How to Build a Skincare Routine That Actually Works

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Wondering what order to apply your skincare products, which products you actually need, or how to build a routine for your specific skin concerns? Start here.

With thousands of cleansers, toners, serums, exfoliants and moisturizers on the market, building a skincare routine can feel unnecessarily complicated.

It doesn't have to be.

The best skincare routine isn't necessarily the longest one. It's the one that uses the right products for your skin, addresses your actual concerns, and follows the correct skincare order.

And here's something I tell my clients all the time:

Don't choose your skincare routine because a product worked for someone else. Choose it because it makes sense for your skin.

Whether you're dealing with dryness, acne, hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, uneven texture, fine lines or simply want to maintain healthy-looking skin, your routine should be built around your skin.

Let's break it down.

What Is the Correct Skincare Routine Order?

The basic order of a skincare routine is:

Cleanse → Tone/Exfoliate → Treatment/Serum → Moisturizer → SPF in the morning

Not every person needs every step, and some steps shouldn't necessarily be used every day.

The goal is to layer your products in a way that allows them to work effectively without overwhelming your skin.

1. Cleanser

First: cleanse your skin.

Cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, sweat, dirt and other buildup from the surface of your skin.

Choose your cleanser based on your skin type and concerns rather than choosing whatever happens to be trending.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may prefer a gentle, hydrating cleanser. If you're oily or prone to congestion, you may benefit from a cleanser formulated to help manage excess oil.

The goal isn't to make your skin feel "squeaky clean."

Your skin should feel clean, comfortable and balanced after cleansing.

2. Toner or Exfoliant

After cleansing comes your optional toner and/or exfoliation step.

And yes, toner is optional.

Modern toners can serve different purposes. Some are primarily hydrating, while others contain ingredients designed to address oiliness, dehydration, redness or other concerns.

Exfoliants are different.

Chemical exfoliants such as AHAs and BHAs help loosen and remove accumulated dead skin cells and can be useful for concerns including dullness, uneven texture and congestion.

But here's where people often get into trouble:

More exfoliation does not mean better skin.

Over-exfoliating can contribute to dryness, irritation, redness and a compromised skin barrier.

How often you should exfoliate depends on the product, your skin, and what else you're using in your routine.

You should ONLY exfoliate in the PM!

3. Treatment or Serum

This is the step where your skincare routine should become highly personalized.

Rather than asking, "What's the best serum?", ask:

"What am I trying to improve about my skin?"

Your answer should determine which treatment ingredients make sense for you.

Common skincare ingredients and what they do

Vitamin C Often used for antioxidant protection, brightening and the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Retinoids Commonly used to address acne, uneven texture and visible signs of aging.

Niacinamide Can support the skin barrier and help improve the appearance of uneven tone and excess oil.

Hyaluronic acid A hydrating ingredient that helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Azelaic acid Can be useful for concerns including blemishes, uneven tone and visible redness.

AHAs and BHAs Exfoliating acids that can help with concerns such as dullness, texture and congestion.

Peptides Used in many formulations designed to support the appearance of firmness and overall skin quality.

You don't need every ingredient on this list.

In fact, using too many active ingredients at once can make your routine unnecessarily complicated and potentially irritating.

Choose your ingredients based on your skin concerns, not because someone on social media said they changed their life.

4. Moisturizer

After your treatment products, apply moisturizer.

Moisturizer helps maintain hydration and supports the skin barrier.

And if you have oily or acne-prone skin, don't automatically skip this step.

Oily skin still needs hydration. The key is choosing a moisturizer with a texture and formulation that works for your skin.

A lightweight gel or lotion may feel better on oilier skin, while a richer cream may be more appropriate for dry skin.

5. SPF in the Morning

SPF is the final step of your morning skincare routine.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply it consistently, not just when you're spending the day at the beach.

Daily UV exposure can contribute to premature visible skin aging and can worsen the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

If you're investing in serums, treatments and other skincare products, don't overlook the step that helps protect your skin from ongoing UV exposure.

Morning routine:

Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Treatment/Serum → Moisturizer → SPF

Nighttime routine:

Cleanser → Toner/Exfoliant (as appropriate) → Treatment/Serum → Moisturizer

How to Choose Skincare Products for Your Skin

Here's where I think skincare gets unnecessarily complicated.

You don't need to buy a product because it's viral.

And you definitely don't need to use something just because your friend swears by it.

