---
name: skincare-guide
description: |
  Skincare routine advisor covering skin type assessment, basic routine building with cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, ingredient guides for actives like retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, product layering order, morning vs evening routines, seasonal adjustments, common concerns, and SPF importance.
  Use when the user asks about skincare guide, or needs help with skincare routine advisor covering skin type assessment, basic routine building with cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, ingredient guides for actives like retinol, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, product layering order, morning vs evening routines, seasonal adjustments, common concerns, and spf importance.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of skincare guide.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "fashion design health-wellness"
  category: "design-creative"
  subcategory: "visual-design"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "beginner"
---

# Skincare Guide
## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about skincare guide
- User needs guidance on skincare guide topics
- User wants a structured approach to skincare guide

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Questions to Ask the User First

1. **What is your skin type?** (Oily / Dry / Combination / Normal / Sensitive / Not sure)
2. **What are your main skin concerns?** (Acne / Aging / Dark spots / Redness / Dullness / Dryness / Sensitivity / None specific)
3. **What is your current routine?** (Nothing / Cleanser only / Basic routine / Multi-step routine)
4. **How old are you?** (Age affects product recommendations)
5. **What is your gender?** (Skin care needs can differ)
6. **What climate do you live in?** (Humid / Dry / Temperate / Extreme)
7. **Do you have any known allergies or sensitivities?** (Fragrance / Specific ingredients / None)
8. **What is your budget?** (Drugstore / Mid-range / Premium / Luxury)
9. **How much time do you want to spend on skincare?** (2 minutes / 5 minutes / 10+ minutes)
10. **Are you currently using any prescription skincare?** (Tretinoin / Antibiotics / Other / None)
---
## Phase 1: Skin Type Assessment

### How to Determine Your Skin Type
```
THE BARE-FACE TEST:
1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
2. Pat dry and do NOT apply any products
3. Wait 30-60 minutes
4. Observe your skin
RESULTS:
OILY:
- Entire face feels slick or shiny
- Visible shine on forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin
- Pores appear larger
- Prone to blackheads and breakouts
- Makeup tends to slide off
DRY:
- Skin feels tight or uncomfortable
- May see flaking or rough patches
- Pores appear small
- Skin may look dull
- Fine lines more visible
- May feel itchy
COMBINATION:
- T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is oily or shiny
- Cheeks are normal or dry
- Different areas have different needs
- Most common skin type
NORMAL:
- Skin feels comfortable
- No excessive oil or dryness
- Generally smooth and even
- Few breakouts
- Lucky you!
SENSITIVE:
- Reacts easily to products (stinging, burning, redness)
- Prone to redness or flushing
- May have rosacea or eczema
- Fragrance and certain actives cause irritation
- Can be sensitive AND oily, dry, or combination
```

### Skin Type Product Matching

| Skin Type | Cleanser | Moisturizer | Sunscreen | Actives to Favor |
|-----------|---------|-------------|-----------|-----------------|
| Oily | Gel or foam | Lightweight gel | Matte or gel | Niacinamide, salicylic acid, retinol |
| Dry | Cream or milk | Rich cream | Moisturizing | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane |
| Combination | Gentle gel | Lotion (lightweight) | Lightweight | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid |
| Normal | Any gentle | Medium-weight | Any preference | Most actives tolerated well |
| Sensitive | Fragrance-free, cream | Soothing, minimal | Mineral (zinc oxide) | Centella asiatica, aloe, ceramides |
---
## Phase 2: Building Your Routine

### The Essential 3-Step Routine (Non-Negotiable)
```
If you do nothing else, do these three steps:

1. CLEANSER (AM and PM)
   - Removes dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, and pollution
   - Prepares skin for other products
   - Use lukewarm water (hot water strips skin)
   - Massage gently for 30-60 seconds
   - Pat dry (don't rub)

2. MOISTURIZER (AM and PM)
   - Hydrates and protects skin barrier
   - Even oily skin needs moisturizer (skip = more oil production)
   - Apply to slightly damp skin for best absorption
   - Wait 1-2 minutes before next step

3. SUNSCREEN (AM only, every day)
   - THE most important anti-aging product
   - Prevents dark spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer
   - SPF 30 minimum, SPF 50 ideal
   - Apply as last step of skincare, before makeup
   - Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors

THAT'S IT. You can stop here and have great skin.
Everything beyond these three steps is optimization.
```

