Skincare can feel overwhelming, with endless serums, acids and influencer routines. The truth is that three basic steps do most of the work: cleanse, moisturize and protect. Everything else is optional.
Here’s a simple routine you can start today, with budget-friendly product picks for your skin type.
The basic routine
| Step | Morning | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Gentle cleanser (or just water if your skin is dry) | Gentle cleanser to remove sunscreen, oil and dirt |
| 2. Treat (optional) | Vitamin C serum | Retinol, niacinamide or an exfoliant |
| 3. Moisturize | Light moisturizer | Moisturizer |
| 4. Protect | Sunscreen SPF 30+ | Not needed |
Step 1: Cleanse
Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Harsh, squeaky-clean washes strip your skin and can make it drier or oilier.
- Dry or normal skin: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Oily skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Sensitive skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Acne-prone skin: see our best face washes for acne
Not sure which? Read CeraVe vs Cetaphil.
Shop CeraVe cleansers on Amazon
Step 2: Moisturize
Every skin type needs moisturizer, including oily skin. Pick a texture that matches your skin.
- Oily: CeraVe PM Lotion or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- Dry: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Combination: a light gel-cream
Step 3: Sunscreen (every single morning)
Sunscreen is the most important anti-aging step. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy, and reapply when you’re outdoors.
- Sensitive skin: gentle mineral sunscreens
- Want light coverage: tinted sunscreens
Optional: add one treatment
Once you’ve used the basic routine for a few weeks, you can add one active ingredient for your main concern. Add only one at a time, and give it 4 to 6 weeks before judging.
| Concern | Ingredient | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Dullness, dark spots | Vitamin C | Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic |
| Fine lines, texture | Retinol | CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum |
| Oil, pores, redness | Niacinamide | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% |
| Blackheads | Salicylic acid | Paula’s Choice 2% BHA or The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% |
Common beginner mistakes
- Starting too many products at once, so you can’t tell what’s working or what caused a reaction
- Over-exfoliating with scrubs and acids
- Skipping sunscreen
- Giving up too soon. Most products need 4 to 12 weeks
- Not patch testing new products
FAQ
How long should a skincare routine take?
A basic routine takes about two to three minutes. You don’t need more to see real improvements.
Do I need toner?
No. Most modern toners are optional. If you like one, choose a hydrating, alcohol-free formula.
In what order should I apply products?
Generally from thinnest to thickest: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, then sunscreen in the morning.
The bottom line
Start with a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer for your skin type and daily sunscreen. Stick with it for a month, then add one treatment if you want to target a specific concern. Not sure what your skin type is? Start with our guide on how to find your skin type.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. If you have a persistent skin condition, a reaction that doesn’t settle, or you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a dermatologist or pharmacist before trying new actives.