Quick Answer: How to Build a Skincare Routine

To build a skincare routine that works, follow this order:

1. Cleanse
2. Treat (one goal at a time)
3. Moisturise
4. Apply SPF in the morning

Start with 2–3 steps for 7 days. Add only one new product at a time. This prevents irritation and makes routines easier to maintain.

Why most skincare routines stop working

Most people don’t struggle because they picked a bad product. They struggle because they don’t understand:

• Which step comes first
• How often treatments should be used
• What to simplify when skin becomes irritated

A routine should be built around your skin’s needs — not trends. Starting with the best cleanser for your skin type and layering correctly makes the biggest difference.

The skincare routine structure that actually works

A good skincare routine follows a simple structure. You earn complexity over time — you don’t start with it.

This staged approach mirrors how professional skincare routines are structured, prioritising skin stability before results.

Step 1 — Cleanse

Cleansing removes daily build-up and prepares the skin. Over-cleansing causes more routine failure than under-cleansing.

Step 2 — Treat (one goal at a time)

Treatments are where most routines break down. Choose one goal and introduce targeted treatment serums slowly.

Step 3 — Moisturise

A daily moisturiser supports comfort and consistency. If your skin feels tight or irritated, simplify here first.

Step 4 — Protect (morning only)

Daily SPF protects your skin and preserves results. If you skip one step in the morning, don’t let it be this one.

If Your Routine Isn’t Working, Use This Rule

• If your skin feels irritated → remove the newest product
• If your skin feels tight → simplify your moisturiser step
• If breakouts increase → reduce treatment frequency
• If nothing improves → return to the 7-day stabilisation routine

The correct skincare routine order (morning)

1. Cleanse
2. Treat (optional)
3. Moisturise
4. SPF

Morning routines should be light and protective. Less is more.

The correct skincare routine order (night)

1. Cleanse
2. Treat
3. Moisturise

Night routines are where targeted steps belong. Introduce one change at a time.

The 7-day stabilisation routine (this prevents failure)

If your skin feels unpredictable, restart here. This resets your baseline and removes unnecessary variables.

• AM: moisturise → SPF (cleanse if needed)
• PM: cleanse → moisturise

After 7 days of comfort, add one treatment step. If irritation appears, remove the newest addition.

Choosing the right routine for your lifestyle

Minimal routine

Best for beginners and sensitive skin. Focus on consistency, not products.

Balanced routine

Best for clear goals with low risk. One treatment step, used consistently.

Advanced routine

Only once your skin is stable. Rotate treatments instead of stacking them.

How Build My Routine fits into your account

Build My Routine is designed to be saved, revisited, and refined. Instead of starting from scratch every time, your routine becomes a reference point.

• Keep your routine organised
• Adjust steps as your needs change
• Receive more relevant recommendations

Build My Routine helps you follow a routine you can actually stick to.

Routine Summary

A skincare routine works when it is simple, consistent, and built in the correct order. Cleanse first, treat one goal at a time, moisturise for comfort, and use SPF every morning. Build slowly, adjust carefully, and avoid changing multiple steps at once.

FAQs

What is the correct order to apply skincare?

Cleanse, treat, moisturise — and apply SPF in the morning.

How many steps should a skincare routine have?

Start with 2–3 steps and add complexity only after your skin is stable.

How long should I try a routine before changing it?

Give a routine at least 7 days before making changes.

Should morning and night routines be different?

Yes. Morning focuses on protection. Night focuses on treatment.