3 Core Steps in Every Skincare Routine

Skincare Is Personal — But the Foundation Is Universal
Every skin type deserves its own care routine and products. Dry and sensitive skin needs different treatment than oily skin — but one thing connects us all: the three core pillars of skincare remain the same:

1. Cleansing
2. Toner
3. Moisturizing

1. Cleansing – Evening Is Enough

Facial cleansing is mainly done in the evening to remove the dirt, makeup, and impurities that have built up during the day. Even oily skin shouldn’t be cleansed more frequently, as over-cleansing can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance and protective barrier. This imbalance may lead to breakouts and irritation, especially if the skin becomes too alkaline, which can interfere with the skin’s microbiome.

For dry and sensitive skin, oil-based or milky cleansers are ideal. If your skin feels especially dry, I also recommend checking out my separate post on oil washing.

For oily skin, gel and foam cleansers (Nuori) can be used — but choose carefully, as many of them are too harsh and may dry out the skin.

You can lightly dampen your face before applying the cleanser to help it spread more easily. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin for about one minute. Rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a soft towel or tissue. Pay special attention to the edges of your face, where residue often gets left behind.

• If you're using an oil cleanser, the massage can last up to 1–2 minutes.

• With cleansing milk or if you're not wearing makeup, 30 seconds to 1 minute is usually enough.

• For oily skin, massage the gel for 30 seconds to 1 minute, focusing especially on the T-zone.

2. Toner – A Boost of Hydration

After cleansing and gently patting your face dry, it’s time to mist or apply toner. Toner hydrates the skin and helps the next skincare products absorb more effectively. A high-quality toner also restores your skin’s pH to a slightly acidic level (around pH 4.5–5.5), which supports its natural protective barrier. Balancing the pH enhances the effect of your skincare and helps counteract the drying impact of cleansing and water.

For oily skin, an antiseptic toner that regulates oil production is a great choice.
For dry or sensitive skin, go for a gentle, hydrating toner — like rose water.

3. Moisturizing – Lock in the Moisture

Apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp from the toner. If you’re using a serum, apply it before the moisturizer. If you use facial oil, it should be applied either after the moisturizer or in place of it. For very dry skin, a water-free balm can be an excellent, deeply nourishing option.

A helpful rule of thumb is to go from thin to thick / water-based to oil-based products:
toner → serum → moisturizer → facial oil

Take your time when applying oil — a gentle massage helps stimulate circulation and supports skin renewal. This not only benefits overall skin health but can also help oily skin stay clearer and more balanced.

By building your skincare routine around these three core pillars and using high-quality products suited to your skin type, you can support your skin’s overall health and find the right moisture balance for your unique needs.