Key takeaways:
The best skin care routine is one that fits your specific skin type and concerns.
Every routine should include the basics: cleansing, moisturizing, and daily sun protection.
Different skin concerns need different care. For example, acne-prone skin benefits from noncomedogenic ingredients, while rosacea-prone skin needs nonirritating ingredients.
Your skin care routine — the products you use to cleanse, moisturizer, and protect your skin — plays a major role in keeping your skin healthy over time. But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like your skin type, sensitivity, and underlying conditions all influence which products work best for you.
Understanding your skin’s unique needs is the first step to building the best skin care routine that actually delivers results.
How to choose basic skin care products
The foundation of any skin care regimen is pretty simple. It includes:
Cleansing
Moisturizing
Protecting your skin with sunscreen
Search and compare options
From there, you can add active ingredients based on your skin type and specific concerns.
Cleanser and moisturizer
Cleansers and moisturizers are key elements of your routine, no matter your skin type:
Cleansers wash away dirt, impurities, products, and makeup. A good cleanser doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of affordable and effective options at the pharmacy and online.
Moisturizers hydrate, smooth, and improve your skin’s barrier function. Because moisturizer stays on your skin, it’s important to find one that works for your skin.
When picking both your cleanser and moisturizer, the most important thing to consider is how dry your skin is. Keep in mind that skin dryness can change depending on other products you use. It can also change because of things like your climate, age, and hormone levels. You may need to make adjustments to your routine over time.
Skin type | Cleanser | Moisturizer |
|---|---|---|
Dry | Cream cleanser | Cream-based moisturizer |
Combination | Foaming cleanser | Lotion-based moisturizer |
Oily | Gel cleanser | Light lotion or gel-based moisturizer |
Sunscreen
Everyone should wear sunscreen, no matter their skin color. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Use about 1tbsp of sunscreen for your face and about a shot-glass amount for your body.
If you have hyperpigmentation or spend a lot of time on your electronics, a tinted mineral sunscreen can protect your skin from visible light from screens.
Quiz: What is my skin type?
Match your skin care routine to your skin type
To choose the right products, you’ll need to know what your skin type is. This includes any skin concerns or conditions you might have or be prone to. If you’re not sure about your skin type, it’s best to see a dermatologist.
Below are examples of skin care routines made for specific skin conditions. As you build your best skin care routine, keep these tips in mind:
The recommended products are only suggestions. There are many effective products to choose from.
There’s an element of trial and error with any regimen.
If a product burns, stings, or itches, that’s a sign that it might not be right for you. Try a different product within the same category instead.
Always pay attention to how your skin feels and make changes when needed.
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
Dry skin care routine
Dry skin often feels tight, rough, or flaky. It can be a sign of a weakened skin barrier. To protect your skin, avoid harsh cleansers, alcohol-based toners, and frequent exfoliation. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and shea butter to help restore moisture and support a healthy barrier.
Recommended dry skin care routine
In the morning, focus on gentle cleansing, deep moisture, and sun protection:
Gentle hydrating cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Thick moisturizer with soothing ceramides: La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Moisturizing sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
In the evening, focus on cleansing and locking in moisture while you sleep:
Gentle hydrating cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Thick, hydrating moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
To get more even more hydration, try:
Weekly hydrating masks: Paula’s Choice Hydrating Treatment Mask
Overnight occlusion a few times a week: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline over your moisturizer at night (also called slugging)
Combination skin care routine
Combination skin is oily in your “T-zone” (forehead, nose, and chin) but normal to dry on your cheeks. This skin type can change over time, so you may need to adjust your routine or use different products on different areas of your face. Ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides can help balance oil while keeping moisture.
Recommended combination skin care routine
In the morning, focus on gentle cleansing, light hydration, and sun protection:
Gentle foaming cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash
Lightweight, lotion-based moisturizer: EltaMD AM Restore Moisturizer or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer
Broad-spectrum sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Ultra-Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen
In the evening, focus on cleansing and restoring moisture:
Gentle foaming cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash
Lightweight, lotion-based moisturizer: EltaMD PM Restore Moisturizer or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer
To help manage oil and keep skin balanced, try:
Weekly clay masks to help with oil control: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Detoxing Clay Mask
Daily toner to help hydrate and manage oil production: Clinique Clarifying Face Lotion
Oily and acne-prone skin care routine
This type of skin is typically combination to oily and more likely to have clogged pores and breakouts. Avoid products that can worsen irritation, like toners, astringents, and harsh scrubs. If you have cystic acne or scarring acne, it’s best to see a dermatologist, as prescription acne treatment may be needed. Look for noncomedogenic products with breakout-fighting ingredients like niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinol.
