Over the past 8 years, we have had the joy of connecting with so many of you, both online and in-person. It's our passion and joy to chat all things skincare.

One question that consistently comes up is where to start in building an effective skin care routine, especially when starting from scratch (or just beginning to move away from toxic products). We know that it can be overwhelming and confusing to know where to begin. Here at Berlin Skin, we believe that simplicity can also equal results, and that you don't need a 12-step routine in order to have glowing, healthy skin. Here are our top tips for an easy, effective daily skincare ritual and the products you need to get started.

Step 1: A thorough cleansing routine is the first step to getting your skin fresh and prepped for the steps to follow. Using a creamy, gentle cleanser like our Coconut & Aloe Cleanser will gently remove makeup and sunscreen - without stripping your skin barrier of its natural oils. Wash your skin at the sink (hot showers can be very drying to the skin) and use 5-6 pumps of the cleanser. Next, add in just a  little water to get a good lather going, then remove the product with a gentle, hot facial cloth or esthetics sponge. If you want to elevate and maximize your results from your cleansing step, do a double cleanse with a gel-based cleanser like our Neroli Gel Cleanser and follow the same recommendations of very little water and wiping rather than rinsing off.

Step 2: Next up, follow with our Carrot Seed Serum and/or Prickly Pear Face Oil. Depending on what your skin needs that particular day, you can use both or just one of these. Use the serum first, then the oil.

Step 3: Moisturize! We love using the Sandalwood Cream in the morning and the Blue Tansy Cream at night, but you can use just one of these both morning and night. Our Sandalwood Cream is a gel-cream, where our Blue Tansy Cream is a balm-cream. They are both very hydrating without being greasy and pair beautifully over our Prickly Pear Face Oil.

Bonus steps:

- Not necessary for a simple and effective routine, but if you add in occasional masking and toning, your skin will absolutely reap the benefits. We recommend using our Matcha Mask 1-2x per week for light exfoliation and deep moisture. Use a brush like our Masking Brush so that you can get an even layer all over the skin. After about 5 minutes (while the mask is still wet) remove it with a hot facial cloth. Pro tip: pair your masking ritual with a relaxing candle-lit bubble bath for an at-home spa moment. 

- After cleansing, add in 4-5 sprays of our Geranium & Rose Toner to calm, hydrate and balance the skin. You can also use this toner to set your makeup or at random times throughout the day when you need to get your glow back on.

Have additional questions about building your routine? We'd love to help! Send us a note at orders@berlinskin.com. 

Cheers to glowing skin!