How to Build a Skincare Routine for Your Skin Type

Because your skin deserves more than a one-size-fits-all routine.

Your skin is as unique as your fingerprint, and the key to glowing, healthy skin is building a routine that works with your skin type—not against it. At BelMar Blu, we believe in personalized care, which starts with understanding what your skin really needs. Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or somewhere in between, here’s how to create a routine that helps it thrive.

Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type

Before you start buying products or booking treatments, you need to know what you’re working with. Here’s a quick guide:

• Dry Skin: Feels tight, looks dull or flaky, especially after cleansing.

• Oily Skin: Shiny throughout the day, especially on the T-zone. Prone to breakouts and enlarged pores.

• Combination Skin: Oily in some areas (usually the T-zone), dry in others (like cheeks).

• Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated, may sting, burn, or react to new products.

• Normal Skin: Balanced—not too dry or oily, with minimal issues.

At BelMar Blu, we can help assess your skin type professionally during a facial consultation if you’re unsure!

Step 2: Build Your Core Routine

No matter your skin type, every routine should include these basic steps:

1. Cleanser

Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser.

• Dry/Sensitive skin: Cream or milk cleansers

• Oily/Combo skin: Gel or foaming cleansers

2. Toner (optional but helpful)

• Helps rebalance the skin and prep for treatments.

• Dry skin: Hydrating toners with glycerin or hyaluronic acid

• Oily skin: Clarifying toners with witch hazel or salicylic acid

3. Treatment

• Serums and actives address specific concerns (like dark spots, acne, or fine lines).

• Introduce one at a time and start slowly.

4. Moisturizer

• Lock in hydration and protect your skin barrier.

• Oily skin: Lightweight gel or water-based formulas

• Dry skin: Cream-based or oil-rich moisturizers

5. SPF (AM only)

• No matter your skin tone or type, sunscreen is non-negotiable.

• Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

Step 3: Customize for Your Needs

Once you’ve got your base routine, you can customize with add-ons like:

• Exfoliants (1–2x per week) – Choose gentle options like lactic acid or enzyme-based exfoliators.

• Face Masks – Hydrating masks for dry skin, clay masks for oily skin.

  Facials – Monthly professional treatments keep skin balanced, exfoliated, and glowing.

Final Tips from BelMar Blu

• Start simple. Don’t overload your skin with too many products at once.

• Always patch test new ingredients.

• Check expiration dates, and throw away any products that have expired. To begin your skincare/makeup purge, your first step is to throw away anything that is more than a year old and has not been used in over 12 months. 

• Listen to your skin—tightness, redness, or breakouts can be signs of irritation or imbalance.

• Need help building your routine? Book a Signature Facial or  Virtual Consultation at BelMar Blu. We’ll walk you through what your skin really needs.

Your perfect skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated—just consistent and personalized. And we’re here to help.