I have always been so careful about what it is exactly that I should put on my face every day. With so many skincare products and routines available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I’ll explain everything in layman’s terms in this guide so you can care for your skin without complicating things further.

Why Does Daily Skincare Matter?

When I paid attention to my skin, I realized how much it indicated my whole health. The products I apply on a daily basis protect my skin from external damage as well as help slow down the signs of premature aging, while also keeping my skin hydrated and glowing. No matter if you’re 15 or 50, your skin requires routine maintenance to stay in top form.

What Should I Put on My Face Daily?

My face requires basic essential items daily to be clean, moisturized, and protected. Here’s my simple skincare routine for you:

1. Gentle Cleanser (Morning and Night)

The gentle cleanser I use every single day when I get out of the shower. Cleansing gets rid of dirt, oil, and residual makeup. This is important because clogged pores can cause breakouts.

• Why I Use It: Provides a nice refresh and prepped my skin for other products.
• Pro Tip: If your skin is sensitive, opt for cleansers that contain aloe vera or chamomile naturally.

Example Product:

2. Hydrating Toner

Immediately after cleansing, I use a toner. Toners help even out the pH of my skin and give it an extra layer of hydration. I don’t like toners that use alcohol because they dry my skin out.

• Why It Works: It primes my skin to absorb serums and moisturizers better.
• Ingredients to Seek Out: Rose water, witch hazel or green tea extract.

3. Vitamin C Serum

If there’s one product I never go without, it’s my Vitamin C serum. It brightens my complexion, diminishes dark spots and shields me against free radicals.

Why I Use It Daily: Shields my skin against pollution and helps with discoloration.

When to Use: I use it every morning, after my toners and before my moisturizer.

Key Takeaway: Serums like Vitamin C are lightweight but packed with powerful antioxidants.

4. Lightweight Moisturizer

Hydration is non-negotiable. A moisturizer seals in all the goodness of the serum and keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day.

• Best Pick: For oily skin, opt for gel-based moisturizers, while cream-based ones are better for dry skin.
• What I Use It For: To de-puff and tighten my skin.

5. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or Higher)

If there’s one product I now refuse to live without, it’s sunscreen. Now, we have already done its side effects, skipping sunscreen is like leaving your all skin unshielded from the harmful UV rays that tend to cause early aging and sunburn.

• Why It’s Important: Wrinkles, dark spots and even skin cancer.
• How to Use It: Use at least 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply every 2 hours.

Pro Tip: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen for full protection.

6. Night Cream or Retinol (At Night)

At night, I have a different show and I go in with a retinol cream. Retinol helps with the texture of skin, minimizes fine lines and accelerates cell renewal while I sleep.

• Why It Works: My skin repairs itself at night, so I use retinol to make this process more efficient.
• Precautions: If you’re new to retinol, begin with a low concentration.

Extra Tips to Elevate Your Skincare Routine

Now that the fundamentals are covered, let’s get into a handful of other ways you can elevate your skincare routine. These extra tips have definitely helped me and might just be what your skin needs to make it all of that even better.

7. Exfoliation (2-3 Times a Week)

Exfoliating your skin sloughs off dead skin cells that dull the complexion and clog pores. Although it’s not a daily ritual for me, regular exfoliation a few times a week has greatly improved the texture of my skin.

• Why It Matters: Regular exfoliation helps with cell turnover, which makes your skin look fresh and dewy.
• Types of Exfoliators:
• Physical Exfoliators (scrubs) Scrubs use small granules to mechanically remove dead skin. I’m careful with gentle scrubs to prevent microtears.
• Chemical Exfoliators (such as glycolic or lactic acid): Break down dead skin cells without any scrubbing, which is perfect for sensitive skin.

Pro Tip: Use exfoliation at night, followed by a soothing moisturizer or night cream to lock in hydration.

8. Eye Cream (Morning and Night)

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, so it needs special care. I use an eye cream both in the morning and at night to keep this area hydrated and reduce puffiness or dark circles.

• Why It’s Worth It: Eye creams are formulated to target fine lines, crow’s feet, and discoloration.
• Best Ingredients: Look for caffeine (to reduce puffiness) and peptides (to smooth fine lines).

