Walking into the skincare aisle at any store can feel extremely overwhelming. Even an innocent Google search or Youtube tutorial is capable of making your head spin. As complicated as the world of beauty is, a few simple steps can help your skin and its journey to progress. 

First order of business, determine what kind of skin you have. Is it oily, dry or a combination of both? That information influences the type of products you’ll apply to your skin. Next, think about what goals you have for your skin. Do you want to fight acne, minimize pore appearance, get your oily skin under control, or brighten and revitalize your glow? Whatever your skincare targets may be, look for products that are marketed toward your preferences. As for an actual skincare routine, it’s important to get in the flow of maintaining a morning and night system. 

Morning: 

Getting ready for your day doesn’t usually allow time to execute a grand skincare routine. So in the morning, it’s best to keep things simple with just a facial and moisturizer. The CeraVe Foaming Facial cleanser is great for oily and combination skin. It’s a gentle cleanser so it won’t dry or irritate your skin, but it will fight unwanted bacteria stuck in your pores. Another great alternative for dry and combination skin is the Simple Micellar Gel Wash. This product will not strip your skin of its natural balance and will really kick in a nice hydrating boost. As for moisturizer, the Elf Happy Hydration Cream is a great product for dry to normal skin. Its formula makes it perfect for smoothening skin, calming redness, fighting acne scars, and really moisturizing the skin. It’s very lightweight and won’t leave an annoying layer of product on your skin. Oily skin individuals, watch out when you go looking for a good moisturizer. Try to find a water based moisturizer (instead of oil based) to combat that greasy look. And yes, even if you’re thinking of skipping the moisturizer on an especially oily skin day, DON’T. It’s important that you don’t over strip your skin of its natural production of oil, that will lead more oil to be produced and cause more damage. A good route to take is the Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer Combination. This product works with the natural oils of your skin, regulating oil production throughout the day and overall just keeping that greasiness at bay. For the best results, make sure you apply all skincare products with clean hands. Also, try to wash your face with cold water to reduce morning eye bags or puffiness. 

Night Time:

Before you go to sleep, pamper yourself! Not only will you feel better, but it’s better to let some products sit overnight. Start with the same face wash you used in the morning, then move on to a face mask—if you’re in the mood for one. I know you’ve already seen it all over TikTok but the Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a great exfoliating product. It will really target the gunk underneath your skin and fight breakouts before they even happen. Skin serums are also a great way to revitalize your skin’s radiance. Again, the Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is great for minimizing acne scars. It will also lessen the texture of your skin, really smoothening everything out. Next, for those random pimples or problem areas that won’t go away, a spot treatment is a good product to use. Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment will reduce the appearance of breakouts overnight, leaving your skin in better condition by morning. Finally, apply a moisturizer and go to bed. 

 Tips: After you rinse your facial cleanser don’t wipe your skin. Grab a gentle towel and pat it dry. As for the order of using products remember: thinnest to thickest. Start with a face wash, then face masks, followed by serums, spot treatment, and finally moisturizer. 

Your skin is unique to you. It can be frustrating finding the right combination of products and ingredients best for your skin. Just take a deep breath and begin your skincare journey.