SKINCARE ROADMAP FOR BEGINNERS

"Creating a skincare routine starts with correctly identifying your skin type. Then, by determining goals that align with your skin's needs, you should select appropriate ingredients. In addition to daily morning and evening care steps, weekly supportive practices and tracking products make the process more effective. Being patient and observing your skin’s reactions is the key to achieving a healthy and balanced appearance in the long term."

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SKINCARE ROADMAP FOR BEGINNERS

In recent years, skincare has moved beyond being just an aesthetic choice and has become an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Especially with the rise of information sharing on social media, many people have begun to ask, “How should my skincare routine be?” However, the abundance of information can also bring confusion. In this article, we’ll outline the roadmap for someone starting skincare from scratch. From identifying your skin type to product order, ingredient selection to long-term monitoring, we’ll explain every step in simple terms.

Identify Your Skin Type and Concerns to Understand Your Skin Better

The most basic step in skincare is to understand your own skin type and needs. Skin types are generally divided into five: Normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Each skin type requires different ingredients and approaches. For instance, dry skin needs more intense moisturizers, while oily skin benefits from lightweight products that prevent clogged pores.

Normal skin has balanced oil and moisture levels. Pores are not prominent, skin tone is even, and it usually doesn’t experience acne or dryness. Dry skin appears dull and feels tight. There may be flakiness, especially with increased risk of irritation in cold weather. Oily skin, especially in the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone), shows noticeable oiliness; pores are large and prone to blackheads and acne. Combination skin includes both dry and oily areas. Typically, the T-zone is oily while the cheeks are normal or dry. Sensitive skin is prone to redness, burning, itching, and peeling. It is more vulnerable to external factors.

One of the easiest methods you can apply at home to determine your skin type is the tissue test. After waking up in the morning, wash your face and wait 1-2 hours without applying any products (moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, etc.). Then, take a soft, plain tissue (or blotting paper) and gently press it onto different areas of your face: forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks.

If the tissue remains dry and your skin feels tight, you may have dry skin.
If there’s oil on all parts of the tissue, it indicates oily skin.
If oil appears only in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), and the cheeks remain dry, this indicates combination skin.
If there’s slight moisture but no oiliness, this is considered normal skin.
If you experience redness, burning, or discomfort during the test, this could be a sign of sensitive skin.

However, identifying your skin type alone is not enough. The current condition of your skin should also be considered. For example, issues like acne, blackheads, comedones, pigmentation, dryness, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dullness are important factors in selecting skincare products. Properly analyzing such problems helps you make more targeted product choices.

Setting Goals and Choosing Ingredients

Once your skin type and issues are clarified, you need to decide what you want to achieve with your routine. For example, goals like “reducing acne appearance,” “strengthening the skin barrier,” “fading dark spots,” or “maintaining moisture balance” will guide you to the right ingredients.

Active ingredients are the most effective tools to reach these goals. Here are some basic ingredients and when they should be used:

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): Ingredients like glycolic and lactic acid exfoliate dead skin cells and even out skin tone. Recommended for dull and rough skin.
BHA (Salicylic Acid): Penetrates into pores to reduce sebum buildup. Suitable for acne and blackhead-prone skin.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Soothes redness, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces pore appearance.
Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts moisture to the skin and provides plumpness. Essential for dry and dehydrated skin.
Arbutin, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid: Effective brightening ingredients that lighten skin tone and reduce dark spots.
Retinol and derivatives: Promotes cell renewal, reduces skin tone irregularities, fine lines, and wrinkles. It can also be used in anti-acne care.
Centella Asiatica, Panthenol: Calm sensitivity and support skin repair.

The key here is not to use a little of everything, but to choose a few goals based on your skin’s primary concerns and build a simple and sustainable routine.

Core Routine Steps: Morning and Night

A skincare routine is divided into morning and evening. In the morning, skin is protected and supported throughout the day; in the evening, it is cleansed and prepared for renewal.

Morning Routine:

Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. You can also use just water at this step.
Toner (optional): Can be used to balance the skin and prepare it for the next steps.
Serum: Choose serums based on needs—hydration, brightening, or antioxidant support.
Moisturizer: Use a lightweight cream to keep skin moisturized throughout the day.
Sunscreen: This is the most critical step. Protect your skin with a product that provides SPF 30 or higher.

Evening Routine:

Double Cleansing: If there is makeup or sunscreen, cleanse the skin thoroughly with an oil-based cleanser first, then with a water-based cleanser.
Toner (optional): Can be used to balance the skin and prepare it for the next steps.
Serums and Treatments: This is the stage to use serums for dark spots, anti-aging, or repair.
Moisturizer: Choose a rich cream to support your skin overnight.

Weekly and Monthly Care

In addition to daily routines, several extra practices each week can greatly support your skincare:

Peeling: Done 1–2 times a week. Removes dead skin cells and enhances serum absorption.
Masks: Clay, hydrating, soothing, or brightening masks can be used 1–2 times a week depending on skin needs.
Gua Sha / Roller: Tools that promote lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. To avoid damaging the skin, always apply over a slippery base like an oil or serum.

On a monthly basis, it’s important to monitor changes in the skin and evaluate whether products are effective. Based on these observations, you can update your routine or simplify it.

Sustainability and Tracking

When starting to use a new product, you should wait at least 4–6 weeks to see its effects. If you experience adverse reactions such as irritation, redness, or breakouts during this period, it is best to discontinue the product and consult a specialist.

To track your routine, you can keep a skincare journal or monitor your progress through weekly selfie comparisons. Remember, every skin is different, and an ingredient that works for someone else may not produce the same results for you.

When you start using a new skincare product, being patient is crucial to evaluate the product’s effects on your skin. The skin’s renewal cycle is approximately 28 days; therefore, regular use for at least 4 to 6 weeks is usually recommended to observe the positive effects of the product. This period is critical to understand whether the product is compatible with your skin and to assess its real benefits.

However, some temporary reactions may appear during this time. Especially with products that contain active ingredients (such as AHA/BHA acids, retinoids, or powerful antioxidants like vitamin C), it is possible to experience mild redness, dryness, or slight breakouts in the first few weeks. This is called the “temporary adaptation phase,” and most of the time, the skin regains its balance within a few days.

However, if you notice severe irritation, a burning sensation, intense redness, or constantly increasing breakouts, it may indicate that the product is not suitable for your skin. In such a case, it is best to stop using the product immediately and consult a dermatologist. Continuing to use the product may damage the skin barrier and lead to long-term issues.

One of the most important points to remember during this process is the following: Every skin is different. A product that gives miraculous results for someone else may show no effect on your skin or even cause negative reactions. Therefore, when choosing skincare products, compatibility with your skin type and needs should be prioritized over popularity. With conscious choices and a patient approach, your skin can achieve a healthier and more balanced appearance over time.

Sakamoto K, et al., Cosmetic science and technology: Theoretical principles and applications (2017).

Rapini and R. P. (Ed.). Dermatological and cosmeceutical approaches to aging skin (2014).

Draelos, Z. D. Cosmetic dermatology: Products and procedures (2nd ed.) (2015).