gentle gel cleanser |
| Sensitive | Micellar water or sensitive cleanser |
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Ceramide-infused, hydrating cleanser. Suitable for all skin types, protects the skin's natural barrier.
✓ Dermatologist recommendation #1
2. Moisturizing
Every skin type needs moisturizer - including oily skin!
Warning
The notion "I have oily skin, I don't need moisturizer" is wrong. Unmoisturized skin produces more oil. Choose lightweight, oil-free formulas.
Ingredient Recommendations:
Ingredients to Look for in Moisturizers
Holds 1000 times its weight in water
Provides intense hydration
Building blocks of the skin barrier
Repairs and strengthens the barrier
Humectant (moisture-attracting) substance
Keeps skin soft and supple
Multi-functional active ingredient
Tightens pores, evens skin tone
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair
Moisturizer with ceramides and niacinamide, providing 48-hour hydration. Formulated for sensitive skin.
3. Sun Protection (Morning)
Sun protection is the most important step in skincare. It reduces the risk of spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer.
Expert Opinion
Use at least SPF 30 sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. UVA rays that pass through windows cause premature aging.
Sunscreen Selection:
- Chemical filters: Lightweight, invisible, ideal under makeup
- Mineral filters (zinc/titanium): For sensitive skin, may leave white cast
- Hybrid formulas: Combines advantages of both
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400
SPF 50+ broad spectrum protection. New generation UVA filter (Mexoryl 400) for long-wave UVA protection.
✓ Best sunscreen of 2024
Product Application Order
The correct order maximizes product effectiveness.
Golden Rule
Apply products from thinnest to thickest. The lightest consistency product goes first, the thickest one goes last.
Morning Routine
- Cleanser
- Toner (optional)
- Serum (optional)
- Eye cream (optional)
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (mandatory!)
Evening Routine
- Cleanser (double cleansing recommended)
- Toner (optional)
- Serum/active ingredient (optional)
- Eye cream (optional)
- Moisturizer or night cream
Tip
Keep it minimal at the beginning. The trio of cleanser + moisturizer + sunscreen is sufficient. As your skin adjusts, add new products one at a time.
Common Mistakes
Right vs Wrong Approaches
Pros
- Being patient - waiting 4-6 weeks for results
- Patch testing - trying new products on a small area first
- Starting with few products - allowing skin to adjust
- Using sunscreen - every day, every season
- Being gentle - not rubbing, patting to apply
Cons
- Over-cleansing - stripping all skin oils
- Daily exfoliation - 1-2 times a week is enough
- Too many products - overwhelming the skin
- Switching products - changing before seeing results
- Going without sunscreen - skipping sun protection
Beginner Set Recommendation
Our recommended budget-friendly starter combination:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Basic cleanser
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La Roche-Posay Toleriane
Daily moisturizer
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Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF50+
Sunscreen
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Conclusion
Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint. Start with basic steps, listen to your skin, and be patient. Within a few weeks, you'll start seeing noticeable results.
Reminder
Every skin has different needs. This guide provides a general roadmap. If you have serious skin issues, we recommend consulting a dermatologist.
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