Photo: Sharmili (@sharmtoaster)

Environment, food, stress, hormones, genetics and a skincare routine affect our skin daily. Although we can’t control our genes or the environment, we can try to keep stress levels low, eat healthy foods and use the right products to keep glowing on the inside as well as the outside. Starting a routine can be trying, especially with all of the products that are out there, but here are some tips to find the right routine for your skin type.

The main three steps of a skincare routine are cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Cleaners do just that – cleanse the skin, toning helps remove excess oil, balance your skin, and shrink your pores, and moisturizing helps keep your skin hydrated and soft. Incorporating these three steps into your daily routine can help keep your complexion at its best.

Incorporating a skincare routine into your day will not ensure that you’ll have perfect, glowing skin the very next day. It takes time to get the full benefits, so patience is key. Try to give your routine at least six weeks of a trial period to notice a difference in your skin.

CLEANSING:

Our skin is affected by pollutants, dirt and many other factors daily, so washing your face is an essential step in any skincare routine. Washing and cleansing your skin twice a day helps avoid clogged pores, acne, breakouts and lackluster skin.

Here’s what to look for in a daily cleanser based on your skin type:

Skin Type	Cleanser Type	What It Does
Oily/Acne-prone Skin	Foam cleansers	Stronger type of cleanser which is ideal for removing makeup, oil, and breaking down dirt
Dry Skin	Lotion or cream cleansers	Gentle cleanser which removes dirt and makeup while hydrating the skin
Sensitive Skin	Oil cleansers	Oil attracts oil, this cleanser absorbs impurities while nourishing the skin
Combination Skin	Gel based or mild-foaming cleanser	Cleanse the skin while keeping the dry areas hydrated and controlling sebum production
Normal Skin	Balancing foam cleansers	Simple cleansers that aren’t too heavy on the moisturizing and/or exfoliating.

TONER:

Although toner is optional, it's a great way to keep your skin balanced, shrink your pores, remove excess dirt and add specific ingredients that other products may not have. Toners should be used after cleansing and before any other product. Most formulas can be used morning and night, however, if you’re using a toner with exfoliating acids, switch to using it once a day or every other day. To save product, ensure your hands are clean, pour two-three drops into your palms and swipe across your face.

SERUMS:

Serums are concentrated doses of active ingredients. Serums are used as treatment methods for the skin. Some may look to treat dark spots, hyperpigmentation, loss of hydration, dull/lackluster skin, redness and more. However, if you don’t have any targeted issues, an antioxidant serum is great for protecting the skin from daily environmental effects.

Skin Concern	Ingredient to look for	What it does
Dry skin, moisture loss	Hyaluronic acid	Seals in hydration and strengthens moisture barrier
Dull skin, dark spots	Vitamin C	Brightens skin and helps with dark spots over time
Aging, sagging skin, fine lines	Retinol, Vitamin B3	Stimulates collagen production
Redness, irritation, acne	Niacinamide	Decreases inflammation and irritation, calms redness, antimicrobial

MOISTURIZER:

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Everyone, even those with oily skin, needs moisture. The kind of moisturizer will vary depending on skin type and concern.

Skin type	Moisturizer type	Why it’s good
Oily skin	Gel moisturizer, oil-free moisturizer	Lightweight, easily and quickly absorbed, usually water-based
Normal/Combo skin	Moisturizing lotion	Absorbs well, a bit more moisturizing than a gel
Dry skin	Cream, soft creams	Heavier than a lotion, oil based
Sensitive skin	Moisturizing balm	Cream-like with a heavier texture, hydrating

SUNSCREEN:

Sunscreen is the most crucial step of the skincare routine and everyone needs it! Sunscreen helps prevent textural imperfections, certain skin cancers, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage. The easiest way to remember sunscreen is using a moisturizer with a built-in SPF of at least 30.

Combination skin