How to create a complete routine for all skin types

Having healthy, balanced, and radiant skin isn't a matter of luck, but of consistency and knowledge. Every skin type—dry, oily, combination, or sensitive—has specific needs, but there are also universal steps that help maintain it in good condition. The key is learning to adapt products, textures, and habits to your own facial characteristics. Creating a complete routine doesn't mean having a dozen cosmetics, but rather knowing how to combine the essentials and apply them in the correct order.

This text will detail how to design an effective facial care routine adaptable to any skin type, with advice on ingredients, frequency, and application techniques. The goal is for each person to be able to create their own beauty ritual with discernment, without being swayed by trends or miraculous promises.

Before buying any product, it's essential to identify your skin type. Dry skin often feels tight and flaky; oily skin produces excess sebum and shine; combination skin has both characteristics , with oilier areas (like the forehead or nose) and drier areas; while sensitive skin reacts easily to changes in weather or irritating ingredients.

Understanding these differences allows you to choose more suitable formulas and textures. For example, light, oil-free gels are ideal for oily skin, while richer creams with ceramides or natural oils are beneficial for dry skin. Sensitive skin, on the other hand, should prioritize fragrance- and alcohol-free products.

There are some products that are suitable for all skin types. One of them is niacinamide serum , ideal for balancing sebum production, minimizing pores, and improving skin texture without causing irritation.

Cleansing is the cornerstone of any skincare routine. It not only removes dirt, sweat, and makeup residue, but also environmental impurities that accumulate throughout the day. Without proper cleansing, other skincare products cannot penetrate effectively.

It is recommended to cleanse your face twice a day: in the morning, to remove excess oil produced overnight, and at night, to remove all traces of pollution and cosmetics.

Dry skin types can benefit from cream cleansers or balms that don't dry out the skin, while oily skin types often prefer foaming gels with purifying ingredients like salicylic acid. Combination or sensitive skin types can opt for gentle cleansers with a neutral pH and soothing agents such as oatmeal or aloe vera.

After cleansing, facial toner restores the skin's natural pH and prepares it to better absorb subsequent treatments . Although many associate it with astringent products, today there are exfoliants (like those from Glowing Solutions ), hydrating, soothing, and balanced toners to suit every need.

For dry or sensitive skin, toners with rose water or chamomile are perfect. Those with oily or blemish-prone skin, on the other hand, can opt for toners with niacinamide or glycolic acid, always in mild concentrations. This step, which is often skipped, makes all the difference in the texture and radiance of the face.

This is where one of the most important and personalized steps comes into play: specific treatments. Depending on the needs, serums, ampoules, or essences containing concentrated active ingredients can be used.

Some of the most beneficial serums are:

• Hyaluronic acid, for intense hydration without adding fat.
• Vitamin C, to brighten and protect from environmental damage.
• Retinol, to stimulate cell renewal and reduce signs of aging (preferably used at night).
• Salicylic acid or zinc, useful for acne-prone skin.

Each treatment should be applied after the toner and before the moisturizer, as their light textures penetrate better into clean and balanced skin.

Regarding hydration, even the oiliest skin types need it. Water is essential for maintaining the skin's barrier function, and a lack of it can cause imbalance, leading to increased sebum production or sensitivity.

The key is choosing the right texture. Dry skin will appreciate richer, more nourishing creams with plant oils, shea butter, or ceramides. Combination skin can opt for light emulsions or hydrating gels with hyaluronic acid. Oily skin, on the other hand, should choose oil-free formulas that provide moisture without a greasy feel.

Sensitive skin needs moisturizers with soothing ingredients like oat, panthenol, or allantoin . In all cases, application should be done with gentle movements to avoid irritating or pulling at the skin.

No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. Daily use prevents premature aging, dark spots, and UV damage. It's essential even on cloudy days or when indoors, as screen light can also affect the skin.

Sunscreen should be applied at the end of your morning routine, before makeup. For oily skin, mattifying formulas are recommended; for dry skin, sunscreens with moisturizing agents; and for sensitive skin, those with mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

A good practice is to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours if you're exposed to the sun or sweat frequently. This habit, along with proper cleansing and moisturizing, is the foundation of long-term skincare.

During the night, the skin undergoes a process of cellular regeneration. Therefore, a nighttime skincare routine plays an essential role in repair. After cleansing and toning, more intensive treatments can be applied, such as serums with retinol or peptides.

Night creams are usually richer and more nourishing, since there is no sun exposure and the goal is to repair the damage from the day. You can also incorporate overnight masks once or twice a week to boost hydration or radiance.

Sensitive skin can benefit from products with natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as centella asiatica extract or jojoba oil.

An effective skincare routine doesn't need to be complicated. Often, less is more. The important thing is to know your own skin and how it reacts. If a product causes burning, itching, or redness, it's best to stop using it.

Personalization can include the use of specific masks or seasonal treatments. For example, in winter skin tends to be drier, so richer products can be incorporated; while in summer it's best to opt for light and protective formulas.

Consulting with a dermatologist or cosmetologist also helps to determine which ingredients are most appropriate based on age, climate, or lifestyle.

It's important to remember that true skin beauty comes from balance. It's not just about appearance, but about overall well-being . A well-structured routine helps protect the skin barrier, prevent damage, and improve texture, but it also contributes to self-esteem and self-care.

Learning to listen to your skin, respecting its rhythms, and adapting your routine to its changes is the secret to maintaining healthy skin in the long term. With consistency and knowledge, anyone can enjoy radiant, balanced skin that resists the effects of time.

Each step—from cleansing to moisturizing and sun protection—serves a specific purpose. Together, they create a virtuous cycle that strengthens and revitalizes the face day after day.