Where to Begin: Skincare 101
- Tolu Oshodi
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
In this post I'll be taking you through what I consider as the basics for a good skincare routine.
Understanding your Skin Type
The first and most important step is understanding your skin type. Once you have an idea of what this is, you can look for the products that will be the most beneficial for it. There are generally 5 categories for this
Normal
Dry
Oily
Combination
Sensitive
I typically have oily skin, but since starting actives, there are some areas which are prone to dryness so now I consider my skin type to be "Combination"
If you're unsure about your skin type, click here to take our quiz to find out what it may be
Building a Consistent Routine
With an understanding of my skin type, I created a personalised routine that also addressed my skin concerns. Initially it can feel like a lot of steps, but after some consistency, it will quickly become second nature.
Cleanser: A gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that removes dirt without stripping the skin. It can be oil or water based, depending on your skin type and if you are double cleansing.
Toner: a liquid product used after cleansing to balance pH, hydrate, remove impurities, and prepare the skin for serums or moisturisers, targeting specific concerns.
Serum: potent and lightweight products that will target specific skin concerns such as hydration, overall tone, fine lines etc. what you choose will depend on what you want to address.
Moisturiser: A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores.
Sunscreen: A non negotiable. Using SPF 30 or higher (Ideally 50 for the face) daily has helps prevent sun damage, which can accelerate aging by up to 80%.
So that's: cleanse, tone, apply serum(s), moisturise and finish off with SPF in the daytime. Personally I skip the toner and like to use a maximum of two serums, which gives me a 5 step routine.
Finding The Right Products
This can either be the overwhelming or exciting part, depending on how you look at it.
With so many options available, I focused on finding those that would address my skin concerns without leaving me broke.
That's how I stumbled upon The Ordinary.
Here's a linked list to all of the products I used that helped improve the texture of my skin and bring back a healthy glow that people started complementing continuously.
AM Routine
PM Routine
Listening to Your Skin
Skincare isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; it's essential to use what your skin prefers and what works best for you. I was recommended the Plant Derived Squalane as a daytime serum, but it didn't interact well with the niacinamide and left residue on my face. I switched to a different hydrator, the Amino Acids, which my skin loved and had no issues when combined with the Niacinamide.
Squalane is great for hydration, but I found something else that worked better for me.
As you explore various products addressing your own skin concerns, I encourage you to do the same: prioritise what works for you, not what's trending.
Playing the Long Game
Our bodies capacity to heal itself over and over again is nothing short of amazing and takes time.
"Problematic skin" doesn't happen overnight, and neither does healing. Everyone varies, but you can expect to see noticeable results in about 6 -12 weeks. So, in the meantime, embrace your skin where it's at, stay consistent and celebrate small victories—like clearer patches of skin or less frequent breakouts.
Every skincare journey is unique, getting recommendations is a great place to start, but adopting someone's exact skin routine may not be entirely beneficial. What worked for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. We might have a different skin type, concerns and sensitivity, but I'm hoping to eliminate some of the guesswork and offer you a starting point.
The essence lies in being patient and informed about your skin's needs. Take the time to explore, tweak your products and acknowledge your skin's progress.
Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. - Earl Nightingale