Best Skincare Routine for Every Skin Type

 

Finding the right skincare routine can feel overwhelming — especially when everyone online seems to be doing something different. The truth? A great routine isn’t about having more products. It’s about using the right ones, in the right order, for your skin.

 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through skincare routine steps, explain the ideal skincare routine order, and break down morning and nighttime skincare routines tailored to different skin types — from dry and oily skin to acne-prone, sensitive, and mature skin. With a little know-how (and the right products), building a routine that actually works becomes much simpler.

 

Skincare Routine Steps: The Ideal Product Order Explained

 

While the best sequence can differ by skin type, it’s helpful to remember the how most skincare routines generally order their steps. Applying products in the right sequence allows each one to absorb properly and do its job — whether that’s hydration, brightening, or barrier repair.

 

As a general rule, skincare moves from lightest to richest textures, with sun protection always last in the morning.

 

A typical routine looks like this:
Cleanse → Tone → Serum → Eye Cream → Moisturise → SPF (AM only)

 

Steps:

1. Cleanser: Removes oil, dirt, and impurities to prep the skin.

2. Exfoliator (2–3x per week): Buffs away dead skin cells and unclogs pores. Use after cleanser, before toner.

3. Face Mask (1–2x per week): Targets hydration, brightening, or oil control. Apply after cleansing (or exfoliating), then rinse before moving on.

4. Toner (optional): Balances pH and preps skin to absorb serums.

5. Serum/Retinol: Targets concerns like acne, fine lines, or dryness. Retinol boosts cell turnover and improves texture. (Retinol application tip: Apply before moisturiser for stronger results, or after to buffer irritation.)

6. Eye Cream: Hydrates and protects delicate under-eye skin.

7. Moisturisers: Seals in hydration and supports the skin barrier.

8. SPF (AM only): Protects skin from harmful UV rays.

9. Lip Care: Use a balm or overnight lip mask to smooth and protect lips.

Note: Most skincare experts recommend distinct morning and night routines, focusing on protection by day and repair at night. However, some people (particularly those with dry or sensitive skin) find a simpler, more consistent routine works best.

To make the order a bit easier, shop skincare sets for collections that often number the steps for you. 

How to Know Your Skin Type

  

Before choosing products, it’s important to understand your skin type. Luckily, you can do this easily at home with a few simple checks.

Start with a cleanse-only test: cleanse your face, skip skincare, and wait 30–60 minutes. If your skin feels tight or flaky, it’s likely dry. If it becomes shiny, you may have oily skin.

Next, try a blotting sheet test. Gently press blotting paper on different areas of your face. Oil across most areas suggests oily skin, while oil only in the T-zone points to combination or acne-prone skin.

Finally, do a visual inspection. Look for redness, sensitivity, breakouts, or fine lines — these clues help you match your skin to one of the categories below: dry, oily, acne-prone, sensitive, or ageing skin.

 

Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

 

  

Dry skin thrives on hydration, moisture retention, and barrier repair. The goal is to replenish water levels while protecting the skin’s natural barrier to keep it feeling soft, plump, and comfortable.

Look for cream or lotion cleansers, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides. Rich moisturisers and optional facial oils or overnight masks can also make a big difference.

 

Morning Skincare Routine for Dry Skin:

 

1. Use a cream cleanser: Helps remove impurities without stripping oils.

2. Apply hydrating toner (optional): Boosts moisture before layering products.

3. Use a hyaluronic acid serum: Attracts water and plumps dry areas.

4. Apply a barrier-repair eye cream: Softens and protects delicate skin.

5. Layer a rich moisturisers: Seals in hydration and smooths flakiness.

6. Finish with SPF: Prevents further dehydration from UV exposure.

 

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Dry Skin:

 

Nighttime is when dry skin really benefits from richer textures and repair-focused ingredients.

 

1. Double cleanse if wearing makeup: Use balm or oil first, then creamy cleanser.

2. Apply serum with ceramides or peptides: Repairs overnight.

3. Add eye cream: Nourishes and smooths fine lines.

4. Use thicker night cream or sleeping mask: Locks in moisture overnight.

 

Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

   

 

Oily skin still needs hydration — just in lighter, smarter formulas. The aim here is balance: controlling excess oil without over-stripping, which can actually cause more shine.

Ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and oil-free moisturisers help keep skin clear, calm, and hydrated.

 

Morning Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

1. Use a foaming gel cleanser: Controls oil without drying.

2. Apply balancing toner (optional): Helps refine pores.

3. Use niacinamide serum: Reduces oil and inflammation.

4. Light gel moisturisers: Hydrates without clogging pores.

5. Finish with oil-free sunscreen: Prevents sun damage and excess shine.

 

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

1. Cleanse thoroughly: Removes oil build-up from the day.

2. Exfoliate (2–3x weekly): Clears pores and improves product absorption.

3. Apply salicylic acid or zinc serum: Targets acne and sebum.

4. Use eye gel (optional): Lightweight care for oily eye area.

5. Mattifying night cream: Balances overnight oil production.

 

Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

 

 

 

Sensitive skin benefits from a simple skincare routine that prioritises soothing and protection. Less is more here — fragrance-free formulas, gentle textures, and careful patch testing are key.

