If you’re a beginner to skincare, have sensitive skin, or just prefer minimalism in your routine, then this basic skincare routine is perfect for you! You can follow this all your life and expect your skin to remain healthy and glowy.
I was fifteen the first time I ever built a skincare routine.
It was over the phone with my long-distance bestie guiding me on all the steps, and I was simply amazed at all the knowledge being dished at me.
Over the years, I have modified and played around a lot with skincare. Sometimes for extra glow up, sometimes to deal with issues like acne, and sometimes just for pure fun.
But if someone were to ask me what my favorite skincare routine is, it remains the one I started out with.
Most days when I am not experimenting, I prefer to stick to this minimal routine only, because it is super light and has only the necessary steps that your skin needs.
As fun as it is to follow 6 or 10-step routines, as a sensitive skin girl, I can’t risk sticking with such long routines. My skin would never be okay with that (hello pimples).
And too many products are not good for your skin, trust me. That’s what any good dermatologist would tell you too.
So, this basic skincare routine is perfect for those who have a fragile skin like me and don’t wanna risk breaking out.
It’s also great for skincare beginners! You’re also going to love all the skincare recommendations in here.
Motto for this post — Less is more. Remember that, okie?
Let’s go!
4-Step Healthy Skincare Routine
1. Cleansing
If you skip every other skincare step but still cleanse, I’ll give you a virtual high-five. Because cleansing is that important.
Your skin goes through a lot throughout the day. Dust, sweat, oil, leftover makeup, pollution, and sometimes even invisible stuff you don’t notice.
All that gunk builds up and clogs your pores, which can lead to breakouts, dullness, and uneven texture. Yuck, right?
Cleansing basically acts like a gentle reset. You’re removing the bad stuff and giving your skin a clean, fresh base.
Any product you apply after cleansing actually works better. I could seriously never use a cream on my face unless I’ve cleansed first.
You can think of your skin like a sponge. If it’s already full of junk, it can’t soak up any of the good stuff you put on top. Simple!
Now, it may seem like there is no right way to cleanse your face. It’s just cleansing, right?
But believe it or not, you could be doing it wrong.
Here’s how to cleanse properly:
- Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. If you have dry/sensitive skin (hi, same), go for a cream or gel-based cleanser with calming ingredients like ceramides, centella asiatica, or hyaluronic acid.
- If you have oily/acne-prone skin, a foam or salicylic acid-based cleanser can help manage excess oil without stripping your skin.
- Massage it onto damp skin for around 30–60 seconds. Yes, a whole minute. Let the cleanser do something.
- Rinse with lukewarm (not hot!) water and gently pat dry with a soft towel. No rubbing, okay?
I am loooving using the Simple face wash these days. It’s the product I wish existed back when I got into skincare. It’s super gentle and skin-friendly.
2. Toning
Back when I started skincare, toners used to have a bad rep.
You remember the old ones that smelled like straight-up alcohol and left your face feeling like a dry sponge? Yeah, we don’t do that anymore.
Modern toners are gentle and hydrating.
They help restore your skin’s pH balance after cleansing and prep it for the rest of your routine. It’s like your skin’s first sip of water.
Also, if your cleanser was even slightly stripping, a good toner swoops in like a superhero to fix that dryness.
How to tone like a pro:
- After cleansing, pour a few drops of toner onto your clean hands or a cotton pad. I prefer using my hands. Less waste.
- Pat it gently all over your face. Do not rub or tug. Just pat-pat like you’re giving your face a little love tap.
- Let it absorb for a few seconds. Your skin should feel refreshed and lightly hydrated.
I really like Klairs unscented toner. You can go for anything that suits your skin well.
3. Moisturizing
If cleansing is the reset, and toning is the prep, then moisturizing is the actual hug your skin needs.
Every skin type (yes, even oily) needs a good moisturizer.
Skipping this step is like drinking a ton of water and then sweating it all out without replenishing.
Moisturizers help trap water in the skin, prevent water loss, and keep your skin barrier happy.
And if your barrier is happy, guess what that means? Less breakouts, less redness, and less irritation. You get into your glowy goddess energy.
How to moisturize like a skincare queen
- Take a pea-sized amount and dot it all over your face (forehead, cheeks, chin, nose).
- Gently massage it in upward strokes (gravity already works against us; we don’t need to help it, lol).
- Don’t forget your neck! It’s part of your face family too.
Now, there are mainly three types of moisturizers, and it’s very very important to pick the right one for yourself.
We have gel creams for oily and combination skin, creamy moisturizers for dry or sensitive skin, and barrier-repair balms if your skin is going through it (we’ve all been there).
Moisturizer recommendations:
- CeraVe moisturizing cream
- Neutrogena hydro boost water gel
- Bioderma atoderm crème
- Dr. Jart+ ceramidin cream (on the pricier side, but sooo good for fragile skin)
4. Sunscreen
If I could scream one skincare truth from the rooftops, it would be, “Never skip sunscreen, ladies. NEVER.”
UV damage is real. It causes premature aging, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and even serious conditions like skin cancer.
Even if you’re indoors, those sneaky UV rays can get through windows and mess with your skin. Wild, right?
Using sunscreen daily is literally the best anti-aging, glow-boosting, skin-protecting habit you can have.
No other product will work as well if you’re not protecting your skin from the sun.
How to sunscreen like a boss:
- Apply it every morning as the last step in your routine.
- Use a generous amount (about two fingers’ length).
- Reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re outdoors or near a window.
- Even on cloudy days? Yes. Even inside? Yes.
Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. And if you have sensitive skin, mineral (aka physical) sunscreens are usually gentler.
Product recs:
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ (cult fave, non-greasy, dreamy texture)
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (great under makeup)
You gotta trust me on this. If you start wearing sunscreen consistently now, future you will literally glow with gratitude.
And We’re Done!
So you have cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and sunscreen. Just four simple steps.
And yes, this works for every skin type when you find the right products for you.
You don’t need an entire shelf of products to have good skin. You just need to be consistent with the basics. Honestly, that’s what matters most.
And once you get this routine locked down, you can always build on it slowly. Maybe add in a serum here, or an exfoliator once a week.
But for now? Stick to this fab four. Your skin will feel healthy, protected, and calm.
Read next: The Ultimate Makeup Guide For Beginners
