Skin Care Routine for Beginners: Your Ultimate Guide

Skincare is often sidelined as an indulgent luxury, rather than a moment of self-care and a commitment to yourself in a holistic health and wellness regime. At Face Club we see skin care as an act of self-care. For beginners, it can be challenging to know where to start. There are endless options, conflicting opinions, and often a hefty price tag. 

Getting started on a good skincare routine future-proofs your skin for long-term health. It doesn’t have to require a 10-step routine. If you introduce a few key steps combined with a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve the skin of your dreams. We did the hard work and research so you don’t have to.

What is a Good Skincare Routine for Beginners?

A good skincare routine for beginners focuses on three main steps: proper cleansing, a targeted serum/moisturizer, and sun protection. These steps are essential for maintaining healthy skin and can be adjusted based on individual skin conditions and concerns. Whether you have acne, fine lines & wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or rosacea, Face Club can help you make informed decisions to boost confidence and improve your skin.

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanser: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities from your skin.
   
   
2. Antioxidant Serum: Apply a serum containing antioxidants like vitamins C or E to protect your skin from environmental damage. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can cause skin aging and damage. Studies have shown that antioxidants like vitamin C can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture and tone. 
   
   
3. Sunscreen: Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. SPF 30 is a minimum standard recommended by dermatologists because it blocks about 97% of UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. Higher SPFs provide slightly more protection, but no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays. Reapplication is crucial to maintain protection, as sunscreen can wear off due to sweating, swimming, or simply over time. Dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours, and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

Evening Routine:

1. Double Cleanse: We always recommend double cleansing in the evenings. The first should be oil or cream based to effectively remove SPF and makeup, and the second should be a gel or milk to prep the skin for the following steps. 
   
   
2. Serum: The serum is the most targeted step of any skincare routine due to the smaller molecule size (this penetrates to the deeper layer of the skin). The serum should be tailored to address the primary skin condition.
   
   
3. Moisturizer: Apply a moisturizer with barrier supporting ingredients to repair and rebuild your skin overnight.

What is the Correct Order of Skincare?

As a general rule, your skincare should be applied from thinnest to thickest. Here's a simple breakdown:

1. Cleanser: Cleansing is the first step in both your morning and evening routine. Apply a small amount of cleanser to damp skin, gently massage it in circular motions, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
   
   
2. Exfoliator (1-2 times a week): Use an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells, making it easier for your skin to absorb the following products. Apply the exfoliator to clean, damp skin, gently massaging in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid over-exfoliating as it can irritate your skin.
   
   
3. Toner: Toner helps to balance your skin's pH and remove any residual impurities. After cleansing (and exfoliating if it’s an exfoliation day), apply toner to a cotton pad and swipe it over your face, or pour a few drops into your hands and pat it directly onto your skin.
   
   
4. Serum: Serums are concentrated with active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. Apply a few drops of serum to clean, dry skin, gently patting it in to aid absorption. This step can be done in both your morning and evening routines.
   
   
5. Moisturizer: Moisturizers help to lock in hydration and keep your skin's barrier intact. Apply an appropriate amount of moisturizer to your face and neck, gently massaging it in until fully absorbed. Use a lighter moisturizer in the morning and a richer one in the evening if your skin needs extra hydration.
   
   
6. Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sun damage with a broad-spectrum SPF. Apply sunscreen generously to your face and neck as the final step in your morning routine, after your moisturizer. Reapply every two hours if you're spending extended periods outdoors.

How to Create a Routine for Different Skin Conditions?

