🌿 How to Build a Skincare Routine from Scratch

 (A Complete Guide for Indian Skin in 2025)

👋 Welcome to Lushivie, glow-getters!

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by skincare advice, 10-step routines, or influencer jargon - breathe easy. This is your simple, no-fluff, beginner-friendly guide to building a skincare routine from scratch that actually works - especially for Indian skin types and climates.

Let’s build your skincare routine with purpose - not just products.

🧠 Why a Skincare Routine Matters (Especially in India)

Before we dive into the steps, let’s be clear: you don’t need 20 products to have great skin. What you do need is consistency, the right ingredients, and understanding your skin’s needs.

In India, your skin faces:

• Pollution (especially in metro cities)
• UV radiation year-round
• Humidity and sweat, which can lead to acne
• Hard water that can cause dryness or irritation

A skincare routine isn’t vanity - it’s a way to protect, heal, and balance your skin against your environment.

🧴 Step-by-Step Skincare Routine (For Beginners)

🌅 

Morning Routine - Protect & Prep

Step	Product Type	Why It Matters
1. Cleanser	Gentle face wash	Removes oil/sweat from night
2. Moisturizer	Lightweight cream/gel	Keeps skin hydrated & supple
3. Sunscreen (SPF 30+)	Matte or hydrating	Protects from UV, prevents tanning, aging

✅ Optional add-ons:

• Toner if you love layering, especially for oily skin
• Vitamin C serum for brightening and antioxidant protection

🌙 

Evening Routine - Cleanse, Treat, Repair

Step	Product Type	Why It Matters
1. Cleanser	Double cleanse if you wore sunscreen/makeup	Clears dirt, pollution
2. Treatment (Optional)	Exfoliant, acne gel, serum	Targets concerns like acne, dullness
3. Moisturizer	Nourishing night cream or gel	Repairs skin overnight

✅ Optional evening treatments:

• Niacinamide (brightening, anti-acne)
• Retinol (only at night, for aging or texture issues)
• AHA/BHA exfoliant (1-2x per week only)

👩‍⚕️ Understanding Your Skin Type (Your Routine Depends on This!)

Before buying anything, ask: what’s my skin type?

Skin Type	Signs	Recommended Texture
Oily	Shiny T-zone, frequent    pimples	Gel, non-comedogenic
Dry	Flaky patches, tight after wash	Creamy, nourishing
Combination	Oily in some areas, dry in others	Balancing formulas
Sensitive	Redness, burning from products	Fragrance-free, minimal ingredients
Normal	Balanced, few breakouts	Light moisturizers, mild cleansers

👉 Still unsure? Wash your face, leave it bare for 1 hour, and observe.

• Shiny? Likely oily.
• Tight/dry? Likely dry.
• Both? Combo.

🧪 Choosing the Right Products for Indian Skin & Weather

✅ Ingredients that work for Indian skin:

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Great for acne, dark spots, and barrier repair
• Hyaluronic Acid: Keeps skin plump without greasiness
• Vitamin C: Helps with pigmentation, sun spots
• Cica (Centella Asiatica): Soothes sensitive or acne-prone skin
• Ceramides: Great for dry, damaged skin barriers

🚫 Ingredients to avoid

 (especially if you’re new to skincare):

• Alcohol-heavy toners
• Harsh scrubs (apricot, walnut)
• Strong fragrance or essential oils
• DIY lemon, toothpaste, or turmeric packs (they can burn your skin)

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Routine

1. Trying too many products at once - Your skin needs time to adjust
2. Skipping sunscreen - The most important product in your routine
3. Over-cleansing - Stripping your natural oils = more oil and acne
4. Layering wrongly - Water-based serums before creams
5. Imitating influencer routines blindly - Their skin ≠ your skin

💸 Budget-Friendly Routine (Under ₹1000 - Drugstore Picks)

Here’s a beginner set that’s affordable and easily available online or in local stores:

Step	Product	Price
Cleanser	Simple Refreshing Face Wash	Rs.299
Moisturizer	Pond’s Super Light Gel / Cetaphil Moisturizer	Rs.250-400
Sunscreen	Aqualogica Radiance+ Dewy SPF 50	Rs.399
Optional: Serum	Minimalist 5% Niacinamide	Rs.399

💡 Bonus: Start with just cleanser + moisturizer + sunscreen. Add more later.

❓ FAQs About Building a Skincare Routine

1. Do I need toner?

Not really. Toners are optional. Focus on the basics first.

2. I have acne. Can I use moisturizer?

Yes! Skipping moisturizer dries your skin → more oil → more acne.

3. When will I see results?

Basic improvements take 3-4 weeks. Actives (like niacinamide or vitamin C) take 6-12 weeks with consistency.

4. I wear a scarf/helmet – do I still need SPF?

Yes. UV rays penetrate fabric and clouds too.

🌿 Bonus: Weekly Skincare Additions

Product Type	Use
Clay mask (Multani mitti)	1-2x a week for oily skin
Sheet mask	Hydration boost, especially for dry skin
Exfoliant (AHA/BHA)	1x a week only, for glow & texture
Lip balm, hand cream	Often ignored, but vital for care