“Filters are great, but great skin is better”

Renee Rouleau

Figuring out how to build an effective skincare routine is quite a challenge. With hundreds of products and tips available on the Internet, I always felt overwhelmed trying to decide exactly what to add and what to take out of my skincare routine. After practicing dozens of skincare methods (...and wasting more than half of my budget on the procedure), I finally managed to build a 5-step basic skincare routine that helped me solve all my skin problems.

How to Build a Personal Skincare Routine

A skincare routine is not meant to only make skin look beautiful but also maintain its health. Here’s the exact process I follow to keep my skin healthy, neat, and attractive.

1. Cleanser 

Before doing anything else, I wash my face thoroughly with a good-quality cleanser. I take a small amount and tap it gently on my wet face. It’s important to avoid rubbing too hard and too long. This can cause redness and overdrying. After washing my face, I pat it dry with a face towel.

Cleansing must be done both in the morning and evening to make sure the skin is free of impurities. To me, this is the fundamental step. Without cleansing, even the best quality products won’t deliver results. Choose a good cleanser according to your skin type and apply it twice daily (in the morning and at night before bed.)

2.  Toner

Toners are the best way to remove oil and the leftover cleanser from the skin. I use a hydrating toner in the morning and exfoliating toner at night. This way my skin stays soft, supple, and glowy.

I use a spray bottle to apply my favorite toner. It makes it easy to apply. Select a hydrating and an exfoliating toner according to your skin needs. Avoid exfoliation if your skin is dry. Instead, use a hydrating toner twice a day. 

3.  Glutathione Serum 

Glutathione is food for the skin. I use it twice a day to keep my skin elastic and wrinkle-free. Just after applying the toner, I take 3-4 drops of this serum and apply it gently on my face. 

Glutathione is also available in face creams, in liquid form, and as capsules. Get glutathione in any form you desire and use it day and night. For oral intake, ask a doctor.

4.  Retinol 

Retinol is an essential part of my skincare routine. Using it has made my skin younger and healthier. The right concentration of retinol gives skin a plump effect. A 0.25% concentration of retinol is the best to start with. 

I started with 0.25% and gradually increased it to 0.5% and then 1%. Retinol is also available in face creams and can be used to get the same results. Remember that retinol should only be used at night. Use SPF 50 sunscreen in the morning.

5.  Moisturizer 

At the end of this skincare routine, I use a light moisturizer. Moisturizers are thick and take time to blend into the skin. So it’s best to use them at the end. Apply a light moisturizer to lock in all the products.

Conclusion:

Having a bunch of expensive products isn’t the solution to getting flawless skin. Using the right products at the right time consistently is what matters. This 5-step skincare routine is a combination of basic products that have to be used in a specific order to get flawless and beautiful skin.