Decoding what works within a skincare routine is a literal fine science—we’re practically potion masters the way we apply and combine various ingredients.

However, there should always be a method to the mixing—preferably a method recommended by a qualified expert (and tailored to your specific skin type) to ensure most effective results. And aren’t results precisely what we’re all seeking?

To set every skin type up for success, marie claire spoke to Australia’s leading dermatologists to discover which skincare steps are essential for which skin types (and which formulas are the best fits for each step)…

Best Skincare Routines

Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

According To: Dr Ryan Cruz, Dermatologist

How To Tell If You Have Dry Skin

“Signs of dry skin can include itchiness that worsens with scratching, a feeling of tightness especially after washing, rough or uneven texture, visible flaking or scaling, and in more severe cases, redness, cracking or even painful fissures”, Dr Cruz explains.

Dermatologist Tips For Dry Skin

“A common misconception is that dry, rough skin requires greater exfoliation and harsh skincare to improve skin luminosity. It is in fact the opposite”, Dr Cruz notes. “The focus should be on scientifically-proven ingredients that repair the skin barrier, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. This golden triad of ingredients has been shown to assist in rehydrating the skin, and soothing it when compromised.”

Morning Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

Step 1: pH-Balanced Cleanser

“Cleansing with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser is the ideal first step which works to cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier”, Dr Cruz confirms.

Step 2: Ceramide Moisturiser

“Immediately moisturising afterwards with a fragrance-free, ceramide-based moisturiser or lotion is the best way to protect against dry, rough, compromised, itchy skin”, says Dr Cruz.

Step 3: Sunscreen

“To finish, I recommend application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis, particularly in Australia where the UV index is commonly high”, he explains.

Evening Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

Step 1: Mild Cleanser

“Begin by gently cleansing the skin to remove impurities such as pollution, makeup, and oil buildup from the day. This helps prevent damage to the skin barrier. Use a mild, hydrating cleanser which effectively cleans without stripping moisture”, Dr Cruz recommends.

Step 2: Active Serum

“Apply a product that delivers key actives to boost hydration and radiance overnight”, he says.

Step 3: Nourishing Moisturiser

“Replenish hydration and support the skin’s barrier with a nourishing moisturiser”, says Dr Cruz. “Look for ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid [to help skin] retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.”

Step 4: Occlusive Balm

“If you experience very dry skin and require that extra protection, for areas that are especially dry or vulnerable, consider adding an occlusive balm to lock in moisture overnight”, says Dr Cruz.

Best Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

According To: Dr Shreya Andrics, Dermatologist

How To Tell If You Have Oily Skin

“You might notice larger pores and a tendency for breakouts”, Dr Andrics notes. “Wash your face and wait an hour without applying any products, then see if your skin appears shiny or feels slick, especially across the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).”

Dermatologist Tips For Oily Skin

“Maintain a balanced routine, as sometimes dehydrated oily skin overproduces oil”, she explains. “Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate and overstimulate oil production, and incorporate a clay mask 1-2 times per week to reduce excess oil.”

Morning Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

Step 1: Gentle Gel Cleanser

“Begin by using a gentle gel cleanser to remove overnight oil and impurities without over-stripping skin”, Dr Andrics suggests.

Step 2: Exfoliating/Toning Lotion

“Use an exfoliating/toning lotion. This helps to minimise clogged pores and refine skin texture”, she shares.

Step 3: Antioxidant Serum

“An antioxidant serum protects skin from free radicals and maintains balance”, says Dr Andrics.

Step 4: Oil-Free Moisturiser

“Apply an oil-free moisturiser that provides hydration but doesn’t clog pores”, Dr Andrics advises.

Step 5: Sunscreen

“Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects from UV damage and helps to reduce [visible] acne scarring”, she notes.

Evening Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

Step 1: Gentle Gel or Oil-Based Cleanser

“At night, use a gentle gel or oil-based cleanser to remove excess oil, pollutants and makeup”, says Dr Andrics.

Step 2: Exfoliating Toner or Serum

“Apply an exfoliating toner or serum 2-3 times a week. This step supports cellular turnover and prevents congestion”, she notes.

Step 3: Treatment Serum

“Using a treatment serum featuring retinol or niacinamide reduces sebum production, refines pores and promotes a clear complexion”, Dr Andrics advises.

Step 4: Oil-Free Moisturiser

“An oil-free moisturiser helps skin to maintain hydration and protects the barrier overnight”, explains Dr Andrics.

