Our expert estheticians have curated a comprehensive guide to explain how to build an effective skincare routine, the concept of habit stacking for skincare success, and which products to use for your specific skin concerns to achieve your dream skin.
When it comes to achieving radiant, healthy skin, consistency is everything. But let's be honest—sticking to a multi-step skincare routine can feel overwhelming. That's where habit stacking comes in. This simple psychological technique helps you build a sustainable skincare routine by linking new habits to existing ones, making your daily regimen feel effortless and automatic.
What Is Habit Stacking?
Habit stacking is a behavior-change strategy where you pair a new habit with an existing one you already do daily. Instead of trying to remember a completely new routine, you anchor your skincare steps to habits that are already part of your day. For example: "After I brush my teeth in the morning, I'll apply my vitamin C serum and SPF." This creates a mental trigger that makes your skincare routine automatic over time, eliminating the need for willpower or remembering.
Who Benefits from Building a Skincare Routine
Everyone benefits from a consistent skincare routine, but habit stacking is especially helpful for:
Skincare Beginners: If you're new to skincare and feeling overwhelmed by all the products and steps, habit stacking simplifies the process and helps you build confidence.
Busy Professionals: When your schedule is packed, habit stacking ensures you don't skip your routine because it's built into activities you're already doing.
Inconsistent Users: If you struggle to stick with skincare because you forget or lose motivation, linking it to existing habits makes it virtually effortless.
How to Build Your Skincare Routine Effectively
To create a routine that actually sticks, follow these expert-backed principles:
Start Simple: Don't try to implement a 10-step routine overnight. Begin with the essentials—cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF—then gradually add targeted treatments as your habits solidify.
Stack With Existing Habits: Link each skincare step to something you already do daily. After you wash your face in the shower, apply your serum on damp skin. After you pour your morning coffee, apply your SPF while it brews.
Use Products That Work for Your Skin Type: Building a routine only works if you're using the right products. Our estheticians recommend tailoring your routine to your specific concerns:
For Acne-Prone Skin: Start with a double cleanse using Micellar Water Pads followed by Expert Cleanser. Apply Mandelic Clearing Serum or Active Serum 3x per week in the evening. Finish with a lightweight moisturizer and always wear SPF during the day. Avoid oil-based products and don't skip chemical exfoliation—it prevents pores from getting backed up with dead skin, bacteria, and oil.
For Dry or Sensitive Skin: Use a gentle lotion-style cleanser like Mild Cleansing Lotion—never foaming cleansers that strip your barrier. Apply Hydra-Cool Serum on damp skin both morning and night to lock in moisture. Follow with Reparative Moisture Emulsion or Omega Rich Moisturizer. The key is applying moisturizer on damp skin to maximize hydration.
For Mature or Aging Skin: Incorporate retinol products like Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser (for under 30) or Vita-Peptide C-Quence Serum (for 35+) into your evening routine. Start with level 1 and work your way up as your skin builds tolerance. Pair with microcurrent treatments and always wear SPF during the day. Retinol boosts cell turnover and addresses fine lines, but it makes your skin more sun-sensitive.
For Hyperpigmentation: Add vitamin C products like Pro-Heal in the morning for brightening and protection. Use gentle chemical exfoliants like Glycolic Acid or Mela-Even Cream to fade dark spots. Layer Concentrated Alpha Hydroxy Toner or the Active Peel System 2x per week. Never skip SPF—sun exposure will darken pigmentation and undo your progress.
Be Consistent, Not Perfect: Results take time. Commit to your routine daily for at least 4-6 weeks before expecting visible changes. Missing a day won't ruin your progress, but consistency is what creates lasting transformation.
Expert Tips for Skincare Success
Don't Over-Exfoliate: Exfoliating more than 1-2x per week can damage your skin barrier, cause irritation, and worsen sensitivity. Even if you have oily skin, avoid stripping your barrier with harsh products—it can trigger more oil production.
Patch Test New Products: Before committing to full application of a new product, test it on a small area to ensure your skin tolerates it well.
Apply Products in the Right Order: Thinnest to thickest consistency. Serums go on damp skin first, then moisturizers, then SPF as your final morning step.
Adjust for Seasons: As weather gets colder, switch to more hydrating cleansers and moisturizers like SPF Omega Moisturizer or Reparative Moisture Emulsion. In warmer months, you can use lighter formulations.
Pair At-Home Care With Professional Treatments: Bi-weekly facials at Glowbar help accelerate results and keep your skin on track. Your esthetician can customize treatments based on your routine and concerns.
TL;DR?
Build your routine by habit stacking—link each skincare step to something you already do daily, like brushing your teeth or making coffee. Start simple with cleanser, serum, and SPF, then add treatments gradually. Apply products on damp skin for maximum absorption and always wear SPF.
Best for: All skin types—customize products to your specific concerns
Our estheticians recommend: Start with a cleanse (Expert Cleanser), add a targeted serum (Mandelic, Active Serum, or Hydra-Cool), and finish with moisturizer and Elta MD SPF. Build consistency before adding advanced treatments.
