1. Cleanse

Cleansing is the first step of any good skincare routine. The type of cleanser you use matters more than you think it does — gentle face washes are the way to go, particularly if you plan on using more active ingredients down the line. 

2. Tone

Toner is an optional step, but if you have a toner you like, you should absolutely use it.  If you have acne-prone skin, look for a toner with ingredients like salicylic acid to calm breakouts. If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a hydrating toner to soothe.

3. Vitamin C Serum

When it comes to serums, many dermatologists recommend using a vitamin C serum during the day. It helps reverse a lot of the damage that we get from the sun and pollution." When using a vitamin C serum, look for one that contains a stable form of vitamin C, so that the molecule will actually be able to soak into your skin.

4. Eye Cream

Eye creams fall into the "treat" category. Dab on eye cream using your ring finger (your weakest finger) so you don't unintentionally cause damage to your eye area.

5. Moisturizer

After you've treated your skin, it's time to moisturize. The moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and helps strengthen your skin barrier. For daytime use, opt for a lighter moisturizer that will soak in quickly and won't cause pilling under makeup.

6. Sunscreen

This is the most important step in your skincare routine. If you don't wear sunscreen, it's like you might as well not do any of those other steps. The sun is the number one reason why people's skin will age prematurely.

Heads up: Protecting your skin from the sun is important even if you're spending your days indoors, as UV rays can still come in through the windows.