Best Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin

According To: Dr Aakriti Gupta, Dermatologist

How To Tell If You Have Sensitive Skin

“Watch for sign of damage to the skin barrier. If your skin starts to sting, flush or feel tight after products, it’s a sign to scale back and refocus on barrier repair“, Dr Gupta shares.

Dermatologist Tips For Sensitive Skin

“Avoid harsh products and too many ‘actives’. Steer clear of toners with alcohol, physical scrubs, fragranced products, and strong acids or retinoids. Stick to a minimalist routine. Fewer steps with thoughtfully chosen products often yield better results than an overly complex regimen”, Dr Gupta explains.

Morning Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin

Step 1: Gentle Non-Foaming Cleanser

“Cleanse the skin without disrupting the skin’s barrier or triggering inflammation. Look for minimal, fragrance-free formulas designed specifically for sensitive skin”, Dr Gupta notes.

Step 2 (Optional): Niacinamide Serum

“Niacinamide (vitamin B3) can help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness and inflammation, and is generally well tolerated in sensitive skin at lower concentrations”, Dr Gupta explains.

Step 3: Barrier Repair Moisturiser

“A barrier repair moisturiser works to restore hydration and reinforce the skin’s natural defenses to prevent moisture loss and environmental sensitivity”, she confirms.

Step 4: Sunscreen

“Shield the skin from UV damage without irritation with sunscreen. For some people, physical (mineral) filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are better tolerated than chemical ones but there are also excellent low irritation chemical sunscreens”, says Dr Gupta.

Evening Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin

Step 1: Gentle Micellar Water

“Use micellar water to gently remove impurities, makeup and SPF without surfectants that can irritate the skin”, Dr Gupta advises.

Step 2: Gentle Cleanser

“Cleanse while preserving the skin’s natural lipids and maintaining pH balance, same as in the morning”, says Dr Gupta.

Step 3: Barrier Repair Serum

“If your skin is reactive or showing signs of damage (e.g. flaking or stinging), use a dedicated barrier repair serum before moisturiser”, she explains.

Step 4: Rich Moisturiser/Barrier Balm

“Rebuild the skin barrier overnight and soothe irritation with a rich moisturiser. You can use the same moisturiser as in the daytime or opt for a rich barrier balm”, Dr Gupta tells marie claire.

Best Skincare Routine For Normal Skin

According To: Dr Shreya Andrics, Dermatologist

How To Tell If You Have Normal Skin

“If you have normal skin, you don’t experience significant breakouts, flakiness or sensitivity”, Dr Andrics explains. “Wash your face, wait an hour. If your skin feels balanced (not tight or greasy), you have normal skin.”

Dermatologist Tips For Normal Skin

“Maintain consistency. Routine and sun protection are your best friends”, says Dr Andrics. “Incorporate a mild exfoliant (with Alpha Hydroxy Acids or Beta Hydroxy Acids) 1-2 times a week for brighter, smoother skin.”

Morning Skincare Routine For Normal Skin

Step 1: Gentle Cleanser

“Start with a gentle cleanser to maintain balance and remove overnight impurities”, Dr Andrics tells marie claire.

Step 2: Antioxidant Serum

“Applying an antioxidant serum is key to protect from environmental stressors and maintain radiance”, she says.

Step 3: Hydrating Moisturiser

“Use moisturiser to maintain hydration and comfort”, Dr Andrics confirms.

Step 4: Sunscreen

“Protect from UV damage and maintain long-term skin health with sunscreen”, Dr Andrics advises.

Evening Skincare Routine For Normal Skin

Step 1: Gentle Cleanser

“At night, use a gentle cleanser to maintain a clean slate for treatments”, Dr Andrics suggests.

Step 2: Treatment Serum

“Maintain skin renewal and support collagen production with a treatment serum including retinol or peptides”, says Dr Andrics.

Step 3: Hydrating Moisturiser

“It’s important to maintain hydration and restore the skin barrier overnight with moisturiser”, she notes.

Step 4 (Optional): Eye Cream

“As an optional step, apply eye cream for delicate skin”, Dr Andrics shares.

Best Skincare Routine For Blemish-Prone Skin

According To: Dr JoAnn See, Dermatologist

How To Tell If You Have Blemish-Prone Skin

“Signs of blemish-prone skin may include greasy or oily hair and skin, as well as superficial non-inflamed bumps like blackheads and whiteheads, particularly around the forehead and nose”, Dr See explains. “You may also experience more pustules or inflamed pink spots on the cheeks, jawline, neck, chest, or back.”

