My Real Skin Care Routine Steps That Finally Worked for Me

Steps For A Skincare Routine

Most days, my skin looked tired—even when I wasn’t.

I used to think skincare was only about creams and pretty bottles. But it’s more about timing, order, and just knowing what your skin needs. At home, I kept trying different things. Some worked. Some didn’t.

One day, I stood in front of the mirror and thought, “Okay, let’s fix this properly.” No noise, no fuss. Just a routine that feels right.

That’s how I found a flow that fits. Simple steps, done daily.

Now, my skin actually feels like mine again. Soft. Balanced. And honestly, that’s a great feeling.

My Glow-Up Mornings: How I Start My Daily Skin Care Routine at Home

Mornings used to feel rushed. Now, they start slow and soft. I wake up, drink some water, and head to my little corner by the window. That’s where I keep my skincare.

No clutter. Just a mirror, cotton pads, and a few trusted bottles. It’s my five minutes of calm before the day begins.

  • I don’t check my phone before starting
  • I let the light in while I work through each step
  • It sets the mood for the rest of the day

First up? The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. Let’s get into it.

Step 1. Cleansing with Purpose – The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

My skin always felt tight after washing. I thought that meant clean. Turns out, I was just stripping it.

When I switched to The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, everything changed. It’s soft, almost like a balm. Melts into the skin. No harsh tugging. No dryness after rinsing.

  • Perfect for dry skin like mine
  • Doesn’t leave any residue
  • Skin feels clean but not tight

That’s when I first understood the skincare routine order for beginners. Starting gentle really matters.

Step 2. Toning It Up with The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

My skin always looked dull before I found this. This toner gave it life. Real, smooth-skin kind of life.

I use it after cleansing—never before. That order matters. Someone once asked, “What are the 7 steps of skincare?” This is definitely one of them.

  • I use it at night, only a few times a week
  • I pat it in with a cotton pad, no rubbing
  • Sunscreen is a must the next morning

It stings a little at first. But the glow? Worth it.

Step 3. Hydration Boost – Hyaluronic Acid Serum from The Ordinary

This is my skin’s favorite drink. One layer, and everything feels fresh again.

I drop it on damp skin—never dry. That’s the trick. It soaks in better that way.

  • Part of my daily routine, no matter what
  • Works well with any moisturizer
  • Great for flaky, dry spots

If you’re building a basic skin care routine, this one’s a no-brainer. I notice the difference every time I skip it.

Step 4. Locking in Moisture – The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Creamy but never greasy—that’s what won me over. I used to skip moisturizer thinking it made my skin oily. Turns out, I just needed the right one.

This one feels light. It sinks in fast. No sticky layer, just soft skin.

  • Works morning and night without fail
  • Layers perfectly under sunscreen or serums
  • I use less than a pea-sized amount for that glow

It’s the last hug my skin needs before moving on.

Step 5. Don’t Skip the Shield – Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

I thought SPF was just for beach days. I was wrong. Light hits your skin everywhere—yes, even by a window.

This sunscreen is part of my daily skin care routine at home naturally. I use it even when I’m not going out.

  • No white cast and blends in nicely
  • Sits well under makeup
  • My fine lines haven’t gotten worse, and I thank this

It’s my invisible shield, and I don’t skip it anymore.

Step 6. Night Mode On: My Skin Care Routine Steps at Night for Real Results

Evenings are quieter. That’s when I give my skin extra care.

At night, my goal isn’t glow. It’s repair. I still cleanse, but everything after that feels slower. Calmer.

I don’t use the same products I use in the morning. The skin rests, and I treat it with what it needs.

  • My night steps are more hydrating
  • I add targeted treatments based on how my skin feels
  • I love how it makes mornings easier

This routine helps me end the day with care—just for me.

PM Reset: My The Ordinary Skincare Routine Steps for Night – with a Twist

Some nights I double cleanse. Other nights, one wash is enough. I keep it flexible.

I switch up the serums too. Retinoids on some nights. Niacinamide when I need to calm things down.

  • I never skip moisturizer, no matter what
  • I follow my skin, not trends
  • Less is more when it comes to layering

This is my full skin care routine steps night version—simple but personal.

Step 7. For Beginners Like Me: The Realistic Skincare Routine Order I Actually Followed

I didn’t start with everything. I built it step by step.

  • Cleanse, hydrate, protect—that was my starting point
  • I added actives slowly
  • Some products didn’t suit me, and that’s okay

It’s not about perfection. It’s about finding what works without the pressure.

Author

  • Eva Philips

    I’m Eva Philips, a beauty and fashion expert and the founder of Beauty Nerves. I love everything about beauty and fashion, and I enjoy sharing ideas and tips with others. When I'm not working, I have fun trying out new makeup looks and finding fresh ideas for outfits and styles.

    View all posts