Joanna Vargas Breaks Down The Basic Skincare Routine

When it comes to maintaining healthy, radiant skin, simplicity is often the key. At the heart of any well-rounded skincare routine are a few basic yet essential steps: cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting. Each of these steps plays a crucial role in supporting your skin’s health and keeping it looking its best—no matter your skin type. Let’s break down why each one is so important, and how you can tailor them to your unique skincare needs.

Cleansing: The Foundation of Healthy Skin

Cleansing is the first and most fundamental step of any skincare routine. Your skin encounters countless impurities throughout the day—pollution, dirt, oil, and makeup—that, if left unchecked, can clog your pores and lead to breakouts, dullness, and irritation. Cleansing removes these impurities, giving your skin a fresh start and allowing the other products in your routine to penetrate more effectively.

For oily skin types, I recommend using a gentle foaming or gel cleanser that helps balance oil production without stripping the skin. For drier skin, a creamy or oil-based cleanser can nourish while removing dirt and debris. Sensitive skin types should look for fragrance-free, soothing cleansers that protect the skin’s barrier, while normal skin can benefit from almost any formulation.

The key here is consistency. Cleansing your skin morning and night ensures that you’re keeping it clean and healthy, setting the stage for the rest of your routine.

Exfoliating: The Secret to Glowing Skin

Exfoliation is a step that often gets overlooked, but it’s essential for all skin types. By gently removing dead skin cells, exfoliation reveals the fresh, radiant skin underneath and helps prevent clogged pores that can lead to breakouts. It also stimulates collagen production, which keeps your skin looking firm and youthful.

That said, over-exfoliating can be harmful. Depending on your skin type, exfoliation should be done two to three times a week. For those with sensitive or dry skin, a gentle exfoliant—like my Exfoliating Mask—can provide just the right amount of exfoliation without causing irritation. Oily or combination skin types might benefit from a more robust exfoliant, such as one containing salicylic acid or fruit enzymes, which can help control excess oil and keep pores clear.

Exfoliating regularly allows your moisturizer, serums, and treatments to absorb better, enhancing their effectiveness. Think of it as preparing a smooth, clean canvas for the rest of your skincare routine.

Moisturizing: Essential for Every Skin Type

Moisturizing is an absolute must, regardless of your skin type. Hydration is the key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier, which protects your skin from environmental stressors, prevents water loss, and keeps it looking plump and youthful. Even if your skin is oily, skipping moisturizer can lead to an overproduction of oil as your skin tries to compensate for the lack of hydration.

The right moisturizer will depend on your skin type. Oily skin often benefits from lightweight, oil-free moisturizers or gel-based formulations that hydrate without clogging pores. Dry skin thrives on richer, cream-based moisturizers that lock in moisture and provide long-lasting hydration. Sensitive skin types should opt for calming, fragrance-free options, while normal skin can usually tolerate a wide range of products.

Applying moisturizer twice daily helps ensure that your skin stays balanced, hydrated, and protected. And don’t forget your neck and décolletage—these areas need just as much moisture as your face.

Sun Protection: A Non-Negotiable Step

Sun protection is the final, non-negotiable step in your daytime routine. UV rays are one of the leading causes of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer, so applying sunscreen every day is critical. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and don’t forget to apply it to all exposed areas, including your face, neck, and hands.

In addition to sunscreen, consider incorporating antioxidants into your routine, such as vitamin C serums, which help protect against environmental damage and enhance the effectiveness of your sun protection.

Building on the Basics: Serums, Treatments, and Tools

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to take your skincare routine to the next level. This is where serums, masks, and treatments come into play. Serums are packed with potent active ingredients that address specific concerns, such as brightening, firming, or acne-fighting. They’re designed to penetrate deeply into the skin, making them incredibly effective.

You can use serums both morning and night, depending on their ingredients. For example, vitamin C serums are great for daytime use, as they protect against free radicals, while retinol serums are best reserved for nighttime to help with skin renewal and repair.

After applying your serums, you can incorporate targeted treatments, like spot treatments or eye creams, followed by any skincare tools you may use, such as a gua sha stone or a microcurrent device. These tools help enhance product absorption and boost circulation, giving your skin an extra glow.

In Conclusion: Consistency is Key

The basic skincare routine—cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting—is essential for all skin types. When done consistently and tailored to your specific needs, these steps lay the foundation for healthy, glowing skin. From there, you can build on these basics with specialized treatments and tools that target your individual concerns.

Remember, great skin doesn’t happen overnight—it takes commitment, care, and the right products to achieve the results you’re looking for. So stick to your routine, listen to your skin, and enjoy the journey to a more radiant complexion.