Building a routine you’ll actually stick to
If you’ve ever stared at a bathroom counter cluttered with half-used serums, mysterious tubes you bought six months ago, and products you’re not even sure still work, you’re not alone. Building a skincare routine can feel overwhelming, especially when everyone seems to have a 12-step process, and you can barely remember to wash your face before bed.
Here’s the truth: skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the best routine is one you’ll actually stick to. Let’s start over, clear the clutter, and build something simple that works for you.
Step One: Clear the Slate
Before you add anything new, it’s time to be honest about what you already have. Go through your bathroom and ask yourself one question for each product: Do I know when I bought this?
The Product Purge Checklist
✓ Can’t remember when you bought it? Toss it.
✓ Changed color, texture, or smell? Toss it.
✓ Haven’t used it in 6+ months? Probably toss it.
✓ Broke you out or irritated your skin? Definitely toss it.
✓ Mascara or liquid eyeliner older than 3 months? Toss it (eye safety!).
Expired skincare isn’t just ineffective; it can actually irritate your skin or cause breakouts. You’re not being wasteful; you’re being smart. A clean space gives you a clean mental slate. When you’re not staring at a mountain of guilt-inducing products, it’s easier to focus on what actually matters.
Step Two: Listen to Your Skin
Your skin talks to you. It tells you when it’s dry, when it’s irritated, when the season has changed, and it needs something different. The problem is, most of us have been taught to follow someone else’s routine instead of paying attention to our own skin.
Take a moment to actually look at your face. Is it tight and flaky? Oily by noon? Red and sensitive?
Understanding Your Skin Type
Dry Skin: Feels tight, flaky, or rough. Needs rich moisturizers and gentle, non-stripping cleansers.
Oily Skin: Shiny by midday, prone to breakouts. Needs lightweight, oil-free products and gentle exfoliation.
Combination Skin: Oily T-zone, dry cheeks. Needs a balanced approach—treat different areas differently.
Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated, red, or reactive. Needs fragrance-free, gentle formulas with minimal ingredients.
Remember: Your skin’s needs change with the weather, your stress levels, your hormones, even what you ate yesterday. What works in winter might be too heavy in summer. Pay attention and adjust accordingly.
Step Three: Build Your Foundation
A good skincare routine doesn’t have to be elaborate. Start with the basics and make them a habit before adding anything else.
☀️ Morning Routine (Keep It Simple)
Cleanse - Or just rinse with water if your skin is dry
Moisturize - Light formula that absorbs quickly
SPF - Non-negotiable. Minimum SPF 30, every single day
🌙 Evening Routine (Wind Down)
Remove Makeup - If you wear it (micellar water or cleansing oil)
Cleanse - Actually wash your face this time
Moisturize - Richer formula than morning, if needed
This is your foundation. Get comfortable with this rhythm first. Do it for a week, two weeks, a month—however long you need until it feels automatic. Consistency matters more than complexity.
Step Four: Add Slowly (One Thing at a Time)
Once your basic routine feels natural, then you can add more—but only if you want to, and only one product at a time. Wait at least a week before adding something new. This way, you’ll know what’s actually working and what’s just taking up space.
Smart Additions to Consider:
Vitamin C serum (morning, for brightness)
Retinol (evening, for anti-aging and texture)
Hyaluronic acid (anytime, for hydration)
Gentle exfoliant (2-3x week, for smoother skin)
Eye cream (if you have specific concerns)
Maybe you can add a vitamin C serum in the morning. Maybe a gentle exfoliant twice a week. Maybe nothing at all because your skin is happy. There’s no prize for having the most steps.
Step Five: Your Weekly Reset
✨ Once a Week: Your Self-Care Hour
This isn’t about adding more to your routine; it’s about taking care of yourself. Pick one evening a week and make it yours:
Face mask while you watch your favorite show
Under-eye masks while you read a book
Hair mask on Sunday morning
Clay mask to deep clean pores
Sheet mask for instant glow
Whatever feels good. This isn’t a chore—it’s a reminder that you’re worth the time.
Your Personal Routine Builder
Use this guide to create your custom routine based on your skin type and concerns:
What Does Your Skin Need Most?
Need Hydration? Add hyaluronic acid serum + richer moisturizer
Want Brightness? Add Vitamin C serum (morning) + gentle exfoliant
Targeting Anti-Aging? Add retinol (start 1-2x/week at night) + SPF religiously
Managing Acne? Add salicylic acid cleanser + lightweight moisturizer
Have Sensitive Skin? Subtract fragrance and harsh scrubs. Add gentle, minimal-ingredient products
“The best skincare routine isn’t the one with the most expensive products or the most steps. It’s the one you’ll actually do.”
The Real Secret: Consistency Over Perfection
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. You just need to show up for yourself, one day at a time. Even when you’re tired. Even when you just want to fall into bed.
Start with a clean slate. Listen to your skin. Keep it simple. Be consistent. That’s it. That’s the whole thing.
If you miss a night, don’t spiral. Just start the next day. Progress, not perfection. Your skin—and your overwhelmed brain—will thank you.
Skincare is self-care, not homework. Be patient with your skin. Be patient with yourself.
What’s your biggest skincare struggle? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it!
Be Bold. Be Real. Be Anomalous.