Building a skincare routine is essential. The right combination of products can bring out the best in your skin and give you a more radiant appearance. Creating a good skincare routine can be challenging. From settling on the ideal number of steps to finding the right products, it's not always easy. But it can be.

Though everyone's regimen is different, these four core steps are the building blocks of a good daily and nightly regimen. Keep reading to see how to set up your skincare routine.

Cleansers

Washing away the dirt and grime from your skin is the first step to healthy skin. In the morning, it's best to start with a simple cleanser that's packed with hydrating ingredients. The idea here is to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Formulas that include hydrators like hyaluronic acid and squalane are great for drawing moisture into the skin and giving a bouncy feel.

Your nighttime routine should also include a face wash. However, you may want to consider a formula that boasts moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients, such as ceramides, vitamin E, or retinol. These kinds of face washes nourish the skin as you sleep and aid in skin cell renewal.

Toners

Face toners are the second step in a good skincare routine. Similar to a cleanser, they refresh the skin and prepare it for absorption of serums and moisturizers. Finding a good toner used to be difficult, as many formulations relied on drying ingredients that zapped the moisture out of the skin, leaving it feeling raw. But those days are a thing of the past. Today, toners are composed of a delicate blend of natural ingredients, like witch hazel, tea extracts, and herbs for an invigorating experience. Some are even designed to help tighten fine lines and smooth pores.

Serums

This step may be the most subjective of the list. There are a plethora of different serums available, so choosing the type that best fits your skin's needs is key. Serums are meant to target specific concerns and penetrate deep beneath the surface layer to improve the quality and appearance of your skin over time.

Your daily routine can include brightening formulas like a vitamin C serum or a hydrating version that gives your skin an extra dose of hydration. For your nighttime routine, opt for a serum that will aid in your natural skin cell turnover cycle. Resurfacing formulas are great for gently exfoliating, while oil-based serums lock in moisture.

Moisturizers

Last but certainly not least are moisturizers. As the final step in your skincare routine, they seal in key ingredients, help maintain the skin's moisture barrier, and soften the outermost layers of the skin. A lightweight day cream with SPF is a great way to protect your skin from environmental stressors. Night creams, however, tend to have a thicker and richer consistency. In a similar fashion to your nightly serum, an enhanced formula can be beneficial for cell turnover, working in tandem with your skin as you sleep.