Dermatologist Tips For Blemish-Prone Skin

“Unfortunately, blemishes can continue beyond teenage years and well into the 30s and 40s. It’s worth asking about family history and considering hormonal triggers, such as menstrual cycle fluctuations or stress”, Dr See notes. “In stubborn cases, seeing a general practitioner may be necessary to get a prescription product or rule out conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It’s important to address blemishes early to prevent long-term scarring, redness, or pigmentation.”

Morning Skincare Routine For Blemish-Prone Skin

Step 1: Fragrance-Free Cleanser

“Cleanse using a gentle, non-perfumed, nonabrasive product. As there is a degree of inflammation occurring in the process of getting a blemish, we like to use something gentle to avoid increasing further inflammation which can cause more damage to the skin”, Dr See tells marie claire.

Step 2: Blemish Treatment

“Apply a blemish control ‘leave on’, whether it be a serum, gel, lotion or cream and don’t forget it’s all over the face, not spot treatment”, says Dr See. “These products often contain ingredients that are anti-inflammatory, as well as acting as exfoliants to unblock the pilosebaceous duct. Some even contain ingredients that aim to restore the skin’s microbial balance while also mopping up excess oil on the surface of the skin.”

Step 3: Light Moisturiser

“A moisturiser if necessary but not always needed as some blemish control products may not make your skin feel tight and dry. Our skin may be drier due to climatic conditions such as winter, working in air-conditioning or heating or if you are using an active product such as retinol or even an anti-blemish prescription treatment that may cause skin irritation”, Dr See shares.

Step 4: Sunscreen

“Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB, with a sun protection factor of 50+. If there is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or melasma, a physical sunscreen may be preferred as it protects against visible light”, Dr See adds.

Evening Skincare Routine For Blemish-Prone Skin

Step 1: Micellar Water

“To remove makeup, I recommend micellar water paired with a makeup pad remover”, Dr See shares.

Step 2: Cleanser

“Starting with a cleanse is essential, same as in the morning”, says Dr See.

Step 3: Blemish Treatment

“A blemish control leave-on is also important at night”, she advises.

Step 4: Niacinamide Moisturiser

“Finish with a moisturiser containing vitamin B3/niacinamide. The evening is a great time to rehydrate your skin and especially during the winter you may need a thicker moisturiser”, Dr See explains.

Best Skincare Routine For Ageing Skin

According To: Dr Aakriti Gupta, Dermatologist

How To Tell If You Have Ageing Skin

“As we age, our skin naturally produces less oil and collagen, making it more prone to dryness, dullness and fine lines”, Dr Gupta explains.

Dermatologist Tips For Ageing Skin

“A targeted routine helps to hydrate, protect and support skin structure. Steps should focus on repair, renewal and deep hydration”, she notes.

Morning Skincare Routine For Ageing Skin

Step 1: Gentle Cleanser

“Cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils by using a gentle cleanser”, Dr Gupta suggests.

Step 2: Hydrating Antioxidant Serum

“Deliver hydration and neutralise free radicals that accelerate skin ageing with a hydrating antioxidant serum. Antioxidants like vitamin C help to brighten and even out skin tone”, says Dr Gupta.

Step 3: Peptide or Antioxidant Moisturiser

“Boost moisture retention and support collagen production with active ingredients like peptides, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid within your moisturiser”, Dr Gupta advises.

Step 4: Sunscreen

“Prevent further photoageing and UV damage (which is a major contributor to wrinkles), pigmentation and loss of elasticity, by applying broad spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen”, she confirms.

Evening Skincare Routine For Ageing Skin

Step 1: Micellar Water

“Ensure all SPF, makeup and pollution from the day is gently removed without over-drying the skin”, Dr Gupta recommends.

Step 2: Gentle Cleanser

“Complete the double cleanse for a fresh, clean face. This is especially important before applying active ingredients”, Dr Gupta tells marie claire.

Step 3: Retinoid or Retinol Serum

“Promote collagen production, speed up skin cell turnover and [work to] reduce [visible] fine lines with a retinoid or retinol serum”, says Dr Gupta.

Step 4: Hydrating Night Cream

“Replenish moisture and support the skin barrier overnight with nourishing, active-rich formulas”, Dr Gupta advises.

Step 5 (Optional): Eye Cream

“Target delicate under-eye skin to soften [visible] fine lines and reduce puffiness”, says Dr Gupta.

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