How to Build Your Skincare Routine

by Ryane Ashley

Let’s be honest... skincare has become a performance. Serums stacked on serums. Routines that look more like a chemistry set than care. But here’s the truth: your skin doesn’t need intrusions and excess, it needs balance and alignment.

Before we get into the fun of add-ons and fancy tools, let’s start with the foundation, the core routine that builds strong, healthy skin from the inside out.

heal your skin with care

The Foundation: your skin barrier and what IS it?

Think of your skin barrier as your protector. It keeps the good stuff (like moisture) in and blocks the bad stuff (like pollution, irritants, and bacteria) out.

A healthy skin barrier feels:

• Smooth and soft to the touch

• Calm, not tight or burning

• Balanced; neither overly oily or dry

• Resilient, not easily irritated by weather, products, or stress

A damaged skin barrier can feel:

• Stinging or burning (even with basic products)

• Tight or flaky

• Red or inflamed

• Like you’re breaking out for no clear reason

if you’re jumping straight into actives; like retinol, exfoliating acids, or vitamin C, before your barrier is in a good place, you’re likely doing more harm than good.

Start Here: The Essential 4

You only need four steps to build a smart, effective routine:

1. Cleanser – Removes dirt, sweat, and excess oil without stripping your skin.

2. Treatment (as needed) – This could be a serum or active ingredient that targets a specific concern (like acne, dark spots, or fine lines). You don’t need to start here, but we’ll talk more about this below.

3. Moisturizer – Helps restore and lock in hydration.

4. Sunscreen (AM only) – Shields your skin from UV damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation.

If your skin feels tight, flaky, reactive, or oily right after cleansing—it’s time to scale back, not pile on.

The fun begins

Once the foundation is set: Start building

After a solid month of the maintaining the essential 4 routine and your skin is feeling balanced, you can build into your routine, one at a time:

1. Exfoliants (1–3x/week max)

• AHAs (like lactic or glycolic acid): Great for dullness, texture, and uneven tone

• BHAs (like salicylic acid): Ideal for congested, acne-prone skin

• Start slow. Always follow with moisturizer.

2. Targeted Serums/Spot Treatments

• Niacinamide – Helps with oil control, pore size, and barrier repair

• Hyaluronic Acid – Hydrates and plumps

• Retinol – Supports cell turnover, but must be introduced slowly, lower dosage and application frequency.

• Azelaic Acid or Tranexamic Acid – For hyperpigmentation and sensitivity

3. Facial Oils (at night)

• Choose options like squalane or rosehip seed oil, which are less likely to trap dead skin and oil in your pores. This is important if you're prone to breakouts.

4. Eye Creams

• Not everyone needs a separate eye cream, many moisturizers are gentle enough to be used around the eyes

• Want targeted ingredients like caffeine (for puffiness), peptides (for firmness), or ceramides (for barrier support). Use your ring finger to apply gently; no tugging

5. Masks (1–2x/week)

• Think of masks as boosters, not essentials.

  • Clay or sulfur: To help absorb oil and clear pores

  • Hydrating or calming masks: For barrier support and glow

  • Exfoliating masks: For a quick skin reset (avoid layering with other actives)

6. Toners or Face Mists

• Can help rebalance the skin post-cleanse or add hydration between steps. Look for calming or hydrating formulas; avoid alcohol-based options.

7. Balms or Ointments (as needed)

• Great for barrier repair, dry patches, or post-procedure healing. Look for ingredients like ceramides, occlusives, or madecassoside.

Tools: Worth It or Not?

At-home skincare tools can be helpful but only when your skin is ready. Let’s break down a few of the most popular:

High Frequency Wand

What it does: Kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and supports healing.

When to use: On clean, dry skin before serums or moisturizers. Great for breakouts or post-extraction

Best for: Occasional use on inflamed acne, puffy under-eyes, or healing areas

Caution: Don’t overuse. No more than 2–3x/week on targeted areas.

LED Therapy Masks

• Red light: For aging, inflammation, healing

• Blue light: For acne-causing bacteria. Use consistently, 10–20 minutes a session. A great long-term tool if your skin is balanced and your schedule allows.

Facial Rollers & Gua Sha

These won’t change your skin’s structure but can improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and feel amazing. Just make sure your skin is hydrated or oiled to avoid dragging.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need 10 steps—you need consistency, clarity, and care. Start small. Get to know your skin. Learn what it feels like when it’s calm and happy. Then, layer in new products with purpose; not pressure.

Your skin knows what it needs. We’re just here to help you understand how to communicate with it.

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