First-Time Skincare Users: How to Build a Simple and Effective Routine

If you’ve reached your 30s or 40s and are noticing changes in your skin—like fine lines, dryness, or uneven texture—you might be wondering if it’s time to start a skincare routine. The  good news is that it’s never too late to begin. Whether you’re dealing with wrinkles, dullness, or dry skin, a few simple steps can go a long way in improving your skin’s health and appearance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of building an easy, effective skincare routine using Beauty Thinkers’ minimalist philosophy and unique olive-based products. 

Why Start Skincare as an Adult?

If you’ve used minimal skincare or none and your skin looks great in your 40s or 50s, you’ve won the skin lottery. But if you’re noticing changes—fine lines, dullness, dryness, changes in texture, or reduced elasticity—you may want to consider experimenting with skincare. As we age, our skin loses natural elasticity and hydration, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging. Sun exposure and environmental factors contribute to uneven skin tone and dark spots. As a result, you may experience drier, more sensitive skin.

Your skin’s cell turnover also slows down with age (your skin doesn’t regenerate as quickly as it used to), leading to a rougher texture and a dull complexion. Hormonal changes, like those during perimenopause or menopause, can trigger adult acne or worsen existing skin conditions. Starting a skincare routine in adulthood can help address these concerns.

With the right skincare products and consistency, you can improve your skin’s overall texture, tone, and appearance. The best part? Despite what influencers may say, you don’t need a 10-step routine to see results. A simple, effective routine can go a long way in revitalizing your skin and protecting it from further damage (at Beauty Thinkers, we call it pro-aging). 

What to Know Before Starting a Skincare Routine

Skincare is Personal

Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Start by understanding your unique skin type and concerns, then build your routine accordingly. You may need to try different products before finding the ones that work best for your skin.

Manage Your Expectations

Skincare helps prevent further damage—it doesn’t reverse the effects of time entirely. While some products can smooth wrinkles and brighten dark spots, the main goal of skincare is to maintain your skin’s health and prevent new issues. Another consideration—most skincare products can take between three to six months to show visible improvements. Stick with your routine, be consistent, and trust the process. 

Know Your Ingredients 

Focus on products that contain clinically proven ingredients like ceramides, pro-vitamin B5, and hydroxytyrosol for skin. Be mindful of ingredients to avoid, such as fragrances or silicones, especially if you have sensitive skin. Always check the ingredient list and do your research before purchasing. When in doubt, consult a board-certified dermatologist—they can recommend products tailored to your needs.

Beware of Impossible Standards and Trends 

Don’t compare your skin to flawless celebrity images—they are often heavily edited, and many celebrities use invasive cosmetic procedures. Focus on achieving your best skin and bringing out your natural beauty. Avoid shaping your skincare routine around trends. Instead, rely on research and expert advice. Following dermatologists or seeking their recommendations will help you make decisions based on evidence, not trends.

Understand Your Skin Type

Building an effective skincare routine starts with understanding your skin type as different skin types need different ingredients and products. For instance, oily skin might benefit from oil-free, lightweight products, while dry skin thrives on hydrating, rich formulas. Using the wrong products for your skin type can cause more harm than good. There is a lot of information online about identifying your skin type, so do your research (e.g., see Healthline Quiz) or consult a board-certified dermatologist.  

Skincare Routine 101: Where to Start 

Step 1. Cleanse. 

Cleansing is essential to remove dirt, oil, and makeup and to prepare your skin for the products that follow. Clean skin absorbs skincare products better. For beginners, it’s important to choose a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that suits your skin type. Look for terms like “gentle,” “mild,” or “hydrating” in product descriptions. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, a gel-based cleanser is ideal. If your skin is dry or sensitive, opt for a creamy or lotion-based cleanser that helps retain moisture.

Step 2. Moisturize. 

After cleansing, moisturizing supports your skin’s barrier, helping maintain moisture and protecting against irritants. Dry skin types should use richer creams with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane, such as Beauty Thinkers Antioxidant Cream, while oily skin types would benefit from lightweight, oil-free moisturizers such as Beauty Thinkers Hydrator 2. Beauty Thinkers’ products feature olive-derived hydroxytyrosol, which is a powerful antioxidant. 

Today, moisturizers have evolved beyond creams. At Beauty Thinkers, we developed a hydrating mist for initial, post-cleanse hydration and hydrators to support moisture balance in the skin. You will see these products featured in our recommended routine below. 

Step 3. Protect. 

Ask any dermatologist, and they’ll tell you that sunscreen is the most important step in your skincare routine. UV rays are a leading cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. That’s why it’s essential to wear sunscreen every single day, even during winter, when it’s cloudy, or indoors. 

Ask any dermatologist, and they’ll tell you that sunscreen is the most important step in your skincare routine. UV rays are a leading cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Whatever your skin type, including sensitive, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, regardless of weather conditions. Beauty Thinkers’ UVA UVB SPF30 Mineral Filter offers effective UV protection. For after sun care, try DOPO SOLE After Sun Restore Cream, which hydrates and soothes sun-exposed skin.

Keep It Simple with Beauty Thinkers 

At Beauty Thinkers, we believe in a minimalist approach to skincare. Focus on the essentials, opt for products that are effective, and build an effective skincare routine that addresses your skin’s needs without overloading it. Here’s a simple beginner routine, based on Beauty Thinkers’ philosophy and products:

In the morning, after cleansing: 

• Hydrate with AQVAM SPA Hydrating Mist (all skin types). 
• Support with Hydrator 1 for normal skin, Hydrator 2 for oily skin, or Hydrator 3 for dry or aging skin. 
• For an extra boost of moisture (for dry or aging skin), apply Antioxidant Boost Facial Oil. 
• Protect with the Beauty Thinkers SPF30 Mineral Filter (all skin types).

In the evening, after cleansing: 

• Hydrate with AQVAM SPA Hydrating Mist (all skin types). 
• Support with Hydrator 1 for normal skin, Hydrator 2 for oily skin, or Hydrator 3 for dry or aging skin. 
• For an extra boost of moisture (for dry or aging skin), apply Antioxidant Boost Facial Oil. 

Beauty Thinkers’ products are compatible with most active ingredients, including retinoids and chemical exfoliants. The products can be used on both the face and body. Or to keep things simple, why not try one of our skincare kits such as HY1 Daily Kit or Prevention Kit.  

All Beauty Thinkers’ products are rich in olive-derived hydroxytyrosol. Hydroxytyrosol benefits in skincare include protecting skin from free radicals, calming inflammation, moisturizing and supporting skin barrier, and helping minimize the visible signs of aging.