Skincare Routine for Beginners: Complete Guide 2026 (Step by Step)

It's Never Too Late to Start Taking Care of Your Skin!

If you're just starting out in the world of skincare and feel lost with so many products, steps, and technical terms – take a deep breath! This guide was created especially for you, the complete beginner who wants to have beautiful skin without complications.

Let's simplify everything and create an effective, accessible, and easy-to-follow routine. I promise: by the end of this article, you'll know exactly what to do!

Before We Begin: 3 Truths You Need to Know

✨ Truth #1: Less is More (In the Beginning)

You don't need 15 products! A basic routine of 3-5 well-chosen products is much more effective than 10 random products.

✨ Truth #2: Results Take Time

Skincare isn't magic. You need at least 4-6 weeks of consistent use to see real results. Patience is key!

✨ Truth #3: Your Skin Is Unique

What works for your friend may not work for you. You'll need to experiment and adjust as your skin responds.

Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type

Before buying any product, you need to know your skin type:

🔍 Simple Test (Do it at Home!)

1. Wash your face with mild soap.
2. Do not apply ANYTHING for 1 hour.
3. Pay attention to how your skin feels.

Skin Types:

Dry Skin:

• Sensation of pulling
• Rough or scaly skin
• Nearly invisible pores
• Tendency to redness

Oily Skin:

• Excessive shine (especially T-zone)
• Visible and enlarged pores
• Tendency to acne
• Makeup doesn't last.

Combination Skin:

• Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
• Normal or dry cheeks
• The most common type in Portugal!

Normal Skin:

• Balanced, without excessive oiliness.
• Without very dry areas
• Small pores
• It rarely has problems.

Sensitive Skin:

• Reacts easily to products
• Frequent redness
• Burning or itching sensation
• It can be dry, oily, or combination.

Step 2: The Basic Routine for Beginners (3 Essential Products)

If you're starting from scratch, begin with these 3 non-negotiable products:

1️⃣ Cleaning (Morning and Night)

Why? It removes dirt, oil, makeup, and pollution. It's the foundation of everything!

How to choose:

• Dry skin: Creamy gel or cleansing milk
• Oily skin: Cleansing gel with salicylic acid
• Combination skin: Gentle and balanced cleansing gel
• Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free cleansing, pH neutral.

How to use:

1. Wet your face with lukewarm water (never hot!).
2. Apply a small amount of the product.
3. Gently massage for 30-60 seconds.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Dry with a clean towel without rubbing.

2️⃣ Moisturizer (Morning and Night)

Why? ALL skin types need hydration, even oily skin! It protects the skin barrier.

How to choose:

• Dry skin: Rich and nourishing cream
• Oily skin: Oil-free gel-cream
• Combination skin: Light lotion or gel-cream
• Sensitive skin: Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cream

How to use:

1. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin.
2. Use an amount the size of a pea.
3. Spread with upward movements.
4. Don't forget your neck!

3️⃣ Sunscreen SPF 50+ (Morning ONLY)

Why? The MOST IMPORTANT product! Prevents 90% of premature aging, blemishes, and skin cancer.

How to choose:

• Minimum SPF 30, ideally SPF 50+
• UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection
• Texture suitable for your skin type.
• No white cast (modern formulas)

How to use:

1. Always apply, even on cloudy days.
2. Quantity: 2 fingers' worth of product for face and neck.
3. Wait 15 minutes before leaving.
4. Reapply every 2 hours if in the sun.

Step 3: Complete Routine for Beginners (5 Products)

After 2-4 weeks with the basic routine, you can add:

4️⃣ Toner (Morning and Night, after cleansing)

Why? It balances the pH, preparing the skin to better absorb subsequent products.

Ingredients to look for:

• Dry skin: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
• Oily skin: Niacinamide, salicylic acid
• Combination skin: Niacinamide, green tea extract
• Sensitive skin: Centella asiatica, rose water

5️⃣ Serum (Night, after toner)

Why? High concentration of active ingredients to treat specific problems.

Choose according to your concern:

• Hydration: Hyaluronic acid
• Uneven skin tone/blemishes: Vitamin C or niacinamide
• Wrinkles/Anti-aging: Retinol (start slowly!)
• Acne: Salicylic acid or niacinamide

Your Complete Routine: Correct Order

🌅 MORNING (5-7 minutes)

1. Cleansing - Gentle cleansing gel
2. Toner - Prepares the skin (optional for beginners)
3. Serum - Vitamin C for protection (optional)
4. Moisturizing - Lightweight texture
5. Sunscreen SPF 50+ - MUST-HAVE!

🌙 NIGHT (7-10 minutes)

1. Cleaning - Removes all the day's grime.
2. Tonic - Balances pH
3. Serum - Specific Treatment
4. Moisturizer - Richer texture than in the morning.

