If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by skincare, you’re not alone. With so many serums, creams, and treatments out there, it’s hard to know where to start or what actually works. That’s why I created this simple, step-by-step skincare routine inspired by the viral chart from ThriveClique — designed to help you take care of your skin in the most effective (and enjoyable) way possible!
Whether you’re a beginner or a skincare junkie looking to refresh your routine, this guide will walk you through exactly what to do in the morning, at night, and weekly to get that fresh, glowing look we all want.
🌞 Your AM Routine: Protect & Prep
1. Cleanser
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any overnight oil, sweat, or bacteria. This helps prep your skin for the rest of your routine and gives you a clean slate to start your day.
2. Vitamin C Serum
This powerhouse ingredient helps brighten your skin, fight free radicals, and boost collagen. Think of it as your daily glow shot!
3. Moisturizer
Even if your skin is oily, moisturizing is key. It locks in hydration and helps create a protective barrier.
4. SPF (Sunscreen)
Don’t skip this step! Sunscreen is your best defense against premature aging and skin damage. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single morning — even if it’s cloudy.
💡 Golden Tip: Layer your SPF after moisturizer and give it a minute to absorb before applying makeup.
🌙 Your PM Routine: Restore & Rejuvenate
1. Double Cleanse
First, use an oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup and sunscreen. Follow with a water-based cleanser to deep clean your pores.
2. Toner
Toner helps balance your skin’s pH and preps your face to absorb all the good stuff coming next.
3. Targeted Serum
This is where you address your specific skin concerns — acne, dryness, aging, hyperpigmentation. Use serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or peptides depending on your needs.
4. Moisturizer
Lock in everything with a night cream. Look for richer, nourishing formulas to help your skin repair while you sleep.
🛏️ Golden Tip: Consistency is more important than perfection. Start simple and build as you go!
🧖♀️ Weekly Add-Ons: Boost Your Skin Game
1. Exfoliate (1–3x Weekly)
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps your skincare absorb better. Use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like AHA/BHA) or a physical scrub depending on your skin type.
2. Mask (1x Weekly)
Treat yourself to a mask that suits your skin goals: clay for detoxing, sheet masks for hydration, or overnight masks for repair.
3. Retinoids (2–3x Weekly)
These vitamin A derivatives are amazing for anti-aging and acne but can be irritating. Start slowly (1–2x a week) and always wear SPF the next morning.
4. Facial Oil (Optional)
Want that dewy finish? Seal in your routine with a lightweight facial oil. This step is optional but luxurious — especially in winter!
💆♀️ Golden Tip: Listen to your skin. If it’s irritated or breaking out, scale back and simplify.
🧴What If I Miss a Step?
Don’t stress. Skincare is about progress, not perfection. Missing a step here and there won’t ruin your skin, but staying consistent over time is what creates results.
💕 Final Thoughts
The beauty of this routine is its flexibility. Start with the basics — cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect — then layer in weekly extras as you feel more confident.
You don’t need 20 products to have great skin. You just need a plan that works for you and a bit of patience.
🌟 Save this Post for Later!
Loved this guide? Pin it, share it, or bookmark it so you can always come back when your skincare shelf starts to feel confusing. Your skin (and future self) will thank you!