A simple skincare routine for your skin type (4 steps, no overload)

Less is more

It is tempting to stack products. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the opposite: focus on the basics, a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer and sunscreen, because using too many products can irritate the skin.

This article is general cosmetic advice, not medical advice. For acne, eczema, rosacea or any skin concern, see a dermatologist.

The four steps

1. Cleanse: morning (optional for dry skin) and evening, with a gentle cleanser.
2. Treat (optional): one serum for one goal, such as hydration or oil control.
3. Moisturize: morning and evening, ideally on slightly damp skin.
4. Protect: every morning, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours outdoors, as recommended by the AAD.

Adapting the routine to your skin type

Oily skin

• Cleanser: gel or foaming, gentle rather than harsh.
• Treatment: niacinamide is a popular choice to help with shine.
• Moisturizer: a light, non-comedogenic gel.
• Sunscreen: fluid or gel textures that don't feel heavy.

Dry skin

• Cleanser: cream or milky, or micellar water in the morning.
• Treatment: a hydrating serum, for example with hyaluronic acid.
• Moisturizer: a richer cream, applied on damp skin.
• Sunscreen: a comfortable, moisturizing formula.

Combination skin

• Use a gentle gel cleanser and a light moisturizer everywhere.
• Add a little more cream only on dry areas like the cheeks.

Normal skin

Keep it simple: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen. Add a treatment only if you have a specific goal.

Sensitive skin

• Choose fragrance-free products with short ingredient lists.
• Introduce one new product at a time.
• Avoid scrubbing and hot water.

Test before you commit

The AAD recommends testing a new product by applying it twice daily to a small spot where it won't be washed off, like the inside of the elbow, for 7 to 10 days. If your skin stays clear, you can use it on your face.

Go further for your skin type

For a detailed step-by-step routine: oily or combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin. And for everyone: daily sunscreen.

Sticking with it, day after day

The hard part is not choosing your skincare but using it every day. Shadewise’s Glowing skin program turns the routine above into morning and evening steps to tick off, with your own products, 3 small missions a week and a reminder if you want one. Missing a day costs you nothing. This is cosmetic advice, never a diagnosis.