How to Build a Simple Skincare Routine (3 Steps, Dermatologist-Backed)
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Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a simple three-step approach: cleanse, moisturize and protect. It also notes that piling on products can be costly and can irritate your skin. Here’s how to build that routine, with affordable picks for each step.
Your routine at a glance
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Gentle cleanser (or just water if your skin is dry) | Gentle cleanser to remove sunscreen and the day |
| 2. Moisturize | Moisturizer, or a moisturizer with SPF | Moisturizer |
| 3. Protect | Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ | Not needed |
| Optional | A treatment such as retinol, a few nights a week |
Step 1: Cleanse
The AAD’s skin care tips say to wash your face when you wake up, before bed and after sweating, using a mild cleanser and your fingertips in gentle circles. Don’t scrub; it irritates skin. Use lukewarm water and pat dry.
Our picks:
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: for normal to dry skin, with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It’s free of added fragrance, non-comedogenic and has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance (CeraVe).
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser: a soap-free, sulfate-free formula for dry, sensitive skin, with no fragrance, botanical extracts or essential oils, and the NEA Seal of Acceptance (Vanicream).
Step 2: Moisturize
Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in water. The AAD suggests looking for “non-comedogenic” on the label if you’re prone to breakouts.
Our picks: see our full guide to the best moisturizers for dry skin. For most people, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a great all-rounder, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream (Fragrance Free) suits anyone who prefers something lighter.
Step 3: Protect with sunscreen
This is the step that matters most for long-term skin health. The AAD recommends sunscreen that is:
- Broad spectrum, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays
- SPF 30 or higher
- Water resistant if you’ll be swimming or sweating
Reapply every two hours outdoors, or after swimming or sweating.
Shortcut: a moisturizer with SPF 30 combines steps 2 and 3 in the morning, which the AAD suggests as a way to save money.
Our pick:
- CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: broad-spectrum SPF 30 with both mineral (zinc oxide) and chemical filters, free of added fragrance and non-comedogenic (CeraVe). It isn’t water resistant, so use a water-resistant sunscreen for workouts or the beach.
