Master Your Skincare Routine in 5 Steps

A clean, vegan, fragrance-free guide to layering skincare for every skin type—AM/PM made simple.

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Finding the right skincare routine doesn't have to be complicated. Start with a simple AM/PM ritual that uses clean skincare actives, supports your barrier, and works for your skin type — whether you have dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, or sensitive skin. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you layer products the right way so formulas stay effective and non comedogenic.

Morning Routine (AM)

  1. Cleanse
    Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse away overnight buildup without stripping your skin.. Look for fragrance free formulas that maintain pH balance and keep the barrier calm for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
  2. Tone / Prep (optional)
    Hydrating toners help ingredients penetrate the skin. Choose options with humectants like hyaluronic acid to boost water retention and prep for serums.
  3. Treat with Serums
    For brightening and antioxidant defense, reach for a vitamin C serum. For redness, pores or oil balance, use niacinamide. Want cushiony moisture? A squalane or peptide serum adds bounce and supports long-term barrier health.
  4. Moisturize
    Seal in hydration with a vegan skincare moisturizer that’s non comedogenic and cruelty free. Choose textures based on skin type: gel for oily skin, lotion for combination skin, cream for dry skin.
  5. SPF
    Never skip sunscreen SPF 30 — daily SPF is your best anti-aging step that protects your investment in serums. Opt for fragrance free, clean skincare mineral or hybrid filters that layer well under makeup.

Evening Routine (PM)

  1. Double Cleanse (if you wear makeup/SPF)
    An oil or balm removes sunscreen and long-wear makeup; follow with a gentle water-based cleanser for a complete but non-stripping cleanse.
  2. Targeted Treatments
    At night, skincare actives to avoid irritation. If you’re new to retinoids, consider a retinol alternative like bakuchiol for smoother texture with beginner-friendly tolerance. Keep hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in rotation to maintain hydration and barrier support.
  3. Moisturizer or Overnight MaskLock in nutrients with non comedogenic creams rich in squalane and peptides. For extra nourishment, use an overnight recovery mask 2 - 3 times a week.

How to Layer Skincare (Order Matters)

A good rule: how to layer skincare from thinnest to thickest-cleanser → toner/essence → serums (vitamin C serum, niacinamide, peptide serum) → moisturizer → sunscreen SPF 30 (AM only). Give each step a few seconds to absorb before moving on.

Tips by Skin Concern

  • Acne-prone / Oily: Keep it light and non comedogenic. Use niacinamide AM/PM; introduce bakuchiol 3–4 nights/week.
  • Dry / Dehydrated: Layer hyaluronic acid under squalane and a ceramide cream.
  • Sensitive: Choose fragrance free basics and introduce one active at a time; start with niacinamide for a calm, resilient barrier.
  • Dull / Uneven tone: AM vitamin C serum, PM retinol alternative or gentle acids (on alternate nights).
  • Supports long-term barrier health with squalane and niacinamide
  • Lightweight layers from hyaluronic acid and peptide creams reduce piling
  • Brightening from a daily vitamin C serum plus SPF for prevention
  • Expanded fragrance free options for minimal irritation risk

Pregnancy Safe Skincare Basics

If you’re navigating pregnancy safe skincare, lean into hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, and peptide serum, while avoiding restricted actives per your provider’s guidance. Patch-test and keep routines minimalist.

Consistency > Complexity

Great skin is built daily-not in a day. Keep your ritual short, choose clean skincare that’s vegan skincare, cruelty free, and fragrance free. When in doubt, simplify to cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect with sunscreen SPF 30.