Understanding your general skin condition you’d like to address is crucial for tailoring your skincare routine. Here’s how to adapt the basic routine for different skin types:

Dehydrated Skin:

• Hydra-Intense Cleansing Lotion - Apply a small amount to damp skin and gently massage in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. The Hydra-Intense Cleansing Lotion is enriched with highly moisturizing agents that help remove makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. This ensures the skin remains soft, supple, and hydrated, addressing the primary needs of dehydrated skin.
• Botanical Infused Moisturizing Toner - After cleansing, apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently sweep it across the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Allow it to absorb. This toner is enriched with a blend of plant extracts and gentle exfoliating acids that hydrate the skin, improve uneven tone, and promote cell renewal. Niacinamide enhances hydration and fights free radicals, preparing the skin for better absorption of subsequent products, which is essential for dehydrated skin.
• HA Intensive Hydrating Serum - Apply a few drops of the serum to your face and neck, then gently pat and press into the skin until fully absorbed. This serum contains low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which smooths, plumps, and deeply hydrates the skin by drawing moisture to the surface. This results in a dewy and youthful appearance, which is crucial for combating the effects of dehydrated skin.
• Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 1 - Apply a pea-sized amount to your face and neck, gently massaging in upward strokes until fully absorbed. This lightweight moisturizer is packed with Vitamins A, C, and E, along with antioxidants. These ingredients nourish the skin, improve its natural moisture levels, smooth texture, reduce breakouts, and diminish the appearance of fine lines. This comprehensive nourishment and hydration are key to treating dehydrated skin.
• Weekly Mask: Tropical Mango Barrier Repair Mask - Once or twice a week, apply an even layer of the mask to clean, dry skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. The combination of fruit and nut butters in this mask works to nourish, hydrate, and repair the skin's lipid barrier. This leaves the skin smooth, replenished, and rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory properties, providing deep hydration and repair essential for dehydrated skin.

Oily Skin:

• Botanical Infused Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser - Apply a small amount to damp skin and gently massage to create a lather. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. This gel cleanser is formulated with Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil, which are excellent for oily skin. Salicylic Acid exfoliates and helps dissolve dead skin cells, reducing breakouts and congestion, while Tea Tree Oil has antibacterial properties that reduce inflammation and target excess sebum without over-drying the skin.
• Botanical Infused Sebu-Tone Clarifier - After cleansing, apply the toner to a cotton pad and sweep it across the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. This clarifier is packed with AHA's and BHA's, which are beneficial for oily skin as they deeply cleanse the pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and balance oil production. This results in a smoother texture, reduced inflammation, and minimized breakouts, making it ideal for those prone to T-zone congestion.
• Vita-Antioxidant AVST Gel - Apply a pea-sized amount to the face and neck, gently massaging until fully absorbed. This lightweight gel is perfect for oily skin as it provides intense hydration without feeling heavy. It contains Vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants that help normalize skin function, reduce irritation, and calm redness. Its light gel texture makes it ideal for those who want a lightweight moisturizer or a boost of active ingredients under a richer cream.
• Weekly Mask: Hydroxy Acid Sebu Clear Masque - Once or twice a week, apply an even layer of the masque to clean, dry skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. This masque is ideal for oily skin as it contains lactic and salicylic acids that gently exfoliate, encourage cell renewal, and unclog pores. The anti-bacterial properties help to clarify the skin and improve the appearance of blemishes and congestion without stripping the skin barrier, making it an effective treatment for managing oily and acne-prone skin.

Sensitized/Reactive Skin:

• Low Foam Cleansing Gel -Use a small amount on damp skin, gently massaging to create a low foam. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. This gel cleanser effectively removes dirt, makeup, and excess oils while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. It is rich in Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) and Hydrolyzed Oats, which are soothing ingredients that calm redness and reduce the chance of follicular obstruction, making it especially beneficial for congested or acne-prone skin without causing irritation or dryness.
• Rescue - Apply a few drops of Rescue to the face and neck, gently patting until fully absorbed. This serum contains trioxolane, a patented plant extract with stable oxygen molecules that repair DNA damage, neutralize toxins, calm inflammation, and activate epidermal wound repair. It also protects the skin against blue light damage and other external stressors. This makes Rescue perfect for those with acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, as it dramatically improves skin texture and the appearance of age spots, while soothing and repairing compromised skin.
• Vita-Antioxidant AVST Gel - Apply a pea-sized amount to the face and neck, gently massaging until fully absorbed. This lightweight gel is ideal for sensitized skin as it intensely hydrates and heals without being heavy. It contains Vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants, which help normalize skin function, reduce irritation, and calm redness. The light gel texture makes it suitable for those who prefer a lightweight moisturizer or want a boost of active ingredients to layer under a richer cream, ensuring the skin remains calm and nourished.