9. Face Masks (Once or Twice a Week)

Face masks aren’t just for spa days—they’re a quick way to give your skin an extra boost. Depending on what my skin needs, I alternate between hydrating, detoxifying, and brightening masks.

• Clay Masks: Perfect for oily skin or when I feel like my pores need a deep cleanse.
• Sheet Masks: I use these when my skin feels dry or tired. They’re packed with hydrating ingredients.
• Exfoliating Masks: A shortcut to glowing skin when I don’t have time for a full exfoliation.

10. Face Oils (Nighttime Bonus)

Adding a face oil to my nighttime routine has been a game-changer for keeping my skin soft and dewy. I apply it as the last step after my moisturizer, so it seals in all the hydration.

• Best Oils for Skin Types:
  • Dry Skin: Argan oil or marula oil.
  • Oily Skin: Jojoba oil (it’s non-comedogenic and mimics your skin’s natural oils).
  • Sensitive Skin: Rosehip oil (rich in antioxidants).

Pro Tip: Warm a few drops between your hands and press it gently into your face rather than rubbing it in.

11. Face Massage or Gua Sha

Facial massages or tools like gua sha have become a relaxing addition to my routine. They boost circulation, reduce puffiness, and give my face a natural glow.

• How I Do It: I use a facial oil and massage my skin in upward, circular motions. For gua sha, I follow the contours of my face, focusing on areas like the jawline and cheekbones.

12. Avoid Touching Your Face

One of the simplest yet most effective tips I’ve learned is to avoid touching my face throughout the day. Our hands carry bacteria that can cause breakouts and irritation.

• What I Do Instead: If my skin feels itchy or I need to adjust my makeup, I use a clean tissue or blotting paper.

13. Switch Pillowcases Regularly

Did you know that your pillowcase can collect dirt, oil, and bacteria? I make it a habit to switch mine at least twice a week to prevent these contaminants from transferring to my skin.

14. Stay Consistent

This is perhaps the most crucial tip I can share. Results don’t happen overnight. Sticking to a routine—no matter how simple or elaborate—has helped me achieve and maintain healthy skin.

Why Natural Ingredients Matter

I’ve found that using products with natural ingredients can make a noticeable difference. Synthetic additives and fragrances can irritate my skin, so I look for formulas with clean, nourishing components like aloe vera, green tea, and shea butter.

Quick Tip: Always read the label to check for harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and alcohol.

FAQ About What Should I Put on My Face Daily

Q: Can I layer multiple serums in my routine?
A: Yes, but stick to 2-3 serums at most to avoid overloading your skin. For example, I pair a Vitamin C serum in the morning with hyaluronic acid for hydration, and at night, I use a retinol serum.

Q: How long should I wait between applying products?
A: Ideally, 30-60 seconds. I wait for one product to absorb fully before applying the next.

Q: Are luxury skincare brands better than drugstore ones?
A: Not necessarily. Some of my favorite products are from affordable brands. The key is finding products that work for your skin type, regardless of the price tag.

Conclusion: Keep It Simple and Consistent

By now, you should have a clear idea of what should I put on my face daily. Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. Focus on a few key products—cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen—and build from there as needed.

Taking care of my skin has been one of the best self-care habits I’ve developed. Not only does it make me look better, but it also boosts my confidence. Trust me, with consistent care and the right products, your skin will start to glow in no time.

So, what’s your daily skincare routine like? I’d love to hear your tips or favorite products in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going.

Quick Reference: My Daily Skincare Routine Table

Additional Tips for Glowing Skin

• Drink Water: Hydration starts from the inside. I aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily.
• Healthy Diet: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E make a huge difference in my skin’s appearance.
• Get Enough Sleep: My skin looks dull when I don’t get 7-8 hours of sleep.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly what should I put on my face daily. With the right products and consistent care, your skin can look its absolute best. Remember, skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to the basics, and you’ll see noticeable improvements over time.

By following this guide, I’ve noticed my skin becoming smoother, brighter, and healthier. Start your journey today, and don’t forget the most important step—sunscreen!

If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or leave a comment below. Let’s keep our skin glowing together!