You’re not alone if you feel like your skin has taken a back seat in the last few… weeks? months? When did 2020 begin again?

With so many novel and ever-changing concerns occupying precious brain space lately, you’re forgiven if maintaining a multi-step skincare routine hasn’t been at the top of your list. Add to that list stress, poor sleep and higher sugar or junk food intake, and right now your skin is probably in need of a little (or a major) reset.

You’ve come to the right place! To get back into a rhythm with your skincare routine, we’re sharing our favorite “start here” tips below.

First: Exfoliate gently.

Clear out the old to begin anew. Exfoliating is an excellent way to remove dead skin cells, dirt, debris and anything else that’s accumulated on your skin to dull your complexion. It’s the jumpstart you need -- skin is often noticeably brighter and softer (and pores can appear minimized) after just a few uses. Exfoliation also helps to prep the skin so it can better absorb the beneficial ingredients in the products you do use.

If you want something mild or your skin errs on the sensitive side, try a cleanser or toner with AHAs to start. If your skin feels oily or you want something with a stronger effect, then go for a BHA-containing toner, leave-on treatment or wash-off mask. 

Next, target irritation.

Exfoliation is great for preventing future breakouts, but what about the current pimples and patches of congestion taking up facial real estate? Enter: Spot treatments.

These can be actual spot treatments, like pimple patches or spot creams, or you can also try using different products to target specific areas of the skin. Maybe your T-zone is oily but your cheeks are dry. Use a clarifying mask along your forehead, nose and chin, while something more revitalizing works on your cheeks. Don’t be afraid to mix and match products depending on what your skin needs in the moment. 

Then, amp up hydration.

The secret to a dewy, youthful glow? Hydration! When skin is properly hydrated, it appears fuller and more supple, which means fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable. An easy way to see a resurgence in your skin’s condition is to add a few extra rounds of toner after you wash your face.

If you already use a toner, then pat in 2-3 extra layers even if your skin already feels moisturized. (Be sure to select a toner that’s free of any active ingredients like alcohols, acids or vitamin C.) Pat in until the liquid is fully absorbed each round. Trust us, this is a shortcut to glowing skin! Don’t forget a mist to add to the hydration during the day. Much like thirst, if at any point your skin is feeling tight or dry, then it’s already dehydrated.

Lastly, have a good night.

If the morning feels frantic, then try just focusing on a good nighttime routine for awhile. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, between the hours of 10pm and 2am, so make sure to use this time for all that it’s worth.

If you do nothing else, be sure to double cleanse! You want to take off the day to ensure nothing is left behind clogging or irritating the skin. First, cleanse with an oil-based cleanser (like this one rich with probiotics or this best-selling balm) to remove dirt and makeup, then cleanse again with a foam-based cleanser (like this deep cleansing one or this soothing whipped wash) to balance the skin’s pH.

Creating a sleeping pack is also an easy, effective way of supercharging the skin with nutrients while you sleep. The trick is to mix two products together (usually a moisturizer followed by an oil) that aren’t too heavy or leave your face sticking to the pillow. Here are two of our favorite combinations:

1. Using Urang’s Rose Ceramide Cream followed by the Rose Repair Essence

2. Pyunkang Yul’s Balancing Gel followed by their Facial Oil