Skincare Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
If you've ever stood in front of a shelf full of skincare products wondering what you're actually supposed to use, you're definitely not alone.
Cleanser. Toner. Essence. Serum. Retinol. Peptides. Vitamin C. Eye cream. Moisturizer. SPF.
And somehow we're supposed to know what goes first?
I've spent more than two decades working in beauty, skincare, and the spa industry, and one thing I've learned is that more products don't necessarily mean better skin.
A good skincare routine should make sense for your skin.
And most importantly, it should be realistic enough that you'll actually use it.
So if I were helping someone build a skincare routine from scratch, this is where I would start.
Step 1: Start With a Good Cleanser
Everything starts with clean skin.
Your cleanser should remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and the day without leaving your skin feeling stripped or tight.
And that squeaky-clean feeling?
Not necessarily a good thing.
After cleansing, your skin should feel clean and comfortable, not like you need to sprint across the bathroom for moisturizer.
The right cleanser will depend on your skin type, which is why I don't believe there's one cleanser that's perfect for everyone.
Step 2: Add a SERUM for YOUR Skin
This is where skincare gets personal.
Instead of buying a serum because everyone on TikTok is talking about it, ask yourself:
What am I actually trying to accomplish with my skin?
Maybe you're concerned about dryness.
Maybe it's dullness or uneven-looking tone.
Maybe you're starting to notice fine lines.
Maybe you're dealing with breakouts.
Your treatment products should have a purpose.
I'd much rather see someone consistently use one thoughtfully chosen serum than layer five products simply because they're popular.
Step 3: Don't Forget Moisturizer
Yes, even if you're oily.
A good moisturizer helps support your skin's moisture barrier and keeps skin feeling comfortable and hydrated.
The key is choosing the right texture for your skin.
Someone with dry skin may love a richer cream, while someone who tends to be oily may prefer something much lighter.
This is another reason I don't love one-size-fits-all skincare routines.
Your skin gets a vote.
Step 4: SPF. Every. Single. Morning.
If you ask an esthetician where to spend your skincare money, sunscreen is going to come up pretty quickly.
You can have an incredible nighttime routine, but protecting your skin from UV exposure during the day is fundamental.
Look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that you genuinely like wearing.
That last part matters.
If your sunscreen is thick, uncomfortable, pills underneath your makeup, or leaves a finish you hate, you're probably not going to use enough of it consistently.
The best sunscreen is one you'll actually wear.
Okay, But What About Toner, Eye Cream and Everything Else?
They can absolutely have a place.
But I consider these the next layer, not necessarily where a beginner needs to start.
Once you've established:
Cleanse → Treat → Moisturize → Protect
then we can start getting fancy. 😂
Depending on your skin and your goals, you might eventually introduce things like exfoliation, retinoids, eye products, masks, peptides, or additional targeted treatments.
But don't build Rome in your bathroom on Tuesday night.
Start with the basics.
Learn how your skin responds.
Then build intentionally.
Your Morning Routine
For someone starting from scratch, I would keep mornings incredibly simple:
1. Cleanse
2. Treatment/Serum
3. Moisturizer
4. Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+
That's it.
Depending on your skin, you may not need every step every morning, but this gives you a great foundation.
Your Evening Routine
At night:
1. Cleanse thoroughly
2. Apply your targeted treatment
3. Moisturize
If you're wearing makeup or heavier sunscreen, you may prefer a double cleanse.
And once you've mastered the basics, nighttime is where we can thoughtfully introduce more active ingredients.
Where Beauty Technology Fits In
This is the part of skincare I find especially exciting.
At-home technology has come a long way, and devices such as LED red light therapy can complement a thoughtfully designed skincare routine.
But notice the word complement.
I don't look at a device as a replacement for good daily skincare.
Think of your cleanser, treatment products, moisturizer, and sunscreen as the foundation. Advanced beauty technology can become another layer of your ritual when it makes sense for you.
And just like skincare products, I believe devices should earn their place.
Expensive Doesn't Automatically Mean Better
I love beautiful skincare.
I also have zero interest in telling someone they need a $300 cream simply because it costs $300.
There are expensive products with exceptional formulations.
There are affordable products that perform beautifully.
And there are products at every price point that I wouldn't personally spend my money on.
Price isn't how I judge skincare.
Ingredients, formulation, how the product is intended to be used, your individual skin, and whether you'll use it consistently matter much more to me.
The Routine You'll Actually Follow Wins
This might be the most important thing I can tell you.
Your skincare routine doesn't have to look impressive sitting on your bathroom counter.
It needs to work for you.
Three or four products you understand and consistently use can be far more valuable than an overflowing cabinet of products you bought because someone on the internet told you that you needed them.
Start simple.
Pay attention to your skin.
Add things intentionally.
And remember that skincare isn't supposed to make you feel overwhelmed.
It's supposed to be a few minutes of your day when you're taking care of yourself.
And I think that's something worth making time for.
Take care of yourself. You deserve it. 🤍
With love,
Sienna