You don’t need a 10-step routine. Most skin does well with three basic steps done consistently.
The gist
- A basic routine has three steps: cleanse, moisturize and, during the day, protect with sunscreen.
- Gentle, fragrance-free products are a good starting point, especially for sensitive skin.
- The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Add new products one at a time so you can tell what’s working and what isn’t.
Skincare shelves and social media can make it seem as if you need a cabinet full of products. For most people, a few basics used every day do most of the work.
The three core steps
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanse | Gentle cleanser, or a rinse with water | Gentle cleanser to remove sunscreen, makeup and dirt |
| Moisturize | Light moisturizer | Moisturizer, or a richer cream if your skin is dry |
| Protect | Broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher | Not needed |
Cleanse gently
Use lukewarm water and a mild, non-abrasive cleanser, and apply it with your fingertips rather than a washcloth or scrub. Rinse, then pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Harsh scrubbing can irritate skin and make some problems, such as acne, worse.
Moisturize
Moisturizer helps your skin hold on to water. Applying it within a few minutes of washing, while your skin is still slightly damp, helps lock in moisture. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for products labeled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.”
Protect every day
Daily sunscreen helps protect against sunburn and skin cancer and helps prevent early signs of skin aging. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant and SPF 30 or higher. Our sunscreen guide explains how much to use and when to reapply.
Beauty tip
Keep it short at first. Once you’ve used the three basics consistently for a few weeks, add one extra product at a time, such as a serum, and see how your skin responds.
Choosing products for your skin
Your skin type, whether dry, oily, combination, normal or sensitive, affects which textures feel comfortable. Our guide to finding your skin type walks through a simple way to tell. If a product stings or burns, stop using it.
Worth remembering
New products can occasionally cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Testing a product on a small patch of skin first is an easy way to check. See a board-certified dermatologist about persistent rashes, acne or skin changes that worry you.
Consistency beats complexity
The best routine is one you’ll actually follow. A simple routine done every day will do more for your skin than an elaborate one you only manage on weekends.
You asked
Do I need to wash my face twice a day?
Dermatologists generally suggest washing in the morning, in the evening and after sweating. If your skin feels dry or tight, switch to a gentler cleanser.
Is an expensive moisturizer better?
Not necessarily. Price doesn’t tell you how well a product suits your skin. Look at the ingredients and how your skin responds.
When will I see results?
Give a new routine several weeks before judging it. Skin changes gradually, and switching products often makes it hard to tell what’s helping.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For skin, hair or nail problems that worry you, or before starting a new treatment if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition, talk to a board-certified dermatologist or your doctor.
