A serum used for a personalized skincare routine.

Personalized Skincare Routines: Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work (and What to Do Instead)

by with No Comment Skincare Basics

If you’ve read my Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Own Skincare Routine, you already know the basics—cleansing, moisturizing, SPF, and choosing the right products for your skin type. That’s a great start. But if you’ve ever followed a routine perfectly and still felt like something was off—you’re not alone.

The truth is, skincare is not one-size-fits-all. What works wonders for someone else might leave your skin irritated, dry, or breaking out. That’s because your skin is unique—and your routine should be too. In this post, we’re diving deeper into what it really means to personalize your skincare, and why it can make all the difference in how your skin looks and feels.

The Problem with Generic Routines

You’ve probably seen skincare routines labeled “for oily skin” or “for dry skin.” These can be helpful—but only to a point. Most generic routines are based on broad categories that don’t capture everything that’s going on with your skin.

Think about it like this: two people might both have oily skin, but one could be acne-prone and the other might struggle with sensitivity or redness. Using the same products just because they’re both “for oily skin” doesn’t make sense—and might even make things worse.

Another issue? Your skin doesn’t stay the same. It changes with the seasons, your hormones, your stress levels, even your sleep. A routine that worked perfectly last winter might feel heavy and clogging in the summer.

And let’s not forget lifestyle: Do you live in a city with pollution? Do you work out regularly? Travel often? These things matter too—and they’re rarely mentioned in standard skincare advice.

That’s why generic routines often fall short. They give you a starting point, but they can’t take into account all the factors that make your skin yours. The good news? Once you understand what those factors are, you can build a routine that actually fits your life—and your skin.

What Actually Affects Your Skin

If skincare was just about picking the right cleanser or moisturizer, things would be a lot easier. But your skin is influenced by much more than the products you put on it. Here are the key factors that play a role in how your skin behaves:

1. Genetics

Your genes decide a lot—how much oil your skin produces, how sensitive it is, how easily you get pigmentation, how your skin ages. Some people are more prone to acne, while others are more likely to develop fine lines early. You can’t change your DNA, but understanding it helps you work with your skin instead of against it.

2. Environment

Where you live matters. City air with pollution can clog your pores and stress your skin. If you live in a dry climate, your skin may need extra hydration. High humidity? You might need lighter products. Even heating and air conditioning at home can affect your skin barrier.

3. Hormones and Stress

Hormones fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or due to health conditions—and your skin often reflects that. Breakouts around your period? That’s hormonal. Stress also plays a big role, increasing oil production and inflammation, which can lead to acne and sensitivity.

4. Diet and Lifestyle

Your skin is part of your body, so what you eat and how you live shows up there too. Not drinking enough water, eating too much sugar, or lacking key nutrients (like omega-3s or zinc) can affect skin texture and tone. Sleep and exercise also play a role—your skin regenerates overnight and benefits from good circulation.

5. Skincare History

If you’ve used harsh products in the past (over-exfoliating, stripping cleansers, strong actives without barrier support), your skin may be more reactive now. Or maybe you’ve had allergic reactions or tried too many new products at once. Your past skincare experiences matter—your skin has a memory.

6. Seasonal Changes

Even if your skin is “normally” oily or dry, seasons can shift that. Many people get oilier in summer and drier in winter. That’s why your routine might need to adjust every few months, even if your skin type stays the same overall.

How to Build a Truly Personalized Skincare Routine (Step by Step)

So now that you know your skin is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, environment, and more—how do you actually applythat knowledge to your skincare routine?

Identify Your Skin’s Core Type – but Go Deeper

Yes, it helps to know if your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. But don’t stop there. Ask:

• Does your skin get red easily?

• Do you break out around your period?

• Do you get flaky patches or feel tight in winter?

I can help you though on the first part, read My Guide on the Different Skin Types and you’ll get to know yours.

Why it matters: A basic routine for “dry skin” won’t help if your dryness is caused by dehydration, a damaged barrier, or a harsh product.