### The Complete Routine (AM and PM)
```
MORNING ROUTINE (Order matters):
1. Cleanser (or just water if dry/sensitive skin)
2. Toner (optional - hydrating or exfoliating)
3. Serum - Vitamin C (antioxidant protection)
4. Eye cream (optional)
5. Moisturizer
6. Sunscreen (SPF 30-50+) -- LAST STEP before makeup
   Wait 2-3 minutes before applying makeup
EVENING ROUTINE (Order matters):
1. First cleanse - Oil cleanser or micellar water (removes makeup/sunscreen)
2. Second cleanse - Water-based cleanser (removes remaining impurities)
3. Exfoliant (2-3x per week, not daily)
   Chemical: AHA (glycolic, lactic) or BHA (salicylic acid)
4. Toner (optional - hydrating)
5. Serum - Treatment serum (retinol, niacinamide, etc.)
6. Eye cream (optional)
7. Moisturizer (can use a richer one than morning)
8. Face oil (optional - last step to seal everything in)

PRODUCT LAYERING RULE:
Thinnest to thickest consistency.
Water-based before oil-based.
Treatments before moisturizers.
```

### Product Layering Order Visual
```
MORNING (lightest to heaviest):
Water/Cleanser → Toner → Essence → Serum → Eye Cream → Moisturizer → Sunscreen

EVENING (lightest to heaviest):
Oil Cleanser → Water Cleanser → Exfoliant → Toner → Serum → Eye Cream → Moisturizer → Face Oil

RULE: If a product is watery, it goes before creamy.
```
---
## Phase 3: Ingredient Guide

### Key Active Ingredients
```
RETINOL / RETINOIDS (Vitamin A):
What it does: Increases cell turnover, boosts collagen, reduces wrinkles,
Who it's for: Anti-aging, acne, uneven skin tone (age 25+)
How to use: PM only, start 2x/week, build to nightly
Start with: 0.025-0.05% retinol; work up to 0.5-1%
Cautions: Start slow (irritation, peeling is common at first)
          Don't combine with: AHA/BHA on same night (irritation)
Forms (weakest to strongest):
  Retinyl palmitate → Retinol → Retinaldehyde → Adapalene → Tretinoin (Rx)
VITAMIN C (L-Ascorbic Acid):
What it does: Antioxidant protection, brightens skin, fades dark spots,
Who it's for: Everyone (especially anti-aging, dullness, dark spots)
How to use: AM (under sunscreen), daily
Concentration: 10-20% L-ascorbic acid is most effective
Cautions: Unstable -- look for dark glass bottles, check for oxidation (turns brown)
Best paired with: Vitamin E and ferulic acid (stabilizes and enhances)
HYALURONIC ACID:
What it does: Hydrates by drawing water to the skin (holds 1000x its weight in water)
Who it's for: ALL skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
How to use: AM and/or PM, apply to DAMP skin
Cautions: In very dry/low humidity climates, can pull water FROM skin
Concentration: 1-2% is effective (more is not better)
NIACINAMIDE (Vitamin B3):
What it does: Reduces pore appearance, regulates oil, fades dark spots,
Who it's for: All skin types, especially oily, acne-prone, sensitive
How to use: AM and/or PM, very well tolerated
Concentration: 2-5% (higher concentrations may irritate)
Cautions: Very few -- one of the most universally tolerated actives
Best paired with: Hyaluronic acid, peptides
Can be used with: Retinol (helpful for reducing irritation)
SALICYLIC ACID (BHA):
What it does: Oil-soluble exfoliant, penetrates into pores, clears blackheads,
Who it's for: Oily and acne-prone skin
How to use: 2-3x per week (daily if tolerated), AM or PM
Concentration: 0.5-2%
Cautions: Can be drying, always moisturize after
GLYCOLIC ACID (AHA):
What it does: Water-soluble exfoliant, removes dead skin cells,
Who it's for: Dull skin, texture issues, fine lines, dark spots
How to use: PM, 2-3x per week, build tolerance
Concentration: 5-10% for home use (20%+ for professional peels)
Cautions: Increases sun sensitivity (always use sunscreen)
CERAMIDES:
What it does: Restores and strengthens skin barrier, retains moisture
Who it's for: Dry, sensitive, compromised skin barrier
How to use: AM and PM in moisturizer
Cautions: None -- beneficial for everyone
SQUALANE:
What it does: Lightweight oil that mimics skin's natural sebum,
Who it's for: All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
How to use: Last step PM (or mixed into moisturizer)
Cautions: None significant
PEPTIDES:
What it does: Signal skin to produce more collagen, reduce wrinkles
Who it's for: Anti-aging (30+)
How to use: AM and/or PM
Cautions: Don't mix directly with strong acids (can deactivate)
```

