BEGINNER SKINCARE GUIDE

The Complete Skincare Routine for Beginners

Learn how to build a simple morning and night skincare routine, understand the correct order of skincare products, choose products for your skin type, and avoid common beginner mistakes.

Morning Routine Night Routine Skin Types Product Order Skincare Basics
SKINCARE BASICS

How to Start a Skincare Routine

Starting skincare does not have to mean buying a large number of products. A basic routine can usually be built around a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen, with additional products added according to specific skin concerns.

The goal of a beginner routine should be consistency rather than complexity. Once you understand how your skin responds, you can gradually introduce targeted ingredients.

Cleanse

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

Moisturise

Moisturisers help improve skin comfort and support the skin barrier while reducing the feeling of dryness.

Treat

Targeted products can be added when you have a specific concern such as acne, clogged pores or uneven skin tone.

Protect

Sunscreen helps protect exposed skin from ultraviolet radiation and is especially important during daytime exposure.

Start simple

If you are completely new to skincare, begin with a small number of products. Adding several active ingredients at once makes it harder to know which product is helping or irritating your skin.

PRODUCT ORDER

What Order Should You Apply Skincare?

The order of products can vary depending on the formulation, but a straightforward routine generally moves from cleansing to treatment, moisturisation and daytime sun protection.

01

Cleanser

Begin by cleansing the skin to remove oil, sweat and accumulated impurities.

02

Treatment or Serum

If your routine includes a targeted treatment, apply it according to the product's directions.

03

Moisturiser

Follow with a moisturiser suited to your skin type and the rest of your routine.

04

Sunscreen

During the daytime, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen appropriate for your skin.

MORNING ROUTINE

Simple Morning Skincare Routine

A morning routine focuses on cleansing or refreshing the skin, moisturisation and protection from daytime environmental exposure.

Basic AM Routine

  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. Optional targeted serum
  3. Moisturiser
  4. Broad-spectrum sunscreen

If Your Skin Is Oily

  1. Use a suitable gentle cleanser.
  2. Consider a lightweight treatment if appropriate.
  3. Choose a lightweight moisturiser.
  4. Finish with sunscreen.
NIGHT ROUTINE

Simple Night Skincare Routine

The evening routine is a useful time to cleanse away the day's sunscreen, makeup, oil and impurities and apply any targeted products that are appropriate for your skin.

Basic PM Routine

  1. Cleanser
  2. Targeted treatment if needed
  3. Moisturiser

Keep It Comfortable

  1. Avoid excessive cleansing.
  2. Introduce active ingredients gradually.
  3. Do not combine multiple strong treatments without a reason.
  4. Moisturise after treatment when appropriate.
CHOOSE FOR YOUR SKIN

Skincare Routine by Skin Type

Different skin types may respond differently to products. Understanding how your skin behaves can help you choose a routine that feels comfortable and is easier to maintain.

Oily Skin

Look for products that remove excess oil without leaving the skin feeling excessively stripped. Lightweight moisturisers may feel more comfortable.

Dry Skin

Focus on gentle cleansing and moisturisation. Products that support the skin barrier may be useful for dry-feeling skin.

Combination Skin

You may notice oiliness in some areas and dryness in others. A balanced routine can help address both concerns.

Sensitive Skin

Keep the routine simple and introduce new products gradually. Avoid unnecessary irritation.

Acne-Prone Skin

Choose products based on your acne concerns while avoiding excessive cleansing or using too many active ingredients.

Normal Skin

A simple cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen routine may be enough unless you have a specific concern to address.

INGREDIENT BASICS

Which Skincare Ingredients Should Beginners Know?

You do not need to use every active ingredient available. Understanding a few commonly used ingredients can help you choose products based on your actual skincare concerns.

Niacinamide

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

Salicylic Acid

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

Hyaluronic Acid

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

Vitamin C

An antioxidant frequently used in skincare formulations designed for brighter-looking and more even-looking skin.

Ceramides

Lipid components commonly included in moisturisers and barrier-supporting skincare formulations.

Panthenol

A provitamin B5 ingredient commonly used for its conditioning and skin-comfort properties.

HOW OFTEN?

How Often Should You Do Your Skincare Routine?

Many basic skincare routines are performed in the morning and evening. However, individual routines can vary depending on skin type, products used and personal needs.

Cleanser

Many people cleanse once or twice daily. If your skin becomes dry or irritated, reassessing cleansing frequency and product choice may be helpful.

Moisturiser

Moisturiser can generally be used whenever needed to keep the skin comfortable and hydrated.

Active Ingredients

Follow the specific product directions. Some active ingredients are not intended for frequent use.

Sunscreen

Use sunscreen during daytime exposure and reapply according to the product instructions and your level of exposure.

BEGINNER MISTAKES

Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

One of the easiest ways to simplify skincare is to avoid doing too much too quickly.

Better Habits

  • Start with a simple routine.
  • Introduce new products gradually.
  • Patch test products when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen consistently.
  • Give products enough time before constantly changing your routine.

Avoid Overdoing It

  • Do not start several active ingredients at once.
  • Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
  • Do not repeatedly change products because of short-term fluctuations.
  • Avoid using products that consistently irritate your skin.
  • Do not assume more products automatically mean better skincare.
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, moisturiser and sunscreen during the daytime. Always follow the directions supplied with individual products.

What should I use first, serum or moisturiser?

In many routines, a serum or treatment is applied before moisturiser. However, the exact order can depend on the formulation and product instructions.

Do beginners need a 10-step skincare routine?

No. A basic routine can be much simpler. Cleanser, moisturiser and daytime sunscreen can provide a foundation, with targeted products added when needed.

Should I moisturise if I have oily skin?

Yes. Oily skin can still benefit from moisturisation. Choosing a lightweight product suited to oily or combination skin may feel more comfortable.

Can I use salicylic acid every day?

Frequency depends on the specific formulation and your skin's tolerance. Follow the product directions and introduce exfoliating products gradually if you are new to them.

Should skincare be different in the morning and at night?

It can be. Morning routines commonly prioritise daytime protection and sunscreen, while evening routines focus on cleansing and any appropriate treatments.

How long does it take for a skincare routine to work?

Results vary depending on the concern, ingredients, formulation and individual skin. Consistency is generally more useful than repeatedly changing products after only a short period.

What should I do if a product causes irritation?

Stop using the product if it causes persistent or significant irritation. If the reaction is severe, prolonged or concerning, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Start With a Simple Daily Cleanser

A consistent skincare routine starts with the basics. Explore the NDERMI Anti-Acne & Oil Control Face Wash, designed as a daily cleanser for oily, acne-prone and combination skin.

Explore NDERMI Face Wash →