Recommended oily and acne-prone skin care routine
In the morning, focus on cleaning your pores, light hydration, and sun protection:
Benzoyl peroxide cleanser: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser or PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash
Moisturizer with niacinamide: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
Sunscreen with niacinamide: EltaMD UV Clear or La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Clear Sunscreen
In the evening, focus on gentle cleansing, acne treatment, and skin repair:
Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Retinoid treatment: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Moisturizer with ceramides and hyaluronic acid: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or EltaMD PM Therapy Face Moisturizer
To help treat breakouts and prevent new ones, use a:
Pimple patch for active spots: Ones with salicylic acid may help banish active pimples
Salicylic acid exfoliator a few times a week: Paula’s Choice Exfoliate 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Rosacea-prone skin care routine
Rosacea-prone skin often shows redness, irritation, and broken blood vessels. It may also cause pimple-like bumps. Rosacea usually affects your cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead.
If your skin flushes or is easily irritated, keep your routine simple. Use gentle cleansers, avoid scrubbing or tools, and wear sun protection every day. If your symptoms are bumpy, persistent, or hard to manage, see a dermatologist.
Focus on calming, barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and azelaic acid. Avoid irritating ingredients like:
Alcohol-based products
Camphor
Fragrance
Alpha and beta hydroxy acids
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Urea
Recommended rosacea skin care routine:
In the morning, focus on gentle cleansing, soothing moisturizer, and sun protection:
Gentle cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Moisturizer with niacinamide: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Sunscreen with niacinamide: EltaMD UV Clear
In the evening, focus on gentle cleansing and skin repair:
Gentle cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Moisturizer with ceramides and hyaluronic acid: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or EltaMD PM Therapy Face Moisturizer
To help reduce redness and irritation, try:
Azelaic acid once or twice a day: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
In-office laser treatment to help with redness: Vascular laser (pulsed-dye laser)
Eczema-prone skin care routine
Eczema-prone skin may have itchy red bumps, weeping skin, or dry, flaky patches. Eczema is common and can be caused by genetics or triggered by irritating products. To reduce flare-ups, stick to hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dye-free formulas.
Eczema can flare when skin dries out, especially on your face. Using a cream-based moisturizer helps to keep skin hydrated. Sometimes, prescription medication is needed to manage eczema.
Recommended eczema skin care routine:
In the morning use gentle products that clean your skin without stripping its moisture:
Gentle hypoallergenic cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or Dove Beauty Bar
Cream-based moisturizer: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer or Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream
Mineral sunscreen: Vanicream Sport Sunscreen
At night, focus on gentle cleansing and deep hydration:
Gentle hypoallergenic cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or Dove Beauty Bar
Cream-based moisturizer: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer or Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream
To reduce flare-ups and further prevent dryness, try:
A humidifier in your bedroom: This helps add moisture to the air to help hydrate your skin
Overnight occlusion a few times a week: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline over your moisturizer at night (slugging)
Hyperpigmentation-prone skin care routine
Hyperpigmentation-prone skin shows dark spots, patches, or uneven skin tone. These marks can happen because of skin inflammation, melasma, or sun damage. Blue light from electronic devices can also make things worse. Daily sunscreen is essential. Opt for tinted mineral formulas with iron oxides, as these also protect against blue light. Look for ingredients like antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) to help fade discoloration. In some cases, prescription treatments, lasers, or chemical peels may be necessary.
Recommended hyperpigmentation skin care routine:
In the morning, focus on gentle cleansing, sun protection, and preventing dark spots:
Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Antioxidant: SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum (for a splurge) or Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Serum (a more affordable option)
Moisturizer: Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion or EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
Tinted mineral sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen
In the evening, focus on gentle exfoliation and restoring moisture:
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) cleanser: NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash (for a splurge) or La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Deep Cleanser (for a more affordable option)
Moisturizer with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to soothe dryness caused by AHA wash: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
To fade dark spots faster, try:
Exfoliating a few times a week with glycolic acid: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Adding nightly retinol: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Anti-aging skin care routine
Signs of skin aging can include fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of firmness. The most effective way to support your skin as you get older is daily sun protection. In practice, this means seeking shade and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. It can also help to use products with antioxidants like vitamin C, which can help maintain skin texture and support collagen over time. Other ingredients to consider include hyaluronic acid, peptides, and low-strength retinol.