The Perfect Solution for Beginners: Sakura LAIKOU Kit

If you want to get started on the right foot without spending a fortune, the LAIKOU Sakura Kit is ideal for beginners because:

• ✅ All included: 5 products that work in synergy
• ✅ Clear order: No confusion about what to use first.
• ✅ Gentle formula: Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
• ✅ Affordable price: Complete routine without spending hundreds of euros
• ✅ Proven results: Thousands of satisfied beginners

The kit includes:

1. Sakura Cleansing Gel
2. Hydrating Toner
3. Illuminating Serum
4. Moisturizing cream
5. Eye Cream

You just need to add some sunscreen and you're good to go!

Common Beginner Mistakes (Avoid These!)

❌ Mistake 1: Buying Everything at Once

✅ Do this: Introduce new products one at a time, with a 1-2 week interval. That way you'll know what works!

❌ Mistake 2: Rubbing the Skin Too Hard

✅ Do this: Treat your skin gently. Soft, circular motions are sufficient.

❌ Mistake 3: Using Water That Is Too Hot

✅ Do this: Use lukewarm water. Hot water damages the skin barrier and dries out the skin.

❌ Mistake 4: Constantly Changing Products

✅ Do this: Give each product at least 4-6 weeks to show results.

❌ Mistake 5: Forgetting the Neck and Chest

✅ Do this: Apply all the products to your neck and chest as well. These areas age quickly!

❌ Mistake 6: Not Using Sunscreen on Cloudy Days

✅ Do this: 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds. SPF EVERY DAY!

Golden Tips for Beginners

💡 Tip 1: Create a Consistent Routine

You choose a fixed time (e.g., right after waking up and before going to sleep). Consistency is 80% of the success!

💡 Tip 2: Take Progress Photos

Photograph your skin weekly in the same light. You'll be amazed by the changes!

💡 Tip 3: Drink Water

2 liters per day. Internal hydration enhances external hydration!

💡 Tip 4: Change Your Pillowcase Regularly

Ideally every 2-3 days. Dirty pillowcases = acne and irritation.

💡 Tip 5: Don't Touch Your Face

Hands carry bacteria. The less you touch them, the better!

When to Add More Advanced Products?

After 2-3 months with the basic routine, you can consider:

• Chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA) - 1-2x per week
• Retinol - For anti-aging (starts at 0.3%)
• Vitamin C - For radiance and dark spots
• Masks - Intensive treatment once a week

Golden rule: Add ONE new product at a time!

Budget for Beginners

Option	Products	Monthly Cost
Basic	Cleansing + Moisturizing + SPF	R$ 20-40
Full	Cleanser + Toner + Serum + Moisturizer + SPF	R$ 40-80
LAIKOU Sakura Kit	5 complete products + separate SPF	R$ 20-35

Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners

Do I need to use expensive products to get results?

NO! Effective ingredients come in all price ranges. What's important is consistency and products that are right for your skin type.

Can I use the same products in the morning and at night?

Yes, especially at the beginning! The only difference is that in the morning you HAVE to use SPF.

How long does it take to see results?

• Hydration: 1-2 weeks
• Improved texture: 2-4 weeks
• Spots/Wrinkles: 6-12 weeks
• Acne: 4-8 weeks

What if my skin gets worse at first?

You may experience "purging" (skin expelling impurities) in the first 2-3 weeks with active products. If it worsens significantly or irritation occurs, stop using these products and consult a dermatologist.

Can I wear makeup during my skincare routine?

Yes! Apply makeup AFTER sunscreen (wait 15 minutes).

Checklist for the Perfect Beginner

You're ready to begin if you have:

• ☐ Proper cleansing for your skin type
• ☐ Moisturizer your skin will love
• ☐ Sunscreen SPF 50+
• ☐ Defined routine (morning and night)
• ☐ Be patient, expect results in 4-6 weeks.
• ☐ Commitment to daily consistency

Conclusion: Your Path to Beautiful Skin Starts Today!

Skincare doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With the right products, the correct order, and consistency, ANYONE can have beautiful, healthy skin.

Remember:

• ✨ Start simple (3-5 products)
• ✨ Be consistent (every day!)
• ✨ Be patient (4-6 weeks minimum)
• ✨ Protects you from the sun (ALWAYS!)

The LAIKOU Sakura Kit is the perfect solution for beginners who want to get started right, without complications and without spending a fortune.

✨ Ready to start your skincare journey? Discover the LAIKOU Sakura Kit and take the first step towards the skin of your dreams!

Fast shipping | Ideal for beginners | Proven results

Welcome to the world of skincare! Your skin will thank you! 💕