Find the step by step routine for your skin concern

Our editors hand-picked products for each step—cleanse, prepare, treat, seal, and protect—so you can build a routine that simply works just for you. Start at Step 1, choose one option per step, and add everything in one click.

1. MD Picks: Porcelaine Routine

Build your routine step by step—editor curated, clinically informed, and surprisingly simple.

Our editors spend hundreds of hours testing formulas across skin types and climates so you don’t have to. The Porcelaine Routine organizes skincare into clear steps—Cleanse → Prep → Treat → Moisturize → Protect—and lets you choose one option per step. Prefer a minimalist approach? Pick the essentials. Want a full ritual? Add boosters and finish with SPF. When you’re ready, add everything to cart in one click.

2. Why this routine exists

Most people don’t need a 10-step puzzle. You need the right steps, in the right order, with textures you’ll actually enjoy using. Our approach is simple:

Clarity: One decision per step.

Quality: Only formulas we’d use on our own skin.

Compatibility: Layering that works without guesswork.

Consistency: Products you’ll stick with because they feel good and deliver.

3. How it works

1) Start at Step 1 and move down.

2) Pick one product per step (swap as needed).

3) Read our MD Notes below each step to get the most from your choice.

4) Add All to Cart when you’re done. You’ll have a complete routine in seconds.

Tip: If you’re introducing actives (vitamin C, acids, retinoids), start 2–3 nights/week, then increase as tolerated.

4. The five core steps

Step 1 — Cleanse

Remove impurities, sunscreen, and makeup without stripping.
What to look for: Low-pH gel cleansers for balanced/oily skin; cream or balm textures for dry/sensitive skin.
MD Note: If your skin feels tight after cleansing, switch to a gentler formula or reduce water temperature.

Works well with: lukewarm water; 30–60 seconds massage; soft towel press.

Step 2 — Tone / Prep

Rebalance pH, add lightweight hydration, and prepare skin for treatments.
What to look for: Humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), soothing agents (panthenol, allantoin), fragrance-free if reactive.
MD Note: Avoid alcohol-heavy toners if you flush easily; layer 2–3 passes for extra hydration.

Works well with: cotton pads or palms; gentle press, no rubbing.

Step 3 — Treat (Serum / Ampoule)

Target your main concern—dullness, discoloration, fine lines, or breakouts.
What to look for:

-Vitamin C (AM) for brightness and antioxidant protection.

-Niacinamide (AM/PM) for tone, oil balance, and barrier support.

-AHAs/BHAs (PM) to refine texture; start slowly.

-Retinoids (PM) for lines and clarity; buffer with moisturizer if sensitive.
MD Note: Introduce one active at a time. If irritation occurs, scale back frequency rather than over-moisturizing to “push through.”

Works well with: pea-sized amounts; thin → thick layering order.

Step 4 — Moisturize

Seal in hydration and support the barrier.
What to look for:

-Gel creams if you like a weightless finish.

-Creams/balms with ceramides and fatty acids for long-lasting comfort.
MD Note: Press, don’t rub. If you’re oily, you still need a lightweight moisturizer—skipping often increases oiliness by midday.

Works well with: damp skin; sandwich technique over strong actives.

Step 5 — Protect (SPF, AM)

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen completes the routine.
What to look for: SPF 30+ you’ll reapply. Texture > everything.
MD Note: Reapply every 2–3 hours with exposure. If makeup is on, use a cushion or stick for top-ups.

Works well with: two-finger rule for face; extend to ears, neck, and back of hands.

5. Optional boosters (use 2–3x weekly)

Exfoliating treatment (PM): Smooths texture and brightens. Avoid the night before a big event if you’re new to acids.

Hydration mask: Quick reset after flights or long days.

Eye treatment: For targeted depuffing or fine lines—tap, don’t drag.

6. What makes an “MD Pick”

Ingredient integrity: Effective levels of actives, clean INCI logic, and proper preservation.

Texture and wear: If it pills, smells off, or leaves a heavy film, it’s out.

Real-world testing: Different skin types, climates, and routines.

Value: We choose the product that performs best for the price—not just the newest.

7. Layering guide (at a glance)

1. Cleanse

2. Tone / Prep

3. Treat: antioxidants (AM) → acids (PM, not daily) → retinoids (PM, alternate nights)

4. Moisturize

5. SPF (AM)

Do not layer strong acids and retinoids in the same routine until you know your skin tolerates it.

8. Starter sets 

Balanced / Normal: Gel Cleanser → Hydrating Toner → Vitamin C (AM) / Retinoid (PM) → Lightweight Cream → SPF

Dry / Dehydrated: Cream Cleanser → Essence-like Toner → Hydrating Serum → Ceramide Cream → SPF

Oily / Congested: Gel Cleanser → Balancing Toner → Niacinamide or BHA → Oil-free Gel Cream → SPF

Reactive / Sensitive: Milk Cleanser → Soothing Toner → Barrier Serum → Cushioning Cream → Mineral SPF

9. Troubleshooting & tips

Pilling? Slow down and let each layer set for ~60 seconds; use less product; avoid silicone-heavy stacks.

Shine by noon? You may be under-cleansing or skipping moisturizer—counterintuitive, but oil rebounds when the barrier’s dry.

Stinging? Patch test new actives; buffer with moisturizer; reduce frequency to every third night.

Blackheads lingering? Try gentle BHA 2–3x/week at night and keep moisturizers non-comedogenic.

10. Results you can expect

Week 1–2: Smoother feel, better hydration, makeup sits better.

Week 3–4: More consistent tone and fewer midday dryness or shine swings.

Week 6–8: Visible improvement in clarity and fine lines with consistent active use.

Skincare isn’t magic. It’s consistency + tolerability + time. This routine is designed to make that easy.

Our philosophy

We partner with labs and brands we trust. Every formula we recommend earns its place through measurable performance, tolerability across skin types, and textures you’ll actually look forward to using. If something better comes along, we switch—because your routine should serve you, not our shelves.

FAQs

How many products do I really need?
Start with three: Cleanser, Moisturizer, SPF. Add a single targeted treatment if you have a specific concern.

Morning vs. night—what changes?
SPF is daytime only. Strong actives (acids, retinoids) are typically night. Hydration is always welcome.

Can I use vitamin C and niacinamide together?
Yes. They layer well for most people. Apply vitamin C first if concentrations are similar.

Sensitive skin—where should I start?
Choose fragrance-free options, skip daily acids at first, and patch test behind the ear for 24 hours.

When will I see results?
Hydration and glow: days. Texture and tone: weeks. Lines and firmness: several weeks to months.

Ready to build yours?

Choose one product from each step below, or hit Add All to Cart to check out in seconds. If you’re not sure where to start, message us—our editors can match textures and actives to your skin goals.

Cleanse → Prep → Treat → Moisturize → Protect

Compliance & care

Always follow the product’s instructions.

If you’re pregnant, nursing, or on prescription topicals, consult your provider before starting new actives.

Discontinue use if irritation persists.