Back to Basics
How to Build a Skincare Routine
Whether you’re new to skincare or a seasoned pro, a great regimen comes down to four simple steps: Prep, Treat, Hydrate, and Protect. Here's how to build a routine that works for your skin—plus how to layer products and avoid ingredient conflicts.
How Many Products Do I Really Need?
Every skin is different, and so is every routine. If you're just getting started or have sensitive skin, a streamlined approach is best. If you're more advanced, layering multiple treatments can help you target specific concerns more effectively.
At RajaniMD, we keep it simple yet powerful: your regimen should follow three essential steps—Prep, Treat, and Hydrate + Protect. Whether it’s 3 products or 6, the right products, in the right order, make all the difference.
Step 1: Prep
Your First Step to Better Skin
This stage sets the foundation—cleansing away buildup and gently exfoliating to prime your skin for what’s next. Whether you’re starting your day or winding down at night, it all begins with a great cleanse.
Step 2: Treat
Targeted Solutions That Work
This step is all about addressing your unique skin concerns—whether it's fine lines, discoloration, or dehydration. It may include serums, eye treatments, and actives—often more than one, depending on your goals.
To get the most out of your products, as a general rule, layer them by texture: start with the lightest, water-based formulas, then move to the more rich actives, and finish with creams or suspensions. This ensures your skin absorbs each ingredient effectively and in the right order.
LAYERING PRODUCTS: Lightest to heaviest texture.
- Water-based serums
- Oil-based or richer/denser serums
- Creams or suspensions
Tip
If layering similar formats, apply the one that targets your main concern first.
Step 3: Hydrate
Moisturize to support the skin barrier and lock in benefits. At this stage, you’re sealing in the benefits of your actives while reinforcing your skin’s natural defenses.
Choose from Natural Moisturizing Factors + Squalane or + Jojoba Seed Oil + Phospholipids depending on your skin’s needs
Step 4: Protect
Shield your skin from UV damage with daily sunscreen.
UV Filters - Age Defense SPF 45 Serum:
Broad-spectrum, no white cast, with ceramides to reinforce your barrier
extra tips
Ingredient Conflicts & Rotation Tips
Some ingredients play better together than others—and some are best rotated, not layered.
While many RajaniMD formulas are designed to be multi-functional and layering-friendly, here are general guidelines to help you maximize results and minimize irritation:
- Rotate potent actives like retinoids, AHAs/BHAs
- Use Vitamin C in the AM (for antioxidant + UV support), and retinoids or exfoliants in the PM.
- If using products with peptides, growth factors, or barrier repair actives, you may apply them during non-retinoid or non-acid nights to get the most benefit.
- Most RajaniMD products are formulated for layering without inactivation concerns, but your skin barrier still needs breathing room. Rotate based on your skin’s current state—not just the calender.
Routine Frequency & Expectations
Use each product as directed, often twice daily for cleansers and moisturizers.
Be consistent—results need time (typically weeks to months).
No wait timer needed—allow each layer to fully absorb before the next.
FAQs
Let each absorb fully before the next.
Stay consistent—every skin is different.
A blend of oil + water; layer by texture.
Use fewer drops and give each step time to absorb. If it is a cream that is pilling apply that one to dry cleansed skin and assess. This should solve the issue and you can layer from there to experiment what works best.
Now you're ready to build your own custom regimen—or explore our Sets & Collections to get started with ease.