### Ingredient Compatibility Chart
```
SAFE TO COMBINE:                 | AVOID COMBINING (same routine):
Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid    | Retinol + AHA/BHA
Vitamin C + SPF                  | Vitamin C + AHA/BHA (irritation)
Retinol + Niacinamide            | Retinol + Benzoyl Peroxide
Retinol + Hyaluronic Acid        | AHA + BHA together (too much exfoliation)
Ceramides + Everything           | Multiple exfoliants at once
Peptides + Hyaluronic Acid       |

SOLUTION: Alternate nights
Monday: Retinol night
Tuesday: AHA/BHA night
Wednesday: Retinol night
Thursday: AHA/BHA night
Friday: Retinol night
Saturday: Rest night (hydrating products only)
Sunday: Rest night
```
---
## Phase 4: SPF -- The Most Important Step

### Why Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable
```
THE FACTS:
- Up to 90% of visible skin aging is caused by UV exposure
- UV damage occurs even on cloudy days (up to 80% of UV penetrates clouds)
- UV rays penetrate windows (UVA passes through glass)
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US
- Daily SPF use reduces melanoma risk by 50%
- It's easier (and cheaper) to prevent damage than to fix it
SPF TYPES:
CHEMICAL (Organic):
- Absorbs UV rays and converts to heat
- Ingredients: avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, homosalate
- Pros: Lightweight, invisible, cosmetically elegant
- Cons: Can irritate sensitive skin, some concerns about certain ingredients
- Apply 15-20 minutes before sun exposure
MINERAL (Inorganic):
- Sits on top of skin, reflects/scatters UV rays
- Ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
- Pros: Immediate protection, less irritating, reef-safer
- Cons: Can leave white cast (especially on darker skin tones), can feel heavy
- Modern formulations have reduced these issues significantly
HYBRID:
- Combination of chemical and mineral filters
- Best of both worlds for many people
SPF GUIDE:
SPF 15: Blocks 93% of UVB
SPF 30: Blocks 97% of UVB (minimum recommended)
SPF 50: Blocks 98% of UVB (recommended daily driver)
SPF 100: Blocks 99% of UVB (marginal benefit over SPF 50)
APPLICATION RULES:
- Amount: 1/4 teaspoon for face (about two finger lengths)
- Apply as LAST step of skincare
- Wait 2-3 minutes before makeup
- Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors
- Reapply after swimming, sweating, or toweling off
- Yes, you need sunscreen even if you have dark skin (reduces hyperpigmentation)
- Yes, you need sunscreen in winter
- Yes, you need sunscreen indoors near windows
```
---
## Phase 5: Routines by Concern

