Hey sis — welcome to Skinsis! I’m Catalyna, and if you’re just starting your skincare journey, you’re in the right place 💕

A few years ago, I had no clue what a “cleanser” actually did, or why people were layering ten different serums that sounded like stuff from a chemistry class. I’d stand in the skincare aisle at the store completely overwhelmed… wondering if glowing skin was just for influencers or girls with perfect genes.

Spoiler alert: it’s not.

I’m here to tell you that healthy, glowing skin is for you, too. And no, you don’t need a 12-step routine or a shelf full of expensive products. You just need a simple, consistent plan that works for your skin.

Let’s break it down, step-by-step, and keep it super beginner-friendly 🧴✨

💡 Why a Skincare Routine Even Matters

A good skincare routine isn’t about looking “perfect” — it’s about feeling confident in your skin, preventing long-term damage, and giving your face the care it deserves.

Think of it like brushing your teeth. You don’t wait for a cavity — you brush daily because you care. Same goes for your skin.

🔍 First, Know Your Skin Type

Before you buy anything, let’s figure out what we’re working with:

• Oily: You get shiny fast, especially in your T-zone.

• Dry: Your skin feels tight, flaky, or dull.

• Combination: Oily in some areas (like your forehead or nose), dry in others.

• Sensitive: Gets red, itchy, or stings easily.

• Normal: Balanced, not too oily or dry.

Quick test? After washing your face, wait an hour without applying anything. Then see how your skin feels. That’ll give you a good starting point.

🧴 The 5-Step Skincare Routine for Beginners

You don’t need a million products. Here’s a basic routine that works for every skin type — and it’s the exact structure I started with.

1. Cleanser (AM + PM)

This removes dirt, oil, and makeup. Look for gentle, non-stripping cleansers (avoid that “tight” feeling after washing).

My first fave: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser — affordable, effective, and kind to skin.

2. Toner (Optional, but nice!)

Toners balance your skin and can add extra hydration or help target concerns. Choose alcohol-free ones — the old stingy toners? We don’t know them anymore.

Tip: Rose water or a hydrating toner works wonders on dry or sensitive skin.

3. Moisturizer (AM + PM)

Every skin type needs hydration — yes, even oily skin! Look for a lightweight gel for oily types, and creamier formulas if you’re dry.

I used to skip this and wondered why my skin looked dull. Don’t be me. Moisturize, babe.

4. Sunscreen (AM)

This is your #1 anti-aging and anti-hyperpigmentation product. Use SPF 30 or higher every single day, rain or shine.

My ride-or-die: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF. It doesn’t leave a white cast, even when I’m traveling to tropical spots.

5. Treatment (PM, Optional)

This is where you can add a serum or spot treatment based on your skin goals. Vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol — don’t worry, we’ll go into these in future posts!

Start simple. Once your skin adjusts to the basics, we can talk actives.

☀️ Morning vs Night: Keep It Chill

Morning = Protect: Cleanser → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
Night = Repair: Cleanser → Moisturizer (→ Treatment if needed)

Don’t overthink it. This is your core routine. The glow comes from consistency, not from buying more bottles.

🚫 Common Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

• Switching products too often

• Using scrubs that were way too harsh

• Skipping SPF (huge mistake)

• Expecting overnight miracles

• Copying TikTok routines that didn’t suit my skin

Take it from me: less is more, and your skin needs time to adjust and heal.

🧡 Catalyna’s Starter Picks

Here are a few beginner-friendly products I personally used when I started out (no sponsorships here — just love):

• Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating or Foaming Cleanser

• Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost (gel for oily skin)

• Sunscreen: Black Girl Sunscreen or La Roche-Posay Anthelios

• Treatment: The Ordinary Niacinamide (affordable and effective)

👉 Always patch test before trying something new.

Final Words from Your Skinsis 💌

Starting your skincare journey can feel like a lot, but trust me — you’ve got this. Focus on building a routine you can stick to, not chasing trends.

You don’t need perfect skin to feel beautiful. You just need skin that’s cared for — and that’s what Skinsis is all about.

Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on IG @catalynasaskia — I’m always down to chat skin 🧖🏽‍♀️