The Perfect Skincare Routine Backed by Science

Maybe you already have a 12-step skincare routine — complete with toners, serums, and overnight masks. Or perhaps you’ve never picked up a moisturizer in your life, and you’re not sure how to start. It never hurts to revisit your routine no matter where you are in your skincare journey. 

While genetics can play a significant role in the health of your skin, daily habits can be just as important. The way you treat your skin and the products you apply can transform your skin, for good or bad. 

Between toners, moisturizers, and SPF creams, there are thousands of different products on the market, each boasting its own benefits. How do you know which ones you need? The best way to put together an effective skincare routine is by following the guidance of research and experts instead of the latest skincare hype. 

To start (or continue) your journey, we’ve put together these skincare tips to show you the basic steps of any great routine. Here’s everything you need to know about making the perfect skincare routine is backed by science. 

Why Skincare is Important

Your skin is the largest organ in your body.¹ It also serves one of the most essential functions, protecting you from the outside world.² From environmental stressors to UV damage, your skin is your first line of defense. 

You might already notice some stubborn skin issues you’d like to resolve, from dryness to acne to textured skin. Even if you have perfectly clear skin now, the effects of aging can cause the health of your skin to decline.³ By taking care of your skin now — even with just a few products — you can protect your skin for years to come. 

The Basics of a Skincare Routine 

If you’re brand new to the idea of a skincare routine, it helps to start at the very beginning. What should a skincare routine include? 

Your routine choices could look very different depending on how you want to take care of your skin. There’s the popular K-beauty-inspired routine which takes 10 steps to complete.⁴ Others might keep things simple by just washing their faces and throwing on a moisturizer. 

Any skincare routine could be boiled down to three steps: cleanse, moisturize, and SPF. 

• Cleansing: Washing your skin with water isn’t enough. Many impurities and products aren’t water-soluble — they first need to be emulsified into finer particles to be removed from the skin.⁵ Using a gentle cleanser morning and night can remove dirt, sebum, and oil without irritating the skin. 
• Moisturizing: A moisturizer can prevent the evaporation of water on the skin by forming a barrier.⁶ By reducing water loss and locking in hydration, you can strengthen your skin barrier and improve the overall health of your skin. 
• SPF: While it’s only needed in the mornings, SPF is the most crucial part of your routine. Just about every part of your skin health relies on SPF protection — without it, you can develop hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging skin, and even skin cancer.⁷

The Perfect Skincare Routine Backed by Science

Now that you know the most basic steps of any skincare routine, what about when you want to step things up a notch? 

For each step, we’ll explore the different options you have to choose from, depending on skin type and the concerns you’re trying to target. Here are five steps to create the perfect skincare routine backed by science. 

1. Cleanser 

In the morning, look for a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip moisture from the skin. Those with sensitive or dry skin should look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and Centella asiatica extract for extra hydration.⁸

For your nighttime routine, a gentle cleanser still works best. However, this is also an excellent time to use active ingredients that might not pair well with sun exposure. For example, acne-prone skin might benefit from a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.⁹ 

2. Toner 

This light, watery product is designed to clear any remaining oil from the skin and improve the absorption of your other skincare products.

For mornings, look for hydrating toners with glycerin or hyaluronic acid. If you have redness, acne, or sensitive skin, look for soothing products with aloe vera, chamomile, or witch hazel for additional relief.¹⁰ At night, a resurfacing toner with chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid can help products better penetrate the skin.¹¹ 

3. Serum 

While it’s unnecessary, you can add a serum into the mix. Prioritize hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane for your morning routine. To better protect your skin from damage and brighten hyperpigmentation or scars, look for ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, and hydroquinone.¹² 

At night, you have a chance to use a serum to target a particular skin concern — without drying out your skin or putting yourself at risk of further sun damage. Try using a retinol product to gently resurface your skin to prevent or reverse signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.¹³ To clear acne, control oil production, reduce fine lines and improve the skin’s texture, consider an exfoliant like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid.¹⁴

4. Moisturizer 

A moisturizer can lock in the hydration provided by your skin products. Whether you keep it simple or use drying ingredients like chemical exfoliants or retinols, a moisturizer is a must-have step in your routine, morning and night. 

To keep it lightweight in the morning, look for a moisturizer with a gel-like consistency that sinks into the skin. However, you might benefit from a heavier moisturizer if you have dry skin. At night, your skin has a chance to recover from the day and prep for the next. To wake up with soft, hydrated skin, look for heavier, thicker moisturizers or an overnight cream.¹⁵ 

5. Sunscreen 

Last but not least, you need a good sunscreen when getting ready in the morning (you can skip this step at night). Whether a gel, cream, or spray, always apply SPF across the face, ears, and neck. Be sure to reapply every two hours for the best results.¹⁶

Making a Skincare Routine Backed by Science 

With all the skincare products out there, it can be overwhelming to start building or expanding your skincare routine. That’s why it’s so important to follow the guidance of experts. By using the best active ingredients for your skin type and skin goals, you can get the best possible results. 

Looking for more ways to help your skin look — and feel — its best? My Skincare Routine can help you perfect your routine. 

SOURCES: 

1. Medline Plus: ” Skin Layers.” 
2. National Library of Medicine:”  “How Does Skin Work?.” 
3. National Institute on Aging: ” Skin Care and Aging.”
4. Healthline: ” Korean Skin Care Routine: All the Steps From A to Z.”
5. Indian Journal of Dermatology: ” Cleansers and Their Role in Various Dermatological Disorders.” 
6. National Library of Medicine: ” Moisturizers.” 
7. Canadian Medical Association Journal: ” The Efficacy and Safety of Sunscreen Use For the Prevention of Skin Cancer.” 
8. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology: ” The 24-hour Skin Hydration and Barrier Function Effects of a Hyaluronic 1%, Glycerin 5%, and Centella Asiatica Stem Cells Extract Moisturizing Fluid: an Intra-Subject, Randomized, Assessor-Blinded Study.” 
9. Journal of Dermatological Treatment: ” A Study of the Efficacy of Cleansers for Acne Vulgaris.”
10. Pharmacognosy Reviews: ” Plants Used to Treat Skin Diseases.” 
11. Washington Post: ” Exfoliating Isn’t Necessary But Here Are Some Tips If You Do.”
12. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery: ” Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available?.” 
13. Harvard Health: ” Do Retinoids Really Reduce Wrinkles?.”
14. Healthline: ” AHA vs. BHA: What’s the Difference?.”
15. Well + Good: “What’s the Real Difference Between Day and Night Creams—and Do I Need Both?.”
16. John’s Hopkins Medicine: “Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine.”