Recommended anti-aging skin care routine:
In the morning, focus on things like gentle cleansing, protection, and prevention:
Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Antioxidant: SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum or Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair
Mild moisturizer: EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer or CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Tinted mineral sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted
In the evening, focus on hydration, repair, and renewal:
Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Hyaluronic acid serum: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Retinol: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream (for a splurge) or RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules (for a more affordable option)
Moisturizer with peptides: AlumierMD HydraDew (for a splurge) or Olay Collagen Peptide (for a more affordable option)
To further support mature skin, you can try:
A weekly chemical peel with alpha and beta hydroxy acid: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution (skip the retinol for a day or two when using a peel)
Facial microneedling: Get professional microneedling once or twice a month to help brighten skin and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Frequently asked questions
Toners are products used after cleansing your skin and before moisturizing. Traditionally, toners were alcohol-based and pretty harsh on your skin. But new toners are more balanced and much gentler on your skin. Depending on their ingredients, toners have different benefits, including:
Removing any remaining dirt, makeup, or sunscreen
Exfoliating to make skin smoother and help other products absorb better
Improving and balancing skin’s barrier function
Addressing specific concerns, like acne or hyperpigmentation
Yes, retinol and other retinoids are very effective for acne. They help by speeding up skin cell turnover, unclogging pores, and lowering inflammation. Retinoids can also help treat the scars and discoloration caused by acne. For mild acne, over-the-counter (OTC) retinol may be enough. But for more significant pimples or cysts, stronger retinoids may be needed.
How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type. Most people can exfoliate 1 to 3 times per week. If you have dry or sensitive skin, once a week may be enough. But if you have oily or acne-prone skin you produce more sebum (oil) and can usually exfoliate more often.
Toners are products used after cleansing your skin and before moisturizing. Traditionally, toners were alcohol-based and pretty harsh on your skin. But new toners are more balanced and much gentler on your skin. Depending on their ingredients, toners have different benefits, including:
Removing any remaining dirt, makeup, or sunscreen
Exfoliating to make skin smoother and help other products absorb better
Improving and balancing skin’s barrier function
Addressing specific concerns, like acne or hyperpigmentation
Yes, retinol and other retinoids are very effective for acne. They help by speeding up skin cell turnover, unclogging pores, and lowering inflammation. Retinoids can also help treat the scars and discoloration caused by acne. For mild acne, over-the-counter (OTC) retinol may be enough. But for more significant pimples or cysts, stronger retinoids may be needed.
How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type. Most people can exfoliate 1 to 3 times per week. If you have dry or sensitive skin, once a week may be enough. But if you have oily or acne-prone skin you produce more sebum (oil) and can usually exfoliate more often.
The bottom line
A good skin care routine focuses on consistency, simplicity, and products designed for your skin type. The foundation of any skin care routine is using a cleanser, moisturizer, and daily sun protection. Small choices — like using sunscreen every day and avoiding irritating ingredients — can have big effects over time. If your skin isn’t improving or you’re dealing with ongoing concerns, a dermatologist can help you develop the best skin care routine.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2025). Sunscreen FAQs.
Campiche, R., et al. (2020). Pigmentation effects of blue light irradiation on skin and how to protect against them. International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Farris, P. K. (2005). Topical vitamin C: A useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatologic conditions. Dermatologic Surgery.
Geisler, A. N., et al. (2021). Visible light part II. Photoprotection against visible and ultraviolet light. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Goberdhan, L., et al. (2016). Immediate and long-term effects of a topical serum with five forms of hyaluronic acid on facial wrinkles and intrinsic skin moisture content. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Hughes, M. C. B., et al. (2013). Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: A randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine.
Jeong, S., et al. (2019). Anti-wrinkle benefits of peptides complex stimulating skin basement membrane proteins expression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Ludmann, P. (2023). 9 things to try when acne won’t clear. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Ludmann, P. (2024). 7 rosacea skin care tips dermatologists give their patients. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Ludmann, P. (2024). Acne: Diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Walocko, F. M., et al. (2017). The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment. Dermatologic Therapy.
