The Secret to Creating a Good Skincare Routine That Works

Before the internet age, people could not get any information on almost every part of their lives including their health condition without physically attending a health facility.

Introduction

There are a lot of skincare products and beauty trends available in the market, and this makes one confused with regards to what really works. Is it better to use serums then moisturizers? Do you really need toner? Should we wear sunscreen in the house?

On the one hand, Dr. Shaun Segal is a board-certified dermatologist, which means that skincare is overwhelming to him. On the other hand, it can be hard to believe that online advice can be contradictory. The fact is you do not have to be on an elaborate 10-step program or even pay a lot of money. All you require is a simple and regular skincare routine that fits your skin type and your lifestyle.

Dr. Segal offers an explanation of how to create a powerful skincare routine that keeps your skin healthier, radiant and safeguarded on a daily basis in this blog.

The Reasons Why a Skincare Routine Is Important

Skin is exposed to pollution, sunlight, sweat and stress on a daily basis. With time, the effects of this exposure include clogged pores, dullness, dryness or advanced aging.

A proper skincare routine helps to:

• Keep your skin natural.
  
  
• Avoid acne, swelling and sunburns.
  
  
• Moisturize your skin and maintain balance.
  
  
• Slow down visible ageing.
  
  

According to Dr. Segal, skincare is healthcare. It is not only about looking good, but about ensuring that your skin functions well.

Step 1: Know Your Skin Type

It is important to find out what your skin type is before purchasing a product. Using the wrong formula can do more harm than good.

The 5 Main Skin Types

• Normal: Balanced, neither too oily nor too dry.
  
  
• Oily: Shiny with visible pores and acne-prone.
  
  
• Dry: Tight, flaky or rough.
  
  
• Combination: Oily T-zone, dry cheeks.
  
  
• Sensitive: Reacts easily to products.
  
  

Dr. Shaun Segal recommends a professional skin assessment at least once to understand your skin behaviour—whether dehydration, rosacea, or hormonal acne is involved.

Step 2: Cleanse (Morning & Night)

Cleansing removes dirt, oil, bacteria and makeup, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.

How to Cleanse Effectively

• Use lukewarm water (hot water strips natural oils).
  
  
• Choose a cleanser based on your skin type:
  
  
  • Foaming cleanser for oily skin.
    
    
  • Cream or gel cleanser for dry or sensitive skin.
    
    
  • Micellar water for gentle cleansing.
    
    
• Cleanse twice a day: morning and night.
  
  

Dr. Segal highlights one of the biggest skincare mistakes: not washing your face at night. Your skin repairs itself as you sleep.

Step 3: Tone (Not Necessary but Beneficial)

Toners help balance skin pH, tighten pores and remove impurities.

What to Look For

• Chamomile or rose water: Soothing.
  
  
• Niacinamide or witch hazel: For oily skin.
  
  
• Hyaluronic acid: Hydrating.
  
  

Avoid alcohol-based toners.

Step 4: Treat (Serums & Active Ingredients)

This step targets specific concerns: pigmentation, wrinkles, or acne.

Choose Serums Based on Your Skin Goals

• Brightening: Vitamin C (morning).
  
  
• Hydration: Hyaluronic acid (AM/PM).
  
  
• Acne: Niacinamide or salicylic acid (AM/PM).
  
  
• Anti-ageing: Retinol or peptides (night only).
  
  

Pro Tip: Do not introduce multiple new serums at once—they can irritate the skin.

Dr. Segal says: “More products do not mean better results. What matters is the right product used consistently.”

Step 5: Moisturize (Don’t Skip It!)

All skin types—even oily—need moisture.

Pick the Right Moisturizer

• Gel or lightweight lotion: Oily or acne-prone skin.
  
  
• Rich cream: Dry or mature skin.
  
  
• Fragrance-free formula: Sensitive skin.
  
  

Apply moisturizer after serums to lock in ingredients.

Step 6: Sunscreen (Your Skin’s Best Friend)

Sunscreen prevents pigmentation, sunburn, fine lines and skin cancer. It is the best anti-ageing product.

How to Use It Correctly

• Apply SPF 30 or above daily—even indoors.
  
  
• Choose broad-spectrum protection (UVA & UVB).
  
  
• Make sunscreen the final step of your morning routine.
  
  
• Reapply every 2–3 hours when outside or sweating.
  
  

Dr. Segal warns that skipping sunscreen undoes the benefits of all other skincare steps.

Step 7: Night Routine – Repair and Recover

Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself.

Simple Night Routine

• Cleanser
  
  
• Treatment serum (retinol or hydrating serum)
  
  
• Moisturizer or night cream
  
  

Avoid combining strong actives (like retinol + AHAs) to prevent irritation.

Dr. Segal recommends using retinol under professional guidance due to its potency.

Step 8: Exfoliate 1–2 Times Per Week

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and smoothens texture. Over-exfoliation damages your skin barrier.

Types of Exfoliants

• Physical: Soft scrubs with gentle particles.
  
  
• Chemical: AHAs (glycolic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid).
  
  

Use 1–2 times weekly depending on sensitivity. Follow with moisturizer.

Step 9: Prevent the Top 10 Skincare Sins

Even with good products, certain habits can harm your skin.

Common Mistakes Dr. Segal Notes

• Adding too many products at once.
  
  
• Skipping sunscreen on cloudy or indoor days.
  
  
• Sleeping with makeup on.
  
  
• Picking pimples or scratching dry skin.
  
  
• Neglecting the neck and hands.
  
  

Dr. Segal emphasizes gentle, consistent care.

Step 10: When to Visit a Dermatologist

Seek professional help if you feel irritated, dull or imbalanced after trying multiple products.

A dermatologist can:

• Diagnose conditions like eczema, rosacea or hormonal acne.
  
  
• Recommend medical-grade products.
  
  
• Provide treatments like peels, lasers or microneedling.
  
  

Dr. Shaun Segal builds personalized routines tailored to each patient for long-term results.

Developing Your Routine: Morning vs Night

Follow this simple structure and adjust products seasonally or based on your skin’s needs.

Dr. Shaun Segal’s Key Advice

Dr. Segal believes skincare is about consistency, not complexity.

Your skin does not need 10 products — it needs the right 3–4 used daily.

He reminds patients that lifestyle habits matter:

• Good sleep
  
  
• Hydration
  
  
• Balanced diet
  
  
• Stress management
  
  

All of these impact your skin.

Final Thoughts

A good skincare routine does not need to be complicated. Start with the basics: cleanse, treat, moisturize and protect — then customize according to your skin.

If you are unsure which products suit you, consult a dermatologist like Dr. Shaun Segal for a personalized plan.

One simple habit can start your skincare journey — consistency.

Take care of your skin daily, and it will reward you for years to come.

According to Dr. Segal, “A happy skin is healthy skin, and everyone can achieve it.”