You know those mornings when your face looks like it stayed up later than you did or even pulled an all-nighter? It happens all too often as we juggle our hectic schedules that include too much work, not enough sleep, and days fueled by caffeine. The good news: a simple skincare routine with the right skincare routine order can make your skin look fresh, feel balanced, and behave itself even with too few zzz’s and a life filled with stress. At Eight Saints, we’re big on natural ingredients, smart steps, and routines that actually fit your life.
Below, we’ll show you how to start a skincare routine in three easy steps: cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer. Then we’ll help you level up with targeted serums and an eye cream that works miracles. Along the way, we’ll answer the age-old question, “what should my skincare routine be?” and tailor tips for oily skin, dry skin, and sensitive skin, so you can build the face care routine that loves you back.
Know Your Skin Type (It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All)
Before we talk about products and steps, let’s talk about skin type. Understanding your skin’s personality helps you pick formulas that work with it, not against it.
- Oily skin: If you have oily skin then you'll notice more shine and larger-looking pores, especially on the T-zone. You want a balancing cleanse and lightweight hydration.
- Dry skin: With dry skin, your skin feels tight after washing, and can look flaky or dull. You’ll thrive on gentle cleansing and richer moisture.
- Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin is easily irritated with an aggressive skincare routine. It can react to things like heavy fragrance or harsh actives. If you have sensitive skin, then you want soothing, minimal routines with gentler exfoliation so you don’t irritate your delicate skin.
- Combo/normal skin: Combination skin is a little oilier in some places, a little drier in others. You’ll want to aim for balance without overcorrecting.
If you’re unsure after reading this then we suggest that you treat your skin kindly for two weeks. Use no harsh scrubs, no over-washing, and watch how it behaves. That alone often clarifies what your skincare routine should be.
Your 3-Step, Basic Skincare Routine
Okay, it’s time to explore the ‘perfect’ skincare routine. Honestly, if you take nothing else from this guide, take this three step basic skincare routine to ensure you have healthy, glowing skin.
- Cleanse your skin everyday.
- Exfoliate a few times a week, not daily.
- Moisturize every day to keep your skin hydrated.
That’s your basic skincare routine. It’s easy, effective, beginner-friendly, and perfect if you’re figuring out how to create a skincare routine that works.
Step 1: Cleanser (Morning & Night)
The first step in your skincare routine needs to be to keep your skin clean. You want clean skin, not stripped skin. That’s why we recommend one of these two cleansers based on your skin type:
- For oily/normal/combo: Down to Earth Natural Gel Cleanser is a refreshing, non-stripping gel that clears sweat, SPF, and daily grime without wrecking your barrier. It’s gentle and wonderfully effective leaving your skin smooth and glowing.
- For dry/sensitive: Bright Side Cream Cleanser (our creamy, comforting option) that cleans without tightness so your skin feels soft, not squeaky. Your skin will grow without any signs of drying.
Massage the cleanser onto damp skin for 30–60 seconds, then rinse completely away. Use it morning and night for best results. If you wear makeup, you can cleanse twice at night (or use a gentle makeup remover first), but keep it soft and barrier-friendly.
You might think that more washing is a good thing, but it’s not. In fact, over-washing can make oily skin oilier and dry skin drier. The sweet spot is clean and comfortable so you’ll want to find your ideal balance for best results.
Without a doubt, proper cleansing is the base of any face care plan. It preps the skin’s surface so everything else such as exfoliator, serum, moisturizer, actually penetrates. You should always start your skincare routine with a leading cleanser.
Step 2: Exfoliator (2–3x Weekly)
Exfoliation lifts away dead skin cells from your skin’s surface so your glow shows. However, it's not a daily necessity because your barrier needs downtime.
We suggest that you try Zen Out of Ten Bamboo Detox Face Scrub for exfoliation. Our gentle, physical exfoliator with natural ingredients that polishes without scratching. It’s ideal for use a few times a week.
How often:
- Oily skin: Exfoliate your skin 3x a week (non-consecutive days).
- Sensitive skin: Only exfoliate 1–2x a week max. Also use only very light pressure.
- Dry skin: Start with 1–2x a week to smooth away skin flakes and help moisturizer sink in.
- Combo/normal: 2x a week is usually perfect for combination skin.
Let the scrub do the work when you apply. Use only a feather touch when applying, rinse well, and follow with moisturizer. Over-exfoliating = redness, tightness, and a cranky barrier.
Step 3: Moisturizer (Morning & Night)
No matter your skin type, you need hydration, which means you need to use a moisturizer morning and night. A great moisturizer seals in water, supports the barrier, and keeps everything calm so your skin looks and feels absolutely amazing.
