Guide · Mehr 1405 (October 2026)

Skincare routine: step by step for every skin type

In short: A basic routine has three jobs: gentle cleansing, moisturising and, in the morning, sunscreen. At night you do not need sunscreen and you can add one gentle treatment step. Skin type only changes the type and amount of product, not this order. Start every new product on its own.

The order of the morning and night routine

Morning:

Gentle cleansing, or only water if the skin is dry.
A serum or treatment product (optional).
Moisturiser.
Sunscreen of at least SPF 30; reapply every few hours if you are in the sun.

Night:

Remove make-up and sunscreen.
Gentle cleansing.
A gentle treatment product (optional; start slowly).
Moisturiser.

A skincare routine for each skin type

Skin type	Cleansing	Moisturiser	Key point
Oily	A gentle gel or foam, morning and night	Light and oil-free	Washing too often irritates the skin and may make it oilier.
Dry	A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser; no very hot water	Richer, applied right after cleansing	Do not skip sunscreen; dry skin is damaged sooner.
Combination	A gentle gel	Light, and a little richer on dry areas	Care for each area according to its need.
Sensitive	Gentle, fragrance-free, with lukewarm water	Simple, with few ingredients	Test every new product on a small area first and add only one at a time.
Normal	Gentle	Medium	A simple routine is enough; do not forget sunscreen.

How do I know my skin type?

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply nothing for one to two hours. If it is shiny all over, your skin is oily. If it feels tight and dry, it is dry. If only the forehead and nose are shiny, it is combination. For another estimate of how your skin looks, try the skin age test.

A skin routine for teenagers and over-40s

Teenagers: a simple routine is enough: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and sunscreen. If acne is heavy or painful, see a dermatologist instead of trying different products.

Over 40: a daily moisturiser and sunscreen matter most. Talk to a doctor about stronger products such as retinoids, because they do not suit every skin.

Common mistakes in a skin routine

Several active products at once: if the skin turns red or stings, stop them one by one.
No sunscreen: without it, the rest of the routine does less.
Changing products all the time: give each product a few weeks.
Scrubs and too much washing: they weaken the skin's protective barrier.
Picking at spots: it can leave marks and scars.

When should I see a dermatologist?

If acne is severe, painful or deep, a dark patch appears suddenly, a mole is changing, or you are not better after a few weeks of a simple routine, see a dermatologist. A home routine is not a treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What is a skincare routine for oily skin?

Gentle cleansing morning and night with a gel or foam, a light oil-free moisturiser and sunscreen every morning. Avoid washing too often and drying products, because they may irritate the skin.

What is a skincare routine for dry skin?

A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, a richer moisturiser applied right after cleansing and sunscreen every day. Avoid very hot water.

What is the order of skincare products?

In general from light to thick: cleanser, serum or treatment product, moisturiser and, in the morning, sunscreen last.

How many times a day should I wash my face?

For most skin, twice, morning and night, is enough. If the skin is dry, wash with only water in the morning. After heavy sweating you can wash once more.

Do I need the ten-step Korean routine?

No. The three basic steps, cleansing, moisturiser and sunscreen, are enough for most people. Add more steps only when you have a specific need, and one at a time.

When should I see a dermatologist instead of using a home routine?

Severe or painful acne, a sudden dark patch, a changing mole or inflammation that does not improve with a simple routine are signs to see a dermatologist.

This guide is general information and not medical advice. For a specific skin problem, talk to a dermatologist.