BEGINNER SKINCARE GUIDE

How to Build a Simple Skincare Routine

New to skincare? Learn the basic steps of a morning and evening skincare routine, how to choose products for your skin type, which ingredients to consider, and what to avoid when starting a new routine.

Skincare Routine Beginners Morning Routine Night Routine Skin Types
SKINCARE BASICS

What Is a Skincare Routine?

A skincare routine is a series of products and habits used to cleanse, moisturise and protect the skin. A basic routine does not need dozens of products. For many people, starting with a few essential steps makes it easier to understand how their skin responds.

The ideal routine can vary depending on whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, sensitive or prone to acne. Your routine may also change depending on the season, climate and the specific skin concerns you want to address.

Cleanse

Cleansing helps remove sweat, excess oil, sunscreen, makeup and everyday impurities from the skin.

Moisturise

Moisturisers help maintain comfortable skin and support the skin barrier.

Treat

Targeted ingredients can be introduced when you have a specific concern such as acne, clogged pores or dark marks.

Protect

Sunscreen helps protect exposed skin from ultraviolet radiation and is an important daytime skincare step.

KNOW YOUR SKIN

How to Choose Products for Your Skin Type

Understanding how your skin behaves can make product selection easier. Skin type is not necessarily fixed forever and can change with climate, age, hormones and other factors.

Oily Skin

Oily skin tends to produce more sebum and may appear shiny. Lightweight products can feel more comfortable for some people.

Dry Skin

Dry skin may feel tight, rough or uncomfortable. A gentle cleanser and moisturising products may help support comfortable skin.

Combination Skin

Combination skin can have oilier areas, commonly around the forehead, nose and chin, with drier areas elsewhere.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can react more easily to certain products or environmental factors. Simpler routines may be easier to tolerate.

Start simple

You do not need to identify your skin type perfectly before starting skincare. Begin with gentle basics and pay attention to how your skin responds.

MORNING ROUTINE

A Simple Morning Skincare Routine

A morning routine can focus on cleansing, moisturising and protecting your skin from daytime environmental exposure. Treatment products can be added when appropriate.

01

Cleanser

Start with a suitable cleanser to remove overnight sweat, excess oil and accumulated impurities.

02

Treatment

If your routine includes a targeted serum or treatment, apply it according to the product instructions.

03

Moisturiser

Apply a moisturiser suitable for your skin. Oily skin can also benefit from moisturisation.

04

Sunscreen

Finish your daytime routine with broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply according to the product instructions and your exposure.

NIGHT ROUTINE

A Simple Evening Skincare Routine

Your evening routine is a good time to remove sunscreen, makeup, excess oil and daily buildup before applying your chosen skincare treatments.

01

Remove Makeup & Sunscreen

If you wear makeup or sunscreen, use an appropriate cleansing approach to remove the day's products.

02

Cleanse

Cleanse the skin gently and avoid unnecessarily aggressive rubbing or scrubbing.

03

Treatment

Apply an appropriate treatment product if one is part of your routine.

04

Moisturise

Finish with a suitable moisturiser to keep your skin comfortable overnight.

INGREDIENT GUIDE

Beginner-Friendly Skincare Ingredients

Skincare ingredients can sound complicated when you first start. Understanding their common uses can help you decide which products may fit your routine.

Niacinamide

A form of vitamin B3 commonly used in skincare formulations designed to support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of uneven skin.

Salicylic Acid

A beta hydroxy acid commonly used in products intended for oily, acne-prone and congested skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

A humectant commonly used to help attract and retain water in skincare formulations, supporting a hydrated feel.

Panthenol

A provitamin B5 ingredient commonly included in skincare formulations for conditioning and skin-comfort properties.

BEGINNER MISTAKES

Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common beginner mistakes is adding too many products at once. A simple routine makes it easier to identify what works for your skin and what may be causing irritation.

Build Slowly

  • Start with a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.
  • Introduce one new active ingredient at a time.
  • Follow product directions.
  • Give your routine time to work.
  • Pay attention to persistent irritation.

Avoid Overloading Your Skin

  • Do not start several strong actives simultaneously.
  • Avoid excessive physical scrubbing.
  • Do not constantly switch products.
  • Avoid using products simply because they are trending.
  • Do not ignore persistent or severe skin reactions.
WEEKLY CARE

Do You Need a Weekly Skincare Routine?

Not necessarily. Your skin does not require a complicated weekly schedule to stay healthy. If you already have a consistent daily routine, additional treatments should be chosen based on your individual needs.

  • Avoid exfoliating simply because it is marketed as a weekly essential.
  • Use active ingredients according to their directions.
  • Avoid combining multiple exfoliating treatments without understanding how they interact.
  • Keep moisturisation consistent.
  • Use sunscreen regularly during daytime exposure.
Simple is sustainable

A routine you can comfortably follow every day is often more practical than a complicated routine that you stop using after a few weeks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Skincare Routine FAQs

What is the correct order of skincare products?

A simple routine generally starts with cleansing, followed by treatment products when appropriate, moisturiser and daytime sunscreen. Product instructions should always be followed because formulations can differ.

How many skincare products do I need?

There is no required number. Beginners can often start with a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen before adding targeted products for specific concerns.

Should I use skincare in the morning and at night?

Many people use a morning and evening routine. The exact products can differ between the two routines, particularly because sunscreen is primarily a daytime step.

Should beginners use active ingredients?

Active ingredients can be useful for specific skin concerns, but beginners may benefit from introducing them gradually rather than starting several at once.

Is moisturiser necessary for oily skin?

Oily skin can still benefit from moisturisation. A lightweight moisturiser may feel more comfortable for people with oilier skin.

How long does skincare take to work?

Results vary depending on the product, ingredient and skin concern. Some changes can be noticed relatively quickly, while other concerns may require consistent use over a longer period.

What should I do if a new product irritates my skin?

Stop using the product if it causes significant or persistent irritation. If the reaction is severe or does not improve, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Start With a Simple Cleanser

Looking for a daily cleanser for oily, acne-prone or combination skin? Explore the NDERMI Anti-Acne & Oil Control Face Wash.

Explore NDERMI Face Wash →