Daydreamer Face Moisturizer is our crowd-pleaser at Eight Saints when it comes to a leading moisturizer. It’s lightweight enough for oily skin, comforting enough for dry skin, and beloved by sensitive skin.
After cleansing (and exfoliating on those nights), apply a dime-sized amount to your damp skin. You can use this moisturizer morning and night. If you’re outdoors, layer sunscreen over it in the morning for optimum protection.
Hydrated skin looks smooth, feels bouncy, and handles actives better. If you want a simple skincare routine that actually works, consistent moisturizing is non-negotiable.
Skincare Add-Ons That Maximize Results
Once your basic skincare routine feels steady and effective then it’s time to unlock targeted results with a serum (or two) and a dedicated eye cream.
Vitamin C Serum for Bright, Even Skin Tone
If you’re dealing with dullness, uneven tone, or you just want firmer-looking skin, start here with Seeking C, a brightening Vitamin C serum that helps balance your skin tone. It also supports repair from environmental damage, and encourages collagen for a firmer look and feel.
For best results use in the morning after cleansing, before moisturizer. If you’re new to actives or have sensitive skin, start every other morning and work up as tolerated.
Without a doubt, vitamin C is a multitasker. It’s great for glow, great for firmness, great for a more even look, making it a first-class add-on when you’re asking how to create a skincare routine that goes beyond the basics.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Plush Hydration
Fine lines looking a little pronounced? Skin feels dehydrated even when you moisturize? You’re ready for hyaluronic acid.
Pep Rally is a hyaluronic acid serum that draws water into the skin to visibly plump and soften fine lines while boosting your moisturizer’s performance so your skin starts to glow with youth and you can say goodbye to those fine lines and wrinkles.
We suggest that you use it morning or night after cleansing (and after exfoliation on those nights), before moisturizer. Works for oily skin, dry skin, and sensitive skin alike.
It’s instant gratification that gets better with consistency, skin looks springy, makeup sits better, and that parched-midday feeling fades.
Eye Cream for the Delicate Zone
The under-eye area is thinner, drier, and more expressive, which is a nice way of saying it needs its own plan.
All In Eye Cream is our do-it-all formula for hydration, smoothing, and brightness around the eyes.
Use a pea-sized dot for both eyes, morning and/or night, after serum and before moisturizer. Tap gently with your ring finger. Remember, no rubbing because that can pull and irritate the delicate skin around your eyes.
A dedicated eye cream helps the rest of your face care routine shine. It minimizes concealer creasing and makes you look like you actually slept a full eight hours. You can finally say goodbye to tired eyes.
Achieving the Right Skincare Routine
If you’ve been Googling steps for skincare routine, basic skincare routine, or how to start a skincare routine, here’s your sign to keep it easy: cleanse, (occasionally) exfoliate, moisturize and then sprinkle in a serum and eye cream when you’re ready.
- Choose your cleanser by skin type for greatest effectiveness and to reduce the likelihood of irritation
- You’ll want to treat exfoliation like a scheduled check-in (not a daily habit).
- Feed your skin hydration every single day so it looks and feels fresh and plump..
- Use natural ingredients you can pronounce when picking skincare products.
Remember to keep the face care steps consistent. That’s how you build a face care routine you’ll actually follow.
Want help customizing your lineup for oily skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin? We suggest that you start with your perfect cleanser, add Zen Out of Ten on your exfoliation days, and lock it in with Daydreamer. Then pick your power-ups, Seeking C, Pep Rally, and All In Eye Cream, to build the exact results you’re after. That’s the beauty of a smart skincare routine: it starts simple and scales with you as your skin’s needs change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skincare
What should my skincare routine be if I want to keep it super simple?
Cleanser → Moisturizer → SPF (AM). Cleanser → Moisturizer (PM). Add exfoliation 1–2x weekly. That’s the simple skincare routine that works for nearly everyone and which we highly suggest that you try for best results.
Can I exfoliate every day?
Please don’t exfoliate every day. Healthy skin needs time to recover or irritation will develop. Stick to 1–3 times a week based on your type.
When do serums go on?
After cleansing and before moisturizer. If you’re using two (say, Seeking C in the morning and Pep Rally at night), keep it to one or two layers max so your skin can breathe and truly have time to rejuvenate.
Do I need an eye cream?
Need? No. Benefit? Absolutely. All In Eye Cream hydrates and smooths the delicate area your regular face cream wasn’t designed for.
How long until I see results?
Hydration is instant. Texture usually improves in 2–3 weeks with consistent exfoliation. Tone and firmness from Vitamin C can take 4–8 weeks. Consistency is the secret sauce.