Starting a skincare routine can feel overwhelming — with so many products, ingredients, and steps, how do you know what’s right for your skin? Whether you're battling breakouts or just want a healthy glow, a simple, effective routine is all you need to begin.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down the basics of skincare into easy-to-follow steps, explain what each product does, and help you build a routine tailored to your skin type.
Step 1: Know Your Skin Type
Before choosing any products, it’s important to identify your skin type. This will determine what kind of formulas and ingredients work best for you.
The 5 main skin types:
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Normal: Balanced, not too oily or dry
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Oily: Produces excess sebum, prone to shine and acne
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Dry: Flaky, tight, or rough texture
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Combination: Oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), dry on cheeks
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Sensitive: Easily irritated, prone to redness or reactions
Pro Tip: Press a clean tissue on your face in the morning. If you see oil in certain areas but not others, you likely have combination skin.
Step 2: The Core Skincare Steps (AM & PM)
Product Shown in image:
- Cleanse: COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
- Moisturise: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
A beginner routine only needs three essential steps:
Cleanser – Start and end your day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin.
🔗 Browse Facial Cleansers Collection
Moisturizer – Keeps your skin hydrated and supports a healthy barrier. Choose lightweight gels for oily skin and creams for dry or sensitive skin.
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Sunscreen (AM only) – The most important step! Sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage, which leads to premature aging and dark spots. Use SPF 30 or higher, every single morning.
Step 3: Add Targeted Treatments (Once You’re Ready)
Product Shown in image: SOME BY MI Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum
Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can slowly add treatments to target specific concerns like acne, pigmentation, or dullness. These include:
Exfoliants: Help remove dead skin cells (use 1-2x a week). Look for AHAs or BHAs.
Serums: Lightweight formulas that deliver active ingredients like niacinamide (for oil control), hyaluronic acid (for hydration), or vitamin C (for brightening).
🔗 Browse Serums by Skin Concern: Acne Prone Skin | Combination Skin | Dry Skin
🔗 Active Ingredients: Niacinamide | Vitamin C | Hyaluronic Acid
Step 4: Keep It Simple & Consistent
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying too many new products at once. Your skin needs time to adjust — so go slow. Introduce one new product at a time, and wait at least 1–2 weeks to see how your skin reacts.
💡 Tip: A simple routine done consistently will always deliver better results than a 10-step routine done inconsistently.
Step 5: Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid
- Using harsh scrubs that damage the skin barrier
- Skipping sunscreen — even on cloudy days
- Layering too many actives (like retinol + vitamin C) without guidance
- Switching products too often when results aren’t immediate
💬 Real Talk from Our Customers
“I had no idea where to start before. Your beginner’s guide helped me find the right products for my sensitive skin. Now I stick to a 3-step routine and my skin feels so much calmer!” – Amira L.
“Adding niacinamide was a game changer for my breakouts. Love how you explain things simply.” – Kelly T.
Ready to Begin?
Building a skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Start simple, listen to your skin, and upgrade as you go. You’ll thank yourself later.
🛒 Browse our full range of beginner-friendly skincare essentials
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