SKINCARE GUIDE

How to Build a Skincare Routine for Beginners

A simple skincare routine can help you cleanse, moisturise and protect your skin without using a long list of products. Learn the basic skincare steps, how to choose products and how to build a routine around your skin type and concerns.

Skincare Routine Morning Routine Night Routine Skin Types Beginner Guide
ROUTINE BASICS

What Is a Skincare Routine?

A skincare routine is a consistent series of steps used to cleanse, care for and protect the skin. A routine does not necessarily need to contain many products. For many people, starting with a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen can provide a simple foundation.

Additional products can be introduced according to individual concerns such as acne, oily skin, clogged pores, dryness, sensitivity or the appearance of dark spots.

Start simple before adding more products

Introducing several new products at the same time can make it difficult to understand which product is helping or causing irritation. A simple routine can be easier to maintain and adjust.

THE BASICS

The 4 Basic Steps of Skincare

A basic routine can be organised around four practical steps. The exact products can vary depending on your skin type and concerns.

01

Cleanse

Use a suitable cleanser to remove accumulated oil, sweat, dirt and other impurities from the skin.

02

Treat

If you have a specific concern, a targeted product can be added after cleansing. Examples include ingredients commonly used for acne, clogged pores or uneven-looking skin.

03

Moisturise

Moisturiser helps keep the skin comfortable and supports the skin barrier. Oily skin can also benefit from appropriate moisturisation.

04

Protect

During the daytime, broad-spectrum sunscreen can help protect exposed skin from ultraviolet radiation.

MORNING ROUTINE

A Simple Morning Skincare Routine

Your morning routine can focus on cleansing, moisturising and protecting the skin during daytime exposure.

Step 1 — Cleanser

Choose a cleanser appropriate for your skin type and use it without excessive rubbing or scrubbing.

Step 2 — Treatment

If required, apply a suitable treatment product according to your specific skin concern.

Step 3 — Moisturiser

Apply a moisturiser that feels comfortable on your skin. Lightweight formulas may feel preferable for oily skin.

Step 4 — Sunscreen

Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen suitable for daytime use and follow the product's application instructions.

NIGHT ROUTINE

What Should You Use at Night?

A nighttime routine can focus on removing the day's accumulated impurities and applying products selected for your skin concerns.

  • Cleanse the skin to remove daily buildup.
  • Apply a targeted skincare product if it is part of your routine.
  • Moisturise to keep the skin comfortable.
  • Avoid combining several strong active ingredients unless you know that the combination is appropriate for your skin.
Your night routine does not need to be complicated

Adding more products does not automatically make a routine more effective. Focus on the concerns you actually want to address.

KNOW YOUR SKIN

How to Build a Routine for Different Skin Types

Skin can behave differently depending on genetics, environment, hormones, climate and skincare habits. Product choices can therefore be adjusted according to how your skin behaves.

Oily Skin

Look for products that effectively cleanse without leaving the skin feeling excessively stripped. Lightweight moisturisers can be comfortable for many people.

Dry Skin

Gentle cleansing and moisturising can be especially important when skin feels dry, tight or uncomfortable.

Combination Skin

Combination skin may have oilier areas and drier areas. Products can be selected based on how different parts of the face behave.

Sensitive Skin

A simpler routine with fewer potential irritants can make it easier to identify products that your skin tolerates.

INGREDIENT EDUCATION

Common Skincare Ingredients

Different ingredients are used for different skincare goals. Understanding their common uses can help you make more informed product choices.

Salicylic Acid

A beta hydroxy acid commonly found in products designed for oily, blemish-prone and congested skin.

Niacinamide

A form of vitamin B3 commonly used in skincare formulations aimed at supporting the skin barrier and managing the appearance of excess oil.

Hyaluronic Acid

A humectant commonly used in moisturising products to help attract and retain water in the skin.

Panthenol

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

ROUTINE MISTAKES

Common Skincare Routine Mistakes

A routine can become unnecessarily complicated when too many products are introduced at once. Some common habits can also increase the chance of dryness or irritation.

Better Habits

  • Introduce new products gradually.
  • Keep the routine consistent.
  • Choose products according to your skin concerns.
  • Use sunscreen during daytime exposure.

Habits to Avoid

  • Constantly changing products.
  • Aggressive physical scrubbing.
  • Using multiple strong actives unnecessarily.
  • Ignoring persistent irritation.
COMMON QUESTIONS

Skincare Routine FAQs

What should I use first in my skincare routine?

Cleansing is generally the first step. Treatment products, moisturiser and daytime sunscreen can then be used according to your routine and product directions.

How many skincare products do I need?

There is no fixed number that everyone needs. A basic routine can start with a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen, with additional products added according to individual concerns.

Can I use skincare products every day?

Many skincare products are designed for regular use, but frequency depends on the specific product, ingredients and your skin's tolerance. Always follow the product directions.

Should I moisturise if I have oily skin?

Yes. Oily skin can still benefit from moisturisation. Choosing a lightweight moisturiser that feels comfortable on your skin may be helpful.

Do I need sunscreen every morning?

Sunscreen is commonly recommended for exposed skin during daytime ultraviolet exposure. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen and follow its application instructions.

When should I add a new skincare product?

Introducing products gradually can make it easier to determine how your skin responds. Adding several new products simultaneously can make reactions harder to identify.

Start With a Simple Cleanser

If you are building a beginner-friendly skincare routine, cleansing is a practical place to start. Explore the NDERMI Anti-Acne & Oil Control Face Wash, designed for daily cleansing of oily, acne-prone and combination skin.

Explore NDERMI Face Wash →