### Acne-Prone Skin Routine
```
MORNING:
1. Gentle gel cleanser (salicylic acid 0.5-2% or benzoyl peroxide 2.5%)
2. Niacinamide serum (2-5%) - reduces oil and redness
3. Oil-free/gel moisturizer
4. SPF 30-50 (matte or gel formula)
EVENING:
1. Oil cleanser (yes, even for oily skin - dissolves sebum)
2. Gentle gel cleanser
3. Alternate nights:
   Night A: Benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%) spot treatment OR retinol
   Night B: Salicylic acid (BHA) exfoliant
4. Niacinamide serum
5. Lightweight moisturizer
ACNE DO's:
- Keep it simple (don't throw everything at acne at once)
- Be consistent (give products 6-8 weeks before judging)
- Change pillowcases 2x per week
- Clean phone screen regularly
- Don't pick or pop (leads to scarring and spreading)
- Hydrate (yes, oily acne-prone skin still needs moisture)
ACNE DON'Ts:
- Don't over-wash (2x daily max)
- Don't use harsh scrubs (micro-tears spread bacteria)
- Don't layer multiple acne treatments (over-drying worsens acne)
- Don't skip moisturizer (dehydrated skin produces MORE oil)
- Don't skip SPF (acne treatments increase sun sensitivity)
- Don't expect overnight results
WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST:
- OTC products haven't helped after 8-12 weeks
- Cystic acne (deep, painful, under-skin bumps)
- Acne scarring is developing
- Acne is affecting your mental health
```

### Anti-Aging Routine
```
MORNING:
1. Gentle cleanser
2. Vitamin C serum (10-20%)
3. Hyaluronic acid (on damp skin)
4. Eye cream with peptides
5. Moisturizer with ceramides
6. SPF 50 (broad-spectrum, daily)
EVENING:
1. Oil cleanser (to remove SPF thoroughly)
2. Gentle cleanser
3. Retinol / retinoid (start low, increase gradually)
4. Hyaluronic acid
5. Eye cream
6. Rich moisturizer (cream)
7. Face oil (squalane or rosehip) to seal
AGE-SPECIFIC FOCUS:
20s: Prevention
- Sunscreen daily (the single best anti-aging step)
- Antioxidant serum (vitamin C)
- Basic routine consistency
- Start retinol at 25 (low concentration, 2x/week)
30s: Early Intervention
- Continue everything from 20s
- Increase retinol strength gradually
- Add peptide-based eye cream
- Consider professional treatments (chemical peels)
- Focus on hydration
40s: Active Treatment
- Stronger retinoid (consider prescription tretinoin)
- Vitamin C daily (non-negotiable)
- Rich moisturizers with ceramides
- Consider adding growth factors or peptides
- Professional treatments: microneedling, laser
50s+: Restoration
- Prescription retinoid if tolerated
- Rich, barrier-supporting moisturizers
- Peptides and growth factors
- Less exfoliation (skin thins with age)
- Focus on hydration and barrier health
- Professional guidance for treatment options
```

### Sensitive Skin Routine
```
MORNING:
1. Rinse with lukewarm water (or very gentle cream cleanser)
2. Centella asiatica or aloe serum (soothing)
3. Moisturizer with ceramides (fragrance-free)
4. Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide-based)
EVENING:
1. Gentle cream cleanser (fragrance-free)
2. Optional: Niacinamide serum (2%, start slowly)
3. Moisturizer with ceramides
4. Soothing balm on dry areas if needed
SENSITIVE SKIN RULES:
- Patch test EVERY new product (inside of wrist, 24-48 hours)
- Introduce ONE new product at a time (wait 2 weeks between new additions)
- Avoid: fragrance, essential oils, alcohol denat., harsh sulfates
- Look for: "fragrance-free" (not "unscented" - which can still contain fragrance)
- Fewer products = less risk of reaction
- Keep a skin diary (track products and reactions)
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID WITH SENSITIVE SKIN:
- Fragrance/parfum
- Essential oils (lavender, tea tree in high concentrations)
- Alcohol denat (drying)
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- Retinol (introduce very slowly if desired)
- High-concentration acids
INGREDIENTS SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
- Ceramides
- Centella asiatica (cica)
- Aloe vera
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Squalane
- Niacinamide (low concentration, 2-3%)
- Hyaluronic acid
- Panthenol (vitamin B5)
```
---
## Phase 6: Seasonal Adjustments

