How to Build a Skincare Routine: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Your skin will generally fall into one or a combination of the following categories:

Dry skin

Often feels tight or rough and may experience flaking or a lack of natural oils.

Oily skin

Produces more sebum and may appear shiny, particularly through the forehead, nose and chin.

Combination skin

Usually experiences oiliness through the T-zone while other areas of the face may feel normal or dry.

Sensitive skin

Can become easily irritated and may experience redness, stinging or discomfort from certain products or environmental factors.

Balanced skin

Generally feels comfortable, with relatively balanced oil production and hydration.

It's also important to remember that your skin type and your skin concerns aren't necessarily the same thing.

For example, you can have dry skin and pigmentation, oily skin and dehydration, or sensitive skin that is also experiencing signs of ageing.

Identify Your Main Skin Concerns

Next, consider what you'd most like to improve.

Rather than attempting to address five different concerns at once, start with one or two priorities. This could be improving hydration, managing breakouts, brightening pigmentation or supporting ageing skin.

Once you've established the fundamentals, targeted products can be introduced gradually.

If you're starting from scratch, there are three fundamental areas to consider:

Cleanse. Hydrate. Protect.

Once your skin is comfortable with these basics, you can introduce targeted serums, vitamin A, exfoliating products and other active ingredients.

A complicated routine isn't automatically a better routine. Consistency and choosing appropriate products matter far more than the number of steps involved.

Cleansing is the foundation of your routine.

A good cleanser removes makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and impurities that accumulate on the skin throughout the day without leaving your face feeling stripped or uncomfortable.

Your Morning Cleanse

A gentle cleanse in the morning can remove excess oil and prepare your skin for the products that follow.

Some particularly dry or sensitive skins may require a different approach, which is where personalised advice can be helpful.

Your Evening Cleanse

Your evening cleanse is particularly important because it removes the day's makeup, sunscreen and impurities.

If you wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, you may benefit from a double cleanse. The first cleanse removes makeup, sunscreen and surface debris, while the second properly cleanses the skin.

After cleansing, your skin should feel clean and comfortable — not tight, squeaky or stripped.

Once you've established cleansing, hydration and sun protection, a serum can help address your individual skin goals.

Serums generally contain concentrated ingredients designed to target particular concerns.

Depending on your skin, you might look for:

Vitamin C and antioxidants

Ideal for supporting brighter-looking skin and helping defend against environmental stressors.

Hyaluronic acid and hydrating ingredients

Useful for skin experiencing dehydration or tightness.

Vitamin A

An important ingredient in professional skincare routines focused on skin renewal and the visible signs of ageing. Vitamin A products should be introduced gradually and according to the individual product's directions.

Niacinamide

Can help support the skin barrier and is commonly used in routines targeting uneven tone, oiliness and redness.

Exfoliating acids

AHAs and BHAs can help improve the appearance of texture, congestion and dullness, but they aren't necessarily required every day.

This is also where less can be more. Layering numerous active ingredients without understanding how they interact can leave the skin irritated rather than improved.

Whatever your skin type, hydration and barrier support are important.

Moisturiser helps reduce moisture loss and supports the skin's protective barrier.

The right texture will depend on your skin.

If you're oily or breakout-prone, you may prefer something lightweight. Dry or mature skin may benefit from a richer formula, while sensitive or compromised skin often requires products specifically designed to support the skin barrier.

And yes — oily skin can still need moisturiser.

Oil and water are different, and skin can simultaneously experience excess oil and dehydration.

If there's one skincare step we wouldn't recommend skipping, it's daily sun protection.

UV exposure contributes to premature visible ageing and pigmentation, and Australia's high levels of UV exposure make good sun protection particularly important.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that suits your skin and that you'll be happy to wear consistently. Apply it generously to exposed skin and follow the directions on your chosen sunscreen regarding application and reapplication.