Everyone wants great skin, but the world of skincare can be intimidating, to say the least. With so many products out there to choose from, where do you start?

Caring for your skin doesn’t have to be frustrating. In fact, once you develop your own routine and find products that work for you, it can be a fantastic form of daily self care. 

Ready to give it a go? Here’s our quick guide to starting your skincare routine from scratch.

Clean

First, clean your face with a high-quality cleanser that suits your skin type. Cleansers fall into a few different categories, each with a unique focus.

Foaming formulas are ideal for oily or acne prone skin, because they are stellar for breaking down dirt and clearing out your pores. Oil cleansers, meanwhile, are perfect for sensitive skin, thanks to their lightweight feel and moisturizing quality. However, if you have dry skin, look for a cream or lotion—they’re formulated with emollients, which help to hydrate while also cleaning.

Tone

Toner isn’t a mandatory step, but it can help remove any impurities after cleansing and add extra nutrients to your skin in the process. Plus, toners just feel nice on your face.

If you’re using toner, the key is to smooth it on immediately after cleansing. And just like you did with your cleanser, select the product that best suits your skin type for the best results. 

Treat

Next, apply any serums you wish to use to target specific issues. There are serums to hydrate, brighten, tighten, fix dark spots—the list goes on. If you don’t have a problem in mind, try using a general antioxidant serum to protect your skin from daily wear and tear.

Keep in mind that many serums aren’t designed to be used twice per day. Take a close look at the label to find out if your product works best when applied in the morning, evening, or both.

Moisturize

You don’t want to skip this vital element of any skincare routine. Moisturizer is essential for hydrating and softening, something your skin needs more and more help with as you age. However, although moisturizing is often associated with aging, it’s a crucial step for everyone.

Moisturizers come in different textures for different skin types. As general rules of thumb, dry skin loves a cream, sensitive skin prefers a balm, oily faces like a gel formula, and normal skin enjoys a lotion.

Protect

If you only pick one tip to follow, make it this one. Everyone—yes, everyone— should protect their skin with sunscreen year-round. Not only does it prevent lines, wrinkles, and imperfections from forming, but it’s your best bet for preventing skin cancer.

Experts suggest wearing SPF 30 daily, applying at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. An easy way to work sunscreen into your new skin routine is to seek out a moisturizer with sunscreen built in.

And that’s it. You have everything you need to nurture the glowy, healthy skin of your dreams. Enjoy your new routine!