Instead, start with your skin concern.

If your main concern is dryness

Look for products focused on hydration and barrier support.

If your main concern is acne or congestion

Consider ingredients designed to address excess oil, clogged pores and breakouts, while avoiding an overly aggressive routine that can irritate your skin.

If your main concern is hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone

Look for targeted brightening ingredients and, most importantly, consistent daily SPF.

If your main concern is texture

Exfoliating ingredients and appropriate retinoid products may be useful depending on your individual skin and tolerance.

If your main concern is visible signs of aging

A consistent routine that includes daily SPF and appropriately selected treatment ingredients can help support healthier-looking skin over time.

If your skin is sensitive

Keep things simple.

A gentle cleanser, moisturizer, SPF and carefully selected treatments are often a better starting point than layering multiple active ingredients.

Do You Really Need a 10-Step Skincare Routine?

No.

One of the biggest skincare misconceptions is that more products automatically equal better skin.

They don't.

A simple routine that you consistently use can be far more useful than a complicated routine filled with products that aren't addressing your actual concerns.

Your skincare routine should work for your skin and your lifestyle.

If you're never going to use seven products every morning, don't build a seven-product morning routine.

Start with the essentials, identify your biggest concern, and add targeted products when there is a reason to.

How to Build a Simple Skincare Routine

If you're completely overwhelmed by where to start, go back to basics.

Morning

1. Cleanser 2. Treatment/serum, if needed 3. Moisturizer 4. SPF

Evening

1. Cleanser 2. Treatment/serum 3. Moisturizer

Then add exfoliation or additional treatments based on your specific skin concerns.

You don't have to figure everything out at once.

The Biggest Skincare Mistake? Copying Someone Else's Routine

This is probably the advice I wish more people heard.

Your skin isn't your friend's skin.

It's not your favorite influencer's skin.

And it's not the skin of the person whose "holy grail" serum just went viral.

A product can be excellent and still be completely wrong for you.

Instead of asking "What skincare products are trending?", ask:

What does my skin actually need?

That's the foundation of a good skincare routine.

The Bottom Line

Building an effective skincare routine doesn't have to mean buying more products.

It means understanding your skin, identifying your concerns and choosing products intentionally.

Remember the basic order:

Cleanse → Tone/Exfoliate → Treatment/Serum → Moisturizer → SPF

From there, personalize.

Your skin doesn't need a complicated routine just for the sake of having one.

It needs a strategy.

And sometimes the best skincare product is the one you don't buy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skincare Routines

What is the correct order to apply skincare products?

The general skincare order is cleanser → toner/exfoliant → treatment or serum → moisturizer → SPF in the morning. Not every person needs every step, and exfoliation should be used according to your skin's needs and the specific product.

What should I apply after cleansing my face?

After cleansing, you can apply toner if you use one, followed by your treatment products or serums. Finish with moisturizer. In the morning, SPF should be your final skincare step.

Should I use toner before or after serum?

Generally, toner is applied after cleansing and before treatment products or serums.

Do I need toner in my skincare routine?

Not necessarily. Toner is an optional step, and whether you benefit from one depends on the formulation and your individual skin concerns.

How often should I exfoliate my skin?

There isn't one universal answer. The appropriate frequency depends on your skin, the type of exfoliant you're using and what other active ingredients are in your routine. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and compromise the skin barrier.

How do I choose skincare products for my skin?

Start with your skin concern, not a product recommendation from someone else. Identify what you're trying to improve, then look for ingredients and formulations designed to address that concern while considering your skin type and sensitivity.

Do I need a different morning and nighttime skincare routine?

Your routines can be similar, but the biggest difference is SPF. Sunscreen belongs in your morning routine. Nighttime is often when you can incorporate treatments such as retinoids or exfoliating products, depending on your skin and the specific product instructions.

How many skincare products do I actually need?

There is no magic number. A basic routine can be as simple as cleanser, moisturizer and SPF, with targeted treatments added when needed.

Can I use multiple serums at once?

Sometimes, but more isn't always better. Combining multiple active ingredients can increase the risk of irritation and make it difficult to determine which products are helping or causing a reaction. Introduce new actives thoughtfully and consider whether each product has a specific purpose in your routine.

Shop my picks for your skin concerns: hydration, hyperpigmentation, firming, oil control.

Want help customizing your regimen? Get started here!