How to Build a Skincare Routine That Actually Works

The internet is overflowing with 12-step skincare routines and "shelfie" culture. But dermatologists agree: a simple, consistent routine outperforms a complicated one every time.

Here's how to build a routine that's effective, affordable, and backed by science.

The Essential Steps (Morning)

You only need three products in the morning:

1. Cleanser — A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser (pH 4.5-5.5) to remove overnight buildup without stripping your barrier.
2. Antioxidant serum — Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid at 10-20%) protects against UV damage and environmental stress.
3. Sunscreen — SPF 30+ broad-spectrum. This is non-negotiable. UV exposure is the #1 cause of premature aging.

That's it. Three products, under two minutes.

The Essential Steps (Evening)

Your evening routine is where the real work happens:

1. Cleanser — Same as morning, or a double cleanse if you wear makeup (oil cleanser first, then water-based).
2. Treatment — This is where your actives go. Retinol, AHA/BHA exfoliants, or Niacinamide depending on your goals.
3. Moisturizer — Seals everything in and supports barrier function. Look for ceramides and fatty acids.

The Order Matters

A common mistake is applying products in the wrong order. The general rule is thinnest to thickest consistency, which usually means:

1. Cleanse
2. Toner (optional)
3. Serums / treatments
4. Eye cream (optional)
5. Moisturizer
6. Sunscreen (AM only)

This ensures each product can penetrate properly before the next layer goes on.

Ingredients to Never Mix

Some combinations can cause irritation or cancel each other out:

• Retinol + AHA/BHA — Both increase cell turnover and can cause excessive irritation together. Alternate nights instead.
• Vitamin C + Niacinamide — At low pH, these can convert to niacin and cause flushing. Use at different times of day.
• Benzoyl Peroxide + Retinol — BP can oxidize and deactivate retinol. Keep them separated.

How Much Should You Spend?

Here's the reality: you can build a complete, effective routine for under $40. The most important product — sunscreen — is also one of the cheapest.

Our data shows that the price per effective dose of active ingredients plateaus quickly. Beyond the $15-20 range per product, you're typically paying for packaging, fragrance, and marketing.

Start Simple, Add Slowly

The biggest mistake beginners make is introducing too many products at once. If your skin reacts, you won't know which product caused it.

Instead:

1. Start with cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen
2. After 2 weeks, add one active (we recommend Niacinamide as a starter)
3. Wait another 2-4 weeks before adding anything else
4. Introduce retinol last, starting at the lowest concentration

The Bottom Line

An effective skincare routine doesn't require 12 products or a $300 budget. It requires the right ingredients, in the right order, used consistently.

Use FindGlo to compare products, check ingredient compatibility, and find the best value options for every step of your routine.