There’s no such thing as perfect skin, but the elusive normal skin type comes pretty close. Generally speaking, we define normal skin as skin that’s free from any major concerns (such as excessive oiliness, dryness, or sensitivity). It looks smooth and well-balanced and typically doesn’t require much intervention to look and feel its best. But while normal skin may be relatively low-maintenance, having this skin type doesn’t nullify the importance of a proper skincare routine. Certain steps, like cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing sunscreen, are still essential for keeping your skin looking (and feeling) its best.

Here, we’ll let you in on our best skincare routine for normal skin. The simple, six-step routine is geared toward keeping your skin hydrated and protected from stressors that can contribute to visible skin concerns. Plus, we’ll provide recommendations on the best Kiehl’s products to use in your face care routine. Settle in and read on for your new routine for normal skin.

How Do You Know If You Have Normal Skin?

Let’s take a quick, supremely-relevant detour before we get to the routine we’re here to share. First, we want to review how to identify whether your skin would be classified as “normal.” After all, it’s important to make sure it’s the right routine for you.

Determining your skin type relies on paying attention to both how your skin looks and feels. If your skin doesn’t feel particularly dry or oily, it’s a good indicator that you may have normal skin. For further guidance, turn to our article How To Determine Your Skin Type, which explains two methods for identifying your type. Once you’ve secured that knowledge, you can start following our normal skin routine.

How To Care For Normal Skin

Caring for normal skin is pretty straightforward—it’s all about keeping it looking its best. Ahead, find our ultimate six-step routine for normal skin.

Step 1:

Start With a Gentle Cleanse

Throughout the day, your skin comes into contact with all sorts of things—air pollution, cosmetics, sweat, et cetera. If left on your face, these impurities can clog your pores or contribute to visible skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles. Regular cleansing, therefore, is critical for maintaining your skin’s healthy appearance.

To help keep your skin soft and smooth, we recommend alternating between using Ultra Facial Cleanser and an exfoliating cleanser, like Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser. The mild formula, which contains volcanic pearlstone, provides a thorough clean while helping to exfoliate the skin, leaving it clearer and visibly brighter.

Kiehl’s Tip: While a steaming hot shower may feel great, it can dry out your skin. To avoid stripping it of essential moisture, don’t just turn down the dial when you bathe. You should also use lukewarm (or cool) water anytime you wash your face.

Step 2:

Reach For a Mild Facial Toner

After cleansing, remove lingering impurities with a mild facial toner, like Ultra Facial Toner. This toner with avocado oil and squalane helps remove surface debris without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The ultra-gentle, pH-balanced formula also helps hydrate the skin post-cleanse for a balanced, comfortable feel.

We recommend using a clean cotton round to apply this toner. Simply sweep it over your face, focusing on problem areas, and then wait a few moments to allow the soothing liquid to sink in.

Step 3:

Layer On a Hydrating Serum

Next, add more moisture with a lightweight hydrating serum, such as Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum. Made with 11kDa hyaluronic acid (our smallest form of Hyaluronic Acid, which penetrates eight skin surface layers deep)* and a powerful blend of adaptogenic herbs, this fast-absorbing serum helps promote a glowing, healthy appearance. The potent formula is clinically-demonstrated to double skin’s strength and boost radiance, while continued use helps improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin texture, and other signs of skin aging over time.*

*Based on a clinical study of 25 panelists measuring the penetration of the full formula via tape stripping. *Based on a four-week clinical study of 58 subjects tested in urban and polluted environments. Skin strength index = composite average score of clinically graded parameters after using the products for four weeks vs. one week of use.

Step 4:

Apply Your Eye Cream

The thin, delicate skin around the eyes is one of the first places on your face to show visible signs of aging. To help keep this area looking its best, we recommend incorporating a hydrating eye cream, like our cult-classic Avocado Eye Cream, into your daily face care routine.

This iconic formula, which contains avocado oil, shea butter, and beta carotene, absorbs quickly, providing all-day hydration for smoother-looking skin. It’s clinically-demonstrated to help brighten and de-puff tired-looking eyes in a single application, while continued use helps protect against aging stressors, including blue light.* We recommend using your ring finger to tap the creamy formula in a circle around each eye morning and night. If you’re planning on wearing makeup, allow the concentrated cream to sink in before proceeding with your makeup routine.

*Results based upon expert grading evaluated with product in a four-week clinical test.

If you’d prefer a water-based moisturizer, we recommend Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream. The gel-like formula, which stars concentrated calendula flower extract, offers all-day hydration with a virtually weightless feel. Ideal for all skin types, the ultra-mild moisturizer helps boost radiance within a single week, while continued use over time helps improve skin tone and texture for soft, fresh-looking skin.

Next: Healthy Skin Habits To Start Now