### Adapting Your Routine to Seasons
```
SUMMER (Hot/Humid):
- Lighter moisturizer (gel or lotion instead of cream)
- Higher SPF, more frequent reapplication
- Gel cleanser to control oil
- May reduce heavy oils and occlusives
- Vitamin C serum is especially important (UV defense)
- Blotting papers for midday oil control
- Waterproof/water-resistant SPF if sweating
WINTER (Cold/Dry):
- Switch to cream cleanser (less stripping)
- Heavier moisturizer (cream with ceramides)
- Add face oil as final PM step (locks in moisture)
- Reduce exfoliation frequency (skin is already stressed)
- Humidifier in bedroom (counteracts indoor heating)
- SPF still necessary (UV reflects off snow)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Avoid very hot showers (strips natural oils)
SPRING (Transition):
- Gradually lighten products
- Re-introduce exfoliants after winter
- Check SPF supply and update
- Good time to start new actives (retinol, vitamin C)
FALL (Transition):
- Start adding richer products
- Repair summer sun damage (vitamin C, niacinamide)
- Good time to introduce retinol (less sun exposure ahead)
- Hydrating masks weekly
```
---
## Phase 7: Routine Builder Template

### Personalized Routine Planner
```
SKIN PROFILE:
Type: _______________
Concerns: _______________
Age: ___
Climate: _______________
Budget: _______________
MORNING ROUTINE:
Step | Product Type | Specific Product | Purpose | Frequency
-----|-------------|-----------------|---------|----------
  1  | Cleanser    |                 |         | Daily
  2  | Toner       |                 |         | Daily/Optional
  3  | Serum       |                 |         | Daily
  4  | Eye Cream   |                 |         | Daily/Optional
  5  | Moisturizer |                 |         | Daily
  6  | Sunscreen   |                 |         | Daily
EVENING ROUTINE:
Step | Product Type | Specific Product | Purpose | Frequency
-----|-------------|-----------------|---------|----------
  1  | Oil Cleanser |                |         | If wearing makeup/SPF
  2  | Cleanser     |                |         | Daily
  3  | Exfoliant    |                |         | 2-3x/week
  4  | Toner        |                |         | Daily/Optional
  5  | Serum        |                |         | Daily
  6  | Eye Cream    |                |         | Daily/Optional
  7  | Moisturizer  |                |         | Daily
  8  | Face Oil     |                |         | As needed
WEEKLY TREATMENTS:
Treatment | Product | Frequency | Day(s)
----------|---------|-----------|-------
Exfoliant |         |           |
Mask      |         |           |
Spot treatment |    |           |
MONTHLY BUDGET: $___________
```
---
## Output Format

When providing a skincare routine, present it as:
```
SKINCARE ROUTINE
Skin Type: [Type]
Primary Concerns: [List]
Budget Level: [Drugstore / Mid-range / Premium]
Climate: [Type]
MORNING ROUTINE ([X] minutes):
Step | Product Category | Key Ingredient | How to Apply
-----|-----------------|----------------|-------------
  1  |                 |                |
  2  |                 |                |
EVENING ROUTINE ([X] minutes):
Step | Product Category | Key Ingredient | How to Apply
-----|-----------------|----------------|-------------
  1  |                 |                |
  2  |                 |                |
WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun
----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|----
    |     |     |     |     |     |
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Premium
---------|-------------|-----------|--------
         |             |           |
INGREDIENT CHEAT SHEET:
Active | Purpose | When to Use | Frequency
-------|---------|-------------|----------
       |         |             |
RESULTS TIMELINE:
Week 1-2: [What to expect]
Week 4-6: [What to expect]
Week 8-12: [What to expect]
WARNINGS:
- [Specific to recommended products]
- [When to see a dermatologist]
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with skincare guide"

**Output:** A structured skincare guide plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