Tip: Focus on skin conditions, not just type. Think: dehydrated, acne-prone, reactive, dull, textured.

Choose Your Core Routine – The 3 Non-Negotiables

Start with a minimal routine before adding targeted treatments. These are your essentials:

1. Gentle Cleanser

• For dry or sensitive skin: look for hydrating or milky cleansers.

• For oily/acne-prone: go for gel-based, pH-balanced cleansers.

2. Moisturizer

• Lightweight gel for oily skin, rich cream for dry skin.

• If you’re acne-prone, look for non-comedogenic options.

Read Here My Guide For The Best Sensitive Moisturizers.

3. Sunscreen (AM only)

• Daily, even when it’s cloudy. This protects your skin from UV damage and supports your other products. For product recommendations, Read My Guide on the Best Sunscreens in 2025.

Add One Targeted Treatment at a Time

Once your skin is stable with a simple routine, add one product based on your skin goals. Go slow.

• Want brighter skin? Try Vitamin C (AM, under SPF)

• Dealing with acne? Start with Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide

• Need anti-aging? Introduce Retinol slowly (PM, 2x a week to start)

• Skin barrier damaged? Try Ceramides, Panthenol, or Centella Asiatica, Read my Guide on how to effectively fix your damaged skin barrier.

Important: Only introduce one active at a time and patch test. Wait at least 2 weeks before adding another.

And before you run to your next drugstore to buy these products, please make sure that this actually fits to your skin and you know what it does.

For more information on the different ingredients, please refer to my guides linked above.

Adapt Your Routine to Your Daily and Monthly Cycle

Your skin isn’t the same every day. Here’s how to stay flexible:

• Feeling dry or sensitive? Skip exfoliants, add a barrier cream or face oil

• Breaking out before your period? Use calming ingredients like niacinamide or a clay mask

• Hot, humid day? Swap your cream for a gel moisturizer

• Long travel day or bad sleep? Focus on soothing, hydrating steps

Listen to your skin, not the label. It’s okay to skip actives or simplify your routine when your skin feels overwhelmed.

Track and Tweak Regularly

Use a simple system to track your skin (a journal, an app, or even your phone notes). Track:

• Product changes

• Skin reactions (good or bad)

• Weather changes

• Diet, stress, sleep

• Hormonal cycle

This helps you see patterns, know what works, and when to adjust. A truly personalized skincare routine is one that grows with you.

Simple Products That Will Always Recommend

but there are a few trusted, gentle products that work well for most skin types. If you’re just starting out or want a solid base routine to personalize from, these are safe, effective choices to begin with.

These picks are:

• Fragrance-free

• Non-comedogenic

• Gentle and well-tolerated

1. Cleanser:

Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion

• Texture: Lightweight, milky lotion

• Why it’s great: No surfactants, no fragrance, no rinse needed (but can be rinsed off). Ideal for sensitive, reactive, or over-exfoliated skin.

• Key Ingredients: Avène Thermal Spring Water, minimal formula (only 7 ingredients)

• How to use: Massage onto dry skin, remove with cotton pad or rinse gently with lukewarm water.

Alternative: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser – similar concept, slightly richer texture.

2. Toner:

Klavuu Pure Pearlsation Revitalizing Facial Toner (for hydration + balance)

• Texture: Watery but softening

• Why it’s great: Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, very hydrating. Designed to soothe, not strip.

• Key Ingredients: Marine extracts, niacinamide (low %, gentle), panthenol

• How to use: Apply with hands or cotton pad after cleansing, AM and PM

Alternative for ultra-sensitive skin: Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner – minimal, calming, with panthenol and madecassoside.

3. Sunscreen:

Ultrasun Face SPF 50+ (Anti-Age or Sensitive variants)

• Texture: Lightweight cream or gel (depending on version)

• Why it’s great: Broad-spectrum, fragrance-free, no alcohol, no white cast, high UVA protection (PPD 42+). Non-comedogenic, works well under makeup.

