How to Build a Skincare Routine for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide)

Starting a skincare routine can feel overwhelming, especially with the endless number of products available on the market. From cleansers and serums to moisturizers and sunscreen, knowing where to begin is the first step to achieving healthy, glowing skin.

A good skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s all about understanding your skin type, using the right products, and staying consistent. This step-by-step guide will help you build a beginner-friendly skincare routine that works for all skin types. Plus, we’ll highlight products from Sulwhasoo and Sensoo Skincare that can enhance your routine and provide effective results.

Understanding Your Skin Type

Before building a skincare routine, it’s essential to identify your skin type. Different skin types require different products to address specific concerns.

Common Skin Types:

• Oily Skin – Produces excess oil, often leading to acne and clogged pores.
• Dry Skin – Lacks moisture, often feeling tight, flaky, or irritated.
• Combination Skin – Oily in some areas (usually the T-zone) and dry in others.
• Sensitive Skin – Easily reacts to products, causing redness, irritation, or breakouts.
• Normal Skin – Balanced with few concerns and minimal oiliness or dryness.

Once you know your skin type, you can choose products that target your specific needs while maintaining a simple and effective routine.

Step 1: Cleansing (Morning & Night)

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities that can clog pores and cause breakouts.

How to Choose a Cleanser:

• Oily skin – Look for a gel-based or foam cleanser with salicylic acid to control oil production.
• Dry skin – Choose a hydrating cleanser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
• Sensitive skin – Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid irritation.

A Sulwhasoo Low pH Good Morning Cleanser is a great option because it effectively cleans the skin without stripping away natural moisture.

How to Use:

• Wash your face with lukewarm water (hot water can be drying).
• Apply a pea-sized amount of cleanser to your skin.
• Massage gently for 30-60 seconds, then rinse and pat dry.

Step 2: Toning (Balances & Prepares Skin)

A toner helps remove any leftover impurities, restores the skin’s pH balance, and preps it for better absorption of other products.

Benefits of Toner:

• Hydrates and soothes the skin.
• Removes excess dirt and oil missed during cleansing.
• Preps the skin for serums and moisturizers.

For hydration and soothing, Sensoo Skincare’s hydrating toner is an excellent choice as it contains nourishing ingredients to calm the skin.

How to Use:

• Pour a few drops onto a cotton pad or your palms.
• Gently pat it onto your skin (avoid rubbing).
• Let it absorb before applying the next product.

Step 3: Serums (Treats Skin Concerns)

Serums are lightweight treatments with concentrated ingredients that address specific skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and dehydration.

Best Serums for Beginners:

• Hyaluronic Acid – Provides deep hydration (great for all skin types).
• Vitamin C – Helps brighten skin and fade dark spots.
• Niacinamide – Reduces redness, oiliness, and hyperpigmentation.
• Retinol (Vitamin A) – Promotes anti-aging and skin renewal (best for nighttime use).

A Sulwhasoo Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a great hydrating serum that repairs and replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier.

How to Use:

• Apply 2-3 drops onto clean skin.
• Gently press it into your skin until fully absorbed.
• Wait 1-2 minutes before applying moisturizer.

Step 4: Moisturizing (Locks in Hydration)

Moisturizers help lock in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated, plump, and protected throughout the day.

How to Choose a Moisturizer:

• Oily skin – Use a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer.
• Dry skin – Choose a rich, cream-based moisturizer with ceramides.
• Combination skin – A balancing moisturizer works best.
• Sensitive skin – Look for fragrance-free, calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica.

Sensoo Skincare calming moisturizer provides lightweight yet deep hydration, making it ideal for both morning and night use.

How to Use:

• Take a small amount and gently massage it into your skin.
• Focus on areas that feel dry or prone to irritation.
• Allow the moisturizer to fully absorb before applying sunscreen (in the morning).

Step 5: Sunscreen (Morning Routine Essential)

Sunscreen is the most important step in your morning routine. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging, dark spots, and sunburns.

How to Choose a Sunscreen:

• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
• Look for lightweight, non-greasy formulas.
• Opt for fragrance-free sunscreen if you have sensitive skin.

A Sulwhasoo Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 is a fantastic option, offering hydration and sun protection in one.

How to Apply Sunscreen:

• Use a nickel-sized amount for the face and a shot-glass amount for the body.
• Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply every two hours, especially if outdoors.

Extra Steps: Exfoliation & Face Masks (1-2 Times a Week)

While the basic routine includes cleansing, toning, serums, moisturizing, and sunscreen, adding weekly treatments can boost skin health.

Exfoliation (1-2 times a week)

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing other products to penetrate deeper. Use:

• Chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs (best for acne-prone or dull skin).
• Gentle scrubs (avoid harsh exfoliants that can damage the skin barrier).

Face Masks (1-2 times a week)

Face masks provide intensive hydration or detoxification depending on your skin’s needs. Try:

• Clay masks for oily or acne-prone skin.
• Sheet masks with hyaluronic acid for dry skin.

Sensoo Skincare’s hydrating face mask is an excellent option to replenish moisture and repair the skin barrier.

Conclusion

Building a beginner-friendly skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a step-by-step regimen that includes cleansing, toning, treating, moisturizing, and protecting, you can achieve healthy and radiant skin.

For added benefits, incorporating weekly treatments like exfoliation and face masks can enhance your results. Using trusted brands like Sulwhasoo for hydration and protection, along with Sensoo Skincare’s calming and restorative products, can help you maintain glowing, problem-free skin.