Skincare can be overwhelming with the countless products available today. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, following a structured routine ensures your skin stays healthy, hydrated, and radiant. In this guide, we break down the ultimate skincare routine step by step, making it easy for you to achieve your best skin yet.

Understanding Your Skin Type

Before building a skincare routine, it’s essential to understand your skin type:

• Dry Skin – Feels tight, rough, and often flaky due to a lack of moisture.
• Oily Skin – Prone to shine and breakouts due to excess sebum production.
• Combination Skin – Oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry in other areas.
• Sensitive Skin – Reacts easily to skincare products, often with redness or irritation.

Once you determine your skin type, you can tailor your routine to address your specific concerns effectively.

Step 1: Cleansing – The Foundation of Skincare

Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and impurities that accumulate throughout the day. Choose a cleanser based on your skin type:

• Dry & Sensitive Skin – Opt for a hydrating, fragrance-free cleanser with ingredients like ceramides and glycerin.
• Oily Skin – Use a gel or foaming cleanser with salicylic acid to control oil and prevent breakouts.
• Combination Skin – A gentle foaming cleanser works best, balancing hydration and oil control.

For best results, cleanse your skin twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed.

Step 2: Exfoliating – Removing Dead Skin Cells

Exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and brighten your complexion. However, over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, so it’s best to do it 2-3 times a week.

• Chemical Exfoliation – AHAs (glycolic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) work deep within pores to remove debris.
• Physical Exfoliation – Scrubs with fine granules or a konjac sponge can help manually remove dead skin.

If you have sensitive skin, opt for a mild enzyme exfoliator to prevent irritation.

Step 3: Toning – Prepping the Skin for Hydration

Toners restore the skin’s pH balance, hydrate, and prepare it to absorb serums and moisturizers better.

• Hydrating Toners – Ideal for dry and sensitive skin, containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rose water.
• Pore-Refining Toners – Best for oily and combination skin, often containing witch hazel or niacinamide.

A great option to try is Sensoo Skincare’s hydrating toner, formulated to soothe and balance all skin types.

Step 4: Applying Serums – Targeted Skin Treatments

Serums are concentrated formulas that address specific skin concerns such as acne, wrinkles, and dullness. Depending on your needs, you can choose:

• Hyaluronic Acid – Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin.
• Vitamin C – Brightens and evens out skin tone.
• Retinol – Helps with anti-aging and skin renewal.
• Niacinamide – Reduces redness and controls oil production.

Apply serums after toning and before moisturizing, allowing a few minutes for absorption.

Step 5: Moisturizing – Locking in Hydration

Moisturizing is essential for maintaining the skin barrier and preventing dryness.

• Lightweight Gel Moisturizers – Best for oily and combination skin.
• Rich Cream Moisturizers – Ideal for dry skin, providing intense hydration.
• Soothing Moisturizer – Suitable for sensitive skin, with ingredients like aloe vera and centella asiatica.

Even oily skin needs moisture—a non-comedogenic moisturizer ensures hydration without clogging pores.

Step 6: Sun Protection – The Most Important Step

Sunscreen is non-negotiable in any skincare routine. UV rays cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer.

• Choose an SPF 30 or higher for daily use.
• Reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if outdoors.
• Use mineral sunscreens if you have sensitive skin to avoid irritation.

Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Bonus: Makeup and Skincare

If you wear makeup, choose products that complement your skincare routine. For example, the Aritaum Mono Eyes Palettes Earth collection offers stunning neutral shades that work beautifully with all skin tones. These eyeshadows are gentle on the skin and blend seamlessly, making them a great addition to your beauty routine.

Conclusion

A well-structured skincare routine is the key to healthy, glowing skin. By following these six essential steps—cleansing, exfoliating, toning, applying serums, moisturizing, and sun protection—you create the perfect foundation for any skin type.

Start with an effective oil cleanser like Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil to remove impurities without stripping your skin, then customize your routine with products that suit your skin’s unique needs, like Sensoo Skincare’s hydrating toner and Aritaum Mono Eyes Palettes Earth for makeup that enhances your natural beauty.