THE BASICS OF SKINCARE: HOW TO BUILD A ROUTINE THAT WORKS

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be effective.

Whether your goal is to prevent breakouts, maintain a healthy glow, or simply take better care of yourself, it all starts with a simple, consistent routine. In this blog, we’ll break down the four essential steps every adult should follow to build a skincare routine that actually works: Cleansing, Treating, Moisturizing, and Protecting.

1. Cleansing – Tangirana n’umubiri ukeye

Cleansing is the foundation of any good skincare routine. Throughout the day, your skin collects dirt, oil, sweat, and environmental pollutants that can clog your pores and cause breakouts or dullness.

Tips: Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive). Wash your face twice a day – morning and evening. Avoid bar soaps meant for the body; they can dry out the skin on your face.

2. Treating – Target Your Skin Concerns

Once your skin is clean, the next step is to treat it. This means using products that target specific concerns like acne, dark spots, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation.

Popular treatment products:

·         Serums with ingredients like Vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid

·         Spot treatments for acne (like salicylic acid or tea tree oil)

·         Brightening or anti-aging treatments

Tip: Apply your treatment products before moisturizing so they absorb better.

3. Moisturizing – Hydrate & Strengthen Your Skin Barrier

No matter your skin type—even oily skin—you still need a moisturizer. Moisturizing helps keep your skin hydrated, plump, and protected from external stressors.

Look for: Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers if you have oily or acne-prone skin

Rich, creamy moisturizers if your skin is dry or sensitive

Extra tip: Don’t forget your neck—it needs love too!

4. Protecting – Shield Your Skin from the Sun

This is the step many people skip, but it’s one of the most important! Sun damage is a major cause of premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even when:

You’re indoors (UV rays can pass through windows)

The weather is cloudy

You’re wearing makeup (you can layer sunscreen under it)

Bonus Tips for Sticking to Your Routine

Be consistent. Skincare is like exercise—it works best when done regularly.

Start small. You don’t need 10 products. Begin with the basics, and add more only if needed.

Be patient. It can take 4–6 weeks to start seeing real results.

Listen to your skin. If something burns, stings, or causes breakouts, stop using it and switch to something gentler.

Taking care of your skin isn’t just about looks—it’s part of taking care of your overall health and confidence. With just a few minutes every day, you can build a skincare routine that helps you look good, feel good, and age gracefully.

Remember: Cleanse. Treat. Moisturize. Protect. Repeat.

Your skin will thank you!