Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Effective Skincare Routine
If you’re new to taking skincare seriously, the buzz around “glass skin”, the 10-step Korean skincare routine, and active ingredients can feel overwhelming. But building a skincare routine isn’t about blindly following trends — it’s about understanding your skin and choosing what works best for you. Learning how to build a routine tailored to your unique needs is the key to radiant, glowing skin. At Banila Co, we’re here to guide you through this journey with a clear, step-by-step approach.
- Step 1: Know Your Skin Type
- Step 2: Identify Your Skin Concerns
- Step 3: Start With the Basics — Tailored to Your Skin Type
- Step 4: Add Targeted Treatments for Skin Concerns
- Step 5: Optional Extras to Elevate Your Routine
- Final Thoughts: Be Consistent
Step 1: Know Your Skin Type
Before you start picking products, getting to know your skin type is really important! It basically shows you where your skin falls on the dry-to-oily spectrum — and that makes all the difference when choosing the right texture and formula for your everyday essentials like cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen.
There are four main skin types:
- Dry: Your skin feels tight and sometimes flaky in spots
- Normal: Your skin feels smooth and balanced — not too dry, not too oily
- Combination: Some areas (like your T-zone) can be oily, while others tend to be drier
- Oily: Your skin looks greasy or shiny across most areas
If you’re unsure or need a little extra help determining your own skin type, don’t worry — [click here for detailed guidance from Banila Co!]
Step 2: Identify Your Skin Concerns
Once you know your skin type, the next step is to understand your specific skin concerns — think sensitivity, dark spots, or signs of aging.
If you don’t have major concerns right now, that’s fantastic — but it's completely normal to have more than one. For example, you might have oily skin and want to start focusing on fine lines.
Take a moment to identify your primary concern, then think about any secondary ones. Why does this matter? Because your concerns will point you toward the most effective active ingredients and skincare solutions — like exfoliants, serums, or boosters — that can help you get glowing, healthy-looking skin.
Step 3: Start With the Basics — Tailored to Your Skin Type
Before diving into skincare solutions and trending ingredients, it’s important to build a solid foundation. A basic skincare routine usually includes three essentials: a cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. These core steps are the building blocks for healthy, glowing skin — and yes, they really make a difference.
When choosing your basics, your skin type should guide your picks. But your skin concerns also matter, since many formulas are created to support both.
Dry to normal skin:
Look for gentle, creamy or oil-based cleansers that won’t strip your skin. Richer moisturizers and hydrating sunscreens with nourishing textures will help maintain softness and glow.
Sample routine: Clean It Zero Enriching Butter Cleansing Balm + Miss Flower & Mr Honey Cream. In the morning, follow with your favorite sunscreen.
Combination to oily skin:
Avoid harsh or overly stripping cleansers — even if your skin feels oily, they can weaken your barrier over time. Instead, go for a gentle foaming cleanser that balances without drying out your skin. Lightweight gel or fluid-textured moisturizers with a mattifying finish work well to control shine.
Sample routine: Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser + Dear Hydration Water Barrier Cream. Finish your morning routine with a lightweight sunscreen to support your skin all day.
By starting with these basics, you’re already setting your skin up for success.
Step 4: Add Gentle Formulas for Skin Concerns
Now that you’ve built your basics, it’s time to customize your routine with skincare solutions that address your specific skin needs. These products can truly elevate your skincare game — whether you’re targeting aging, dehydration, or skin imperfections.
- Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants gently remove dead skin cells without irritation, unlike physical scrubs. The type you choose depends on your skin concern:
- Dry or uneven skin / Promote smoother, firmer-looking skin: AHAs, with strengths ranging from gentle (5%) to strong (10-12%)
- Oily or sensitive skin: BHAs and mandelic acid to clear pores and support clearer-looking skin
- Sensitive or redness-prone skin: PHAs or creamier BHA/LHA formulas for gentle exfoliation
Use exfoliants according to your skin’s tolerance —usually once daily or less for sensitive skin.
Banila Co’s Pick: Clean It Zero Green Peel Toner Pad with LHA is ideal for many skin types with skin imperfections or for those wanting to balance the skin.
- Serums and Ampoules
These concentrated products support concerns like dullness, dehydration, skin-imperfections, or aging. Choose your serum based on your main issues:
- Promoting smoother, firmer-looking skin: Retinol, Vitamin C, Peptides
- Sensitive skin: Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol
- Sensitive/redness-prone skin: Centella Asiatica, Azelaic Acid
- Uneven tone: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinol
- Dehydration: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides
Most serums can be used morning or night—layer them from lightest to thickest texture, but limit yourself to three or fewer products at once.
Banila Co’s Pick: Dear Hydration Crystal Glow Essence is a real multitasker, combining Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, and multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, brighten, and soothe skin.
Want to learn more about using serums and ampoules? [Check out our quick guide here!]
- Eye Serums and Creams
The eye area benefits from targeted care to help reduce the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Avoid strong exfoliants and high concentration of actives near the eyes.
Banila Co’s Pick: For a boost of refreshing hydration around your eyes, the Dear Hydration Bounce Eye Cream is a perfect choice. If you want to help reduce the visible signs of aging, including fine lines, the Miss Flower & Mr Honey Propolis Rejuvenating Eye Cream provides soothing nourishment and revitalizing care.
Step 5: Optional Extras to Elevate Your Routine
These aren’t your everyday essentials or instant fixes, but if you love skincare rituals or just want to treat your skin a little extra, these additions bring a spa-like glow and feel.
Toners & Mists
Think of these as your skin’s refreshing pick-me-ups — lightweight and packed with benefits tailored to your skin type. Use them right after cleansing and before serums or moisturizer.
We recommend the Miss Flower & Mr Honey Propolis Rejuvenating Essence Toner — it’s bursting with peptides that help improve the appearance of fine lines, support skin hydration, and promote smoother-looking skin. Your skin will thank you!
Want to learn more about how toners work and when to use them? [Check out our article here]
Masks
Masks are a skincare support that comes in all shapes — sheet masks for helping to enhance skin moisture, wash-off masks that cleanse and refresh (just don’t forget to rinse!), and sleeping masks that work their magic while you sleep.
One standout is the Overnight Soothing Cica Sleep Mask — it calms irritation and helps improve the appearance of your skin as you rest, so you wake up radiant and refreshed.
Final Thoughts: Be Consistent
Skincare is a journey, not a race—consistency is key to seeing real results. Customize your routine with Banila Co’s carefully crafted products that suit your unique skin type and concerns. Remember, small daily steps add up to big changes! Need help picking the right products? We’re here for you every step of the way.
Explore Banila Co’s range today and take control of your skincare journey — your best skin awaits!
