Updated 1/5/21

Want to take your skincare routine up a notch, but not quite sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. (And if your ideal regimen is already a work in progress, you may find some new gems here, too.) The process of creating a skincare routine can be overwhelming, but a little guidance goes a long way.

Here, we’ll walk you through the basics of what our experts consider non-negotiable for peak radiance. Then, for those ready to take their routines to the next level, these optional (but recommended) add-ons will take your skincare the extra mile.

Here, a preview of your skincare blueprint:

The Basics

  • Cleanse daily with a gentle formula
  • Moisturize and hydrate skin
  • Protect skin with sunscreen

The Extras

  • Target concerns with serums
  • Exfoliate dead skin cells
  • Add a mask to maximize results

The Foundation of a Skincare Routine

Master the basics with these three simple steps. “They serve as the foundation for skincare and help to maintain genetic skin type and overall barrier health,” explains NakedPoppy skin specialist Tara Parenti. (If you’re unsure of your genetic skin type, learn more here.)

Cleanse daily with a gentle formula

“Cleansing your skin helps to remove impurities such as environmental pollutants, dead skin cells, excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and of course makeup,” says NakedPoppy research scientist Marisa Plescia. 

Not only does this step purify the skin of anything that could potentially clog pores or inflame skin, but it also allows your following skincare products to penetrate skin more deeply — ultimately making them more effective. “It seems so simple, but washing your face is integral to the overall health and integrity of your skin,” she says.

Moisturize and hydrate skin

Healthy skin requires both water and oil. “Your skin cells need water, like any other cell in your body. If your skin is dehydrated, your skin could be skin tight, dry, flaky, and even less radiant,” says Plescia. 

As for oil, it’s key to keeping the skin barrier functioning properly; the ever-important skin barrier both defends against external aggressors and traps water within skin. Ultimately, says Plescia, “when your skin is moisturized and has the proper oil composition, your skin is fortified.” It also feels soft and smooth. 

The good news? Most moisturizers contain ingredients that replenish both water and oil.

Protect skin with sunscreen

Not only does sun exposure contribute to signs of aging — think wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark spots — but it also leads to skin cancer. Naturally, diligent sunscreen use can offset these effects by protecting your skin from UV rays. Plus, says Parenti, “if you’re not wearing SPF every day, it’s pointless to invest in formulations with high-performance actives.”

For a clean option, consider mineral (or physical) sunscreens. “Mineral UV filters provide effective protection while also being considered a cleaner alternative to chemical UV filters,” says Plescia. “The mineral UV filters are also considered reef-safe, meaning they do not harm aquatic environments.”

Ways to Upgrade Your Skincare Routine

Take your routine to the next level with these optional, yet powerful extras.

Target specific concerns with serums

Looking to address something specific, such as dark spots or dry patches? A face serum can help. “Serums are a concentration of active ingredients designed to prevent and correct environmental skin conditions,” says Parenti. “They can be hydrating and provide brightening and antioxidant ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C, provide emollient and restorative qualities, or help to stimulate cell turnover and target aging concerns with ingredients like encapsulated retinol and carotenoids.”

Plus, says Plescia, “serums allow for better absorption in the outer layers of the skin with smaller particle size and as effective ingredient carrier systems.” Incorporate face serum after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Exfoliate dead skin cells

Two or three times a week, consider using clean chemical exfoliants after cleansing, such as alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids. “Exfoliation will help to resurface dead skin cell build-up, revealing smoother and brighter skin,” says Parenti. In doing so, they can also soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone and texture, and minimize the appearance of pores and blemishes. A good option: Maya Chia’s The Refresh Mint Resurfacing Moisture Mask, which features pumpkin and apple enzymes to gently exfoliate.

A word to the wise: “Although chemical exfoliants are safe for all skin types, they can be more irritating and cause redness for extremely dry and sensitive skin — so make sure to patch-test before,” says Plescia. (Try dabbing it behind your ear, for instance, and rinse with water if you happen to feel any stinging or burning.)

Add a mask to maximize results

Once or twice a week, use a face mask directly after cleansing and in place of exfoliation, if you’re doing so. 

“Face masks by their nature are occlusive, meaning they cover the skin and help to prevent the normal evaporation from the skin surface. This actually allows the face masks ingredients to better absorb into the upper layers of the skin and be more beneficial,” says Plescia. Like face serums, face masks are often designed to target specific concerns. Afterwards, follow it up with moisturizer to lock in the ingredients.

Consider this your starting point on your skincare journey. From here, you can further optimize your routine — after all, your morning skincare routine differs from your ideal nighttime skincare routine. And once you see what a streamlined regimen can offer, you might just want to go big.

Have a question about how to create your personal skincare routine? Leave it in the comments and our skin specialist Tara will answer it for you.

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