With thousands of skincare products on the market and endless conflicting advice online, building an effective routine can feel overwhelming. As a dermatologist, I see patients every day who are using the wrong products for their skin type or using too many products and causing more harm than good. Here's how to get it right.
Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type
Before buying a single product, you need to understand your skin. The main skin types are normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. A simple test: wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and wait 30 minutes without applying anything. If your skin feels tight and flaky, it's dry. If it's shiny all over, it's oily. Shiny in the T-zone only? Combination. Comfortable with no issues? Normal.
The Non-Negotiable Core Routine
- Cleanser twice daily, morning and night
- Moisturizer even oily skin needs hydration
- SPF 30+ sunscreen every single morning, rain or shine
SPF is the single most impactful anti-aging product you can use. Up to 80% of visible skin aging is caused by UV exposure and it's entirely preventable.
Adding Actives: The Right Order
Once your core routine is established, you can layer in active ingredients. The golden rule: apply from thinnest to thickest consistency. A typical evening routine might look like: cleanser → toner (optional) → vitamin C or retinol → niacinamide serum → moisturizer. Never mix retinol with vitamin C or AHAs/BHAs in the same application this can cause irritation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-exfoliating once or twice a week is enough for most skin types
- Skipping SPF on cloudy days UV rays penetrate clouds
- Using too many new products at once introduce one at a time
- Expecting overnight results most actives take 8–12 weeks to show full effect
- Ignoring your neck and chest they age just as fast as your face
When to See a Dermatologist
If you've been consistent with a good routine for 3 months and still aren't seeing improvement, it's time to see a professional. Persistent acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and eczema all benefit from prescription-strength treatments that over-the-counter products simply can't match.
