Skincare

A Step-By-Step Guide To Build A Skincare Routine That Works

Niharika Horo

No matter how invested you are in your skincare, sometimes your skin just does not cooperate. 
 

Cleanse, exfoliate, mask, moisturize, face oils. Ufff! It’s clearly a tough job pleasing your skin. Well, and at times when we do manage to keep up with a good schedule, your face skin can still feel blah the next morning. You can also add an   exfoliator with Salicylic acid which will keep your skin clean and moisturised throughout the day.
 

Well, this happens because it’s not about how expensive or how many products you use – it all boils down to the order you apply them in.
 

And a foolproof solution to acing your skincare game is by following a proper Skincare Routine Order!
 

Wake Up your Skin Right: The AM Routine

 

1. Cleanser

Prep your skin for the day with a good face wash.

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The first step to follow in a good skincare order is to wash off the sweat and oil that your skin produces during your sleep with a gentle face wash. Opt for a lightweight cleanser, as it preps your skin and keeps it hydrated through the day.
 

Products you should give a shot!

1. Good Vibes Brightening Papaya Facewash

2. Alps Goodness Neem and Tulsi Facewash 

3. Garnier Skin Naturals White Complete Facewash

 

2. Toner

Mist your face with a Vitamin C based toner.

Explore: Top rated Toner

Using a toner in the morning serves well as it’s incredibly light and serves as a sort of primer for the rest of your skincare. Opt for something with Vitamin C as it will treat pigmentation and act as double protectant against sun and pollution.
 

Products you should give a shot!

1. WOW Science Vitamin C Mist Toner

2. St. Botanica Vitamin C and B3 Face Mist 

3. Khadi Ayurvedic Rose Water Toner

 

3. Moisturizer

Use a good moisturizer to keep your skin plump and hydrated all day.

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No matter your skin type, if there is one step you absolutely must not skip is moisturization.  Using a good moisturiser keeps your skin hydrated and plump and will lock in all the ingredients you use beneath it. As you want your skin to breathe, our suggestion would be to use a less intense cream or just a smaller amount in the mornings.
 

Products you should give a shot!

1. Good Vibes Nourishing Saffron Day Cream

2. Lakme Absolute Radiance Skin Brightening Cream

3. Alps Goodness Ubtan and Alpha Arbutin Radiance Cream

 

4. Sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen with good protection from both UVA and UVB radiation.

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Sun protection is the most important part of the morning skincare routine as it protects skin, prevents skin cancer and early signs of aging. Look for broad-spectrum SPF, meaning that choose a sunscreen which offers good protection from both UVA and UVB radiation.
 

Products you should give a shot!

1. WOW AM2PM SPF 50 Lotion

2. Good Vibes Wide Spectrum Protection Sunscreen

3. Lotus Herbals Matte Look Sunblock

 

Snooze into Sweet Skin Dreams: The PM Routine

 

5. Cleanser & Toner

Use a night cleanser and use a hydrating toner to close pores.

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Before you hit the bed, make sure to remove all your makeup. Then use a deep cleaning cleanser to remove the gunk out of your skin, which will not dry out or irritate your skin. Post your cleansing routine, use a hydrating mist at night to cool down your skin and tighten your pores.
 

Products you should give a shot!

1. Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser

2. Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser

3. DermDoc Vitamin Nourishing Toner

 

6. Serum

Use a Hyaluronic Acid or Retinol serum to revive your skin.

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Serums are blessed with active ingredients which penetrate deep into the skin layers and work their magic. As the night progresses, your skin’s clock also slows down, and you need a charged serum to help your skin unwind and be nourished.
 

Our suggestion would be to use something with Hyaluronic Acid or Retinol to help revive your skin’s texture and lock in the moisturization. Also, if you are experimental, and like to use at home chemical peels or jellies now is the right time to do so.
 

Products you should give a shot!

1. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum

2. MamaEarth Retinol and Bakuchi Night Cream

3. Good Vibes Radiant Glow Face Serum

 

 

7. Eye Cream

Eye creams are great to protect your delicate under eye area.

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If an eye cream is not part of your skin care routine, now is a great time to use it. Eye creams are almost like a treat and are great to protect your delicate under eye area. Just be careful not to use any product with harsh ingredients and keep the gentle tapping application in mind.
 

Products you should give a shot!

Mama Earth Bye Bye Dark Circles

Himalaya Under Eye Cream

Aroma Magic Bye Bye Puffy Eyes Sheet Mask

 

8. Acne Spot Treatment

Apply your acne spot treatment and cream to treat pimples.

Now is a good time to attack those nasties which seem to be popping out of nowhere. If you are using a pimple patch, we suggest you apply it after your moisturiser. Follow it up with a spot treatment cream (if you need one that is).
 

Products you should give a shot!

1. Carmesi Acne Spot Corrector

2. Biotique Spot Correcting Anti-Acne Face Pack

 

9. Moisturizer & Face Oils

Apply a heavy night moisturizer or facial oil for deep hydration.

Moisturizing is important at night, as it helps create a barrier that seals in active ingredients and hydration. Lather on a rich moisturiser or night cream, so that when you wake up, your skin is glowy and plump.
 

And if you are a fan of luxurious face oils - night would be the best time.  Apply thicker oils that may result in unwanted shiny complexion during the day. Just use a jade roller or simple face massage techniques to help your skin soak in the goodness of the oils.\
 

Products you should give a shot!

1. Good Vibes Wheatgerm Nourishing Night Cream

2. DermDoc Damage Recovery Night Cream with Kojic Acid

3. Good Vibes Argan Facial Oil with 24k Gold

4. Soulflower Pure Kumkumadi Night Beauty Elixir

 

An elaborate skincare routine is not everyone’s cup of tea. So don’t feel pressured to follow the above list to the tee. A golden thumb rule which works for most skin types – is to apply products from the thinnest to thickest consistency. To start your day follow this morning skincare routine and have glowing skin. 

 

A handy tip is to make notes on your phone or stack your skincare products in order, you have to use them. And if you don't want to have a long list, cut it off to the most important ones and stick to them. Have a perfect skin minimalism routine with less but effective ones.

 

The key is to do what works for you boo – that is finding a skincare routine order that you love and one you will follow in the long term. Whether it involves the whole shebang or a simple yet effective ritual, just remember to have fun and feel good in your own skin.  

 

Read more:
 - Good winter skincare routine
- The best skin care routine for your 20s
- Day & Night Skincare Routine Steps For Weekends

#Skincare
#skincare routine

About Niharika Horo

A wandering soul, unraveling the unexpected twists and turns of this world one word at a time.