Hormonal Acne: 

• Low Foam Cleansing Gel - Use a small amount on damp skin, gently massaging to create a low foam. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. This gel cleanser effectively removes dirt, makeup, and excess oils while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. It is rich in Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) and Hydrolyzed Oats, soothing ingredients that calm redness and reduce the chance of follicular obstruction, which is especially beneficial for congested or acne-prone skin.
• Clarify - Apply a few drops of Clarify to the face and neck, gently patting until fully absorbed. This serum is specifically formulated to treat and prevent blemishes while maintaining the skin’s barrier integrity. The key ingredient, encapsulated retinaldehyde, a powerful form of Vitamin A, assists in cell regeneration, regulates oil production, and calms inflammation, providing all the benefits without irritation. Clarify works to prevent new breakouts from forming and smooths out scars left by old ones, making it essential for those dealing with hormonal acne.
• DMS Base Cream High Classic -  Apply a small amount to the face and neck, gently massaging until fully absorbed. This restorative moisturizer, formulated with DMS® components, works in harmony with the skin’s protective barrier. It contains ingredients almost identical to the skin’s natural lipid barrier, including phosphatidylcholine, ceramides, squalene, triglycerides, and phytosterols. This helps to deeply hydrate and restore the skin, making it ideal for those dealing with dryness and dehydration caused by acne treatments.
• Hydroxy Acid Sebu Clear Masque - Once or twice a week, apply an even layer of the masque to clean, dry skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. This mask contains lactic and salicylic acids that gently exfoliate, encourage cell renewal, and unclog pores. The anti-bacterial properties help to clarify the skin and improve the appearance of blemishes and congestion without stripping the skin barrier, making it an effective treatment for managing hormonal acne.
  
  

 

Creating an effective skincare routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you work with Face Club you have a trusted partner on your skincare journey. The skin changes with age, by season, lifestyle, and more - we are here to support you every step of the way. 

Some Tips to Follow

1. Avoid harsh cleansing and over-exfoliating
2. Skipping moisturizer if you are ‘oily’
3. Skipping SPF if it’s cloudy (yes, you can still burn)
4. Neglecting the neck and décolletage
5. Not giving your products time to work: the skin life cycle is 28 days, and often it takes 1-2 skin cycles to see significant changes in the skin. Results don’t happen overnight, so being patient and giving your skin time is key

FAQ About Skincare

Q: How often should I exfoliate my skin?

• For Aging/Pigmented Skin: Exfoliate 1-2 times per week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
• For Oily/Hormonal Acne: Exfoliate 2-3 times per week to help control oil and prevent clogged pores.
• For Sensitized/Reactive Skin: Exfoliate 1 time per week using a gentle exfoliant to avoid irritation.

Q: Can I use the same products in the morning and evening?

A: Yes, many products can be used both morning and evening, such as cleansers and moisturizers. However, consider the specific needs of your skin during the day (sun protection) and night (repair and hydration).

Q: What are other common mistakes beginners should avoid in their skincare routines?

A: Besides not patch testing new products and overloading on products, other mistakes include using expired products, not removing makeup before bed, and neglecting the neck and chest area in their routine. It's important to pay attention to these aspects for comprehensive skincare.

Q: How long will it take to see results from my skincare routine?

A: Results vary depending on the individual and the products used. Generally, it can take a few weeks to a few months to see significant improvements in skin texture and appearance.


We recommend taking the Face Club Skin Quiz to get your personalized recommendations or Book a Virtual Consult with a Face Club Skin Therapist to learn more.