• Key Ingredients: Antioxidants, lamellar technology for skin barrier support

• How to use: Apply every morning, reapply if exposed to sun

Alternative: Eucerin Sun Sensitive Protect SPF 50+ – great for very reactive or post-treatment skin.

Conclusion: Your Skin, Your Routine

There’s no magic formula that works for everyone—and that’s the beauty of skincare. The most effective routine is one that’s tailored to you, your skin’s needs, your environment, and your lifestyle. Start simple, stay consistent, and let your skin guide you.

If you want more help figuring out which ingredients you can mix, which you shouldn’t, and what each ingredient actually does, I’ve created a free Ingredient Mixing Guide just for you. It breaks down the most common actives, explains whether they’re best for beginners, intermediate, or advanced users—and helps you avoid irritation while building smarter routines. You just have to subscribe to my newsletter to get instant access—it’s totally free, and you’ll also get my latest tips, myth-busting posts, and skincare guides straight to your inbox. (I don’t spam).

And don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more clean, science-based skincare tips—and check out my latest blog posts for deeper dives into skincare ingredients, myths, and product recommendations.

Your skin is unique. Your routine should be too.

Flat lay of a retinol skincare product, “Holy Grail Retinol Repair Skin Crème,” with sleek minimalist packaging. Featuring key ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and plant antioxidants, this anti-aging cream helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. A must-have for a glowing, youthful complexion.

The Ultimate Guide to Retinol: Benefits, Usage, and Best Products

by with No Comment Ingredients
In today’s Blog Post we are talking about in of  the most effective, researched skincare ingredient out there: Retinol. Known for it’s powerful ant-aging and acne fighting properties, it is by far one of my favourite ingredients.

However, its correct usage, potential side effects, and best formulations often cause confusion. In this Blog  Post I will share everything about retinol, from its benefits and how to incorporate it into your routine to the best product recommendations for different skin types.

1. What is Retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and belongs to the broader category of retinoids. Retinoids are compounds that promote skin renewal, boost collagen production, and improve overall skin texture. Retinol is available in over-the-counter (OTC) formulations, while stronger retinoids like tretinoin require a prescription.

Types of Retinoids

  • Retinol: Most common OTC form, needs conversion in the skin to become active.
  • Retinaldehyde: One step closer to retinoic acid, making it more potent than retinol but still available OTC.
  • Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin): Prescription-only and directly active.
  • Adapalene: Synthetic retinoid, primarily used for acne treatment.
  • Tazarotene: Stronger prescription retinoid used for severe acne and psoriasis.

2. Benefits of Retinol

a) Anti-Aging

  • Stimulates collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Improves skin elasticity and firmness.
  • Enhances cell turnover for a more youthful appearance.

b) Acne and Breakout Prevention

  • Helps unclog pores by regulating sebum production.
  • Reduces inflammation and prevents future breakouts.

c) Hyperpigmentation and Skin Tone Improvement

  • Fades dark spots, sun damage, and post-acne marks.
  • Evens out skin tone

d) Texture and Pore Refinement

  • Improves skin texture by accelerating cell renewal.
  • Minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores over time.

3. How to Use Retinol Correctly

a) Start Slow and Build Tolerance

Retinol can cause irritation, dryness, and peeling when first introduced. Start with a lower concentration (0.2%–0.5%) and apply it 2–3 times a week before increasing frequency.

b) Apply at Night

Retinol is sensitive to sunlight, which reduces its effectiveness. Use it at night, followed by a moisturizer to minimize irritation.

c) Always Use Sunscreen

Retinol increases photosensitivity, making sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) essential during the day to prevent sun damage.

d) What Can Be Used with Retinol and What Should Be Avoided

Compatible with Retinol:
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and soothes the skin.
  • Niacinamide: Helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce irritation.
  • Ceramides: Provide essential lipids to maintain moisture balance.
  • Peptides: Work synergistically with retinol to boost collagen production.
  • Squalane: Helps counteract dryness and irritation.
Avoid Using with Retinol:
  • Vitamin C (in the same routine): Can be too harsh when combined directly.
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Can deactivate retinol, reducing its effectiveness.
  • AHAs & BHAs (Glycolic, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid): Increases the risk of irritation.
  • Exfoliating Scrubs: Can exacerbate peeling and sensitivity.
If you want to know how to create your own

4. Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them

a) Dryness and Peeling

This is a common side effect, especially in the first few weeks. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to counteract dryness.

b) Redness and Irritation

If irritation occurs, reduce frequency and use a buffer (mix with moisturizer) to ease the skin into tolerance.

c) Purging vs. Breakouts

  • Purging: Temporary increase in breakouts due to accelerated skin turnover (lasts 4–6 weeks).
  • Breakouts: If irritation persists beyond 8 weeks, the product may not be suitable for your skin.

d) The Sandwich Method: Minimizing Irritation

For those with sensitive skin, the sandwich method can help reduce irritation. This involves applying a thin layer of moisturizer on sensitive areas such as around the eyes, mouth, and neck before applying retinol. After the retinol is absorbed, apply another layer of moisturizer on top to create a buffer, which helps prevent excessive dryness and peeling while maintaining efficacy.

e) Layering and Combination with Other Ingredients

  • Avoid using retinol with: Benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C in the same routine.
  • Best paired with: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides for hydration and barrier support.
I read already made a complete Blog Post how to incorporate different ingredients and products in your routine, so check out the full guide on How To Create Your Personalized Skincare Routine.

5. Best Retinol Products for Different Skin Types

If you want to find out what skin type you have, read my blog post about How to Find Your Skin Type.
Skin Type Recommended Product Key Benefits
Oily/Acne-Prone Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Reduces acne and controls oil
Dry/Sensitive Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream Gentle, hydrating retinol
Mature Skin Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 High-strength retinaldehyde for anti-aging
Combination Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream with peptides and antioxidants

6. Retinol Myths and Misconceptions

a) Retinol Thins the Skin

Retinol actually thickens the skin over time by stimulating collagen production, making it firmer and stronger.

b) You Can’t Use Retinol on Sensitive Skin

Retinol can be used by sensitive skin types when introduced gradually and paired with hydrating ingredients.

c) Retinol Shouldn’t Be Used Around the Eyes

The eye area benefits greatly from retinol, as it helps reduce fine lines. Use a specialized retinol eye cream for gentle application.

7. FAQs About Retinol

a) Can I use retinol every day?

Yes, but only after your skin has built tolerance. Start 2–3 times a week and gradually increase usage.

b) Can I use retinol on my neck and hands?

Yes, but start with a low concentration and always follow up with a moisturizer.

c) What age should I start using retinol?

Mid to late 20s is ideal for preventive anti-aging benefits, but it can also be used earlier for acne treatment.

d) Can I use retinol if I have eczema or rosacea?

It depends on your skin’s tolerance. Consult a dermatologist before use and opt for lower-strength formulations.

e) How long does it take for retinol to show results?

  • 4–6 weeks: Improved texture and initial brightness.
  • 3–6 months: Reduction in fine lines and acne.
  • 6–12 months: Significant anti-aging effects.

f) Can I mix retinol with face oils?

Yes, oils like squalane or rosehip oil can help reduce irritation and provide additional hydration.

g) Can I use retinol while pregnant?

No, retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Retinol is one of the most effective skincare ingredients, offering remarkable benefits for anti-aging, acne, and overall skin health. However, proper introduction and usage are key to minimizing irritation and maximizing results. Whether you are a beginner or experienced user, selecting the right concentration and formulation for your skin type is crucial. Always pair retinol with sunscreen and hydrating ingredients to maintain a healthy and balanced skincare routine.

Looking for more skincare tips? Check out my other blog posts on hyaluronic acid, sunscreen, and double cleansing to create the perfect skincare routine. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive tips and product recommendations. Follow me on Pinterest for more skincare insights and inspiration! If you have any questions surrounding skin care, just ask them in the comments.