Avoid strong actives unless recommended by a dermatologist, and introduce new products slowly.

 

Morning Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

1. Use a gentle cream cleanser: Cleanses without irritation.

2. Apply a soothing serum: Look for aloe, centella, or oat extracts.

3. Light moisturisers: Calms and hydrates without heaviness.

4. Mineral Suncream/SPF: Less likely to cause reactions.

 

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

1. Use same gentle cleanser: Avoid introducing too many variables.

2. Hydrating serum (optional): Only if well-tolerated.

3. Apply calming moisturiser: Should include barrier-supportive ingredients.

   

Best Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

     

  

Acne-prone skin benefits from targeted actives — but balance is essential to avoid irritation. Ingredients like salicylic acid, retinol, and niacinamide help manage breakouts, while hydration prevents over-drying.

 

Always patch test new treatments, especially retinol.

 

Morning Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

 

1. Use a gentle foaming cleanser: Reduces oil and clears pores.

2. Apply acne-fighting serum: Look for niacinamide or azelaic acid.

3. Oil-free moisturiser: Prevents dehydration without clogging pores.

4. Broad-spectrum SPF: Prevents acne scarring and protects actives.

 

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

 

1. Cleanse again to remove SPF: Ensures skin is clean before treatments.

2. Exfoliate (2–3x weekly): Use BHA (like salicylic acid) after cleansing to help unclog pores.

3. Apply retinol serum: Helps with acne and post-acne marks.

4. Use soothing moisturiser: Balances the drying effects of actives.

5. Optional: Spot treatment: Apply after moisturiser to targeted areas.

 

Skincare Routine for 40-Year-Old Women

 

As skin matures, routines often shift toward hydration, firmness, and radiance. Supporting collagen, boosting cell turnover, and protecting against environmental stressors become key.

Ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, and retinoids help address fine lines while keeping skin glowing and plump.

 

Morning Skincare Routine

1. Use hydrating cleanser: Preps mature skin without tightness.

2. Apply vitamin C serum: Brightens and fights free radicals.

3. Use peptide-based eye cream: Firms and smooths under eyes.

4. Anti-aging moisturiser: Plumps and hydrates fine lines.

5. SPF with antioxidants: Protects against UV and pollution.

 

Nighttime Skincare Routine

1. Cleanse thoroughly: Removes pollutants and makeup.

2. Exfoliate 1–2x weekly (optional): Use a gentle AHA exfoliator to promote glow and smoothness.

3. Apply retinol or bakuchiol serum: Stimulates collagen production.

4. Use rich moisturiser or overnight cream: Boosts overnight regeneration.

5. Optional: Neck cream or facial oil: For added hydration.

 

Want Glowing Skin? Build Your Perfect Skincare Routine at Shaws

 

The best skincare routine is one you’ll actually stick to — and every routine above can be simplified or adapted to suit your lifestyle and skin’s needs.

 

Whether you’re looking for a basic skincare routine, targeted treatments, or an easy all-in-one set, Shaws has everything you need to get started.

👉 Shop Beauty & Skincare

👉 Browse Skincare Sets

 

FAQs

 

What is the best skincare routine?

The best skincare routine is one that suits your skin type and addresses your main concerns — whether that’s dryness, acne, sensitivity, or signs of ageing. A good routine follows the correct skincare routine order, focuses on consistency, and uses products your skin tolerates well.

What are the correct skincare routine steps?

A basic skincare routine follows this order: cleanser, toner (optional), serum, eye cream, moisturiser, and SPF in the morning. At night, SPF is replaced with treatments like retinol or exfoliants. Not every step needs to be used daily — but this is the ideal order when they are included.

Should I do my skincare routine in the morning or at night?

Both have benefits. A morning skincare routine focuses on protection from UV rays and pollution, while a nighttime skincare routine supports repair, hydration, and cell turnover. If your skin is very dry or sensitive, a simpler routine — especially at night — may work best.

Do I really need different routines for different skin types?

Yes. A skincare routine for dry skin focuses on moisture retention, while oily and acne-prone skin benefits from lightweight formulas and oil-controlling ingredients. Sensitive skin needs gentle, calming products, and ageing skin often requires added hydration and targeted treatments.

Retinol before or after moisturiser — which is better?

Apply retinol before moisturiser for stronger results, or after moisturiser if your skin is sensitive or new to retinol. Using it after moisturiser can help reduce irritation while still delivering benefits.

What is a simple skincare routine for beginners?

A simple skincare routine includes a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF in the morning, and a cleanser plus moisturiser at night. As your skin adjusts, you can slowly add serums or treatments. Skincare sets are a great option for beginners as they remove the guesswork.

 

What is the best skincare routine for acne?

The best skincare routine for acne includes gentle cleansing, oil-free hydration, and targeted ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or retinol. Consistency and avoiding over-stripping the skin are key to seeing long-term results.

Does my skincare routine need to change as I age?

As skin matures, routines often benefit from added hydration, antioxidants, and collagen-supporting ingredients. A skincare routine for a 40-year-old woman typically includes vitamin C, peptides, and retinoids to help maintain firmness and radiance.

Where can I shop skincare products and sets in Ireland?

Shaws offers a wide range of skincare products and curated skincare sets, making it easy to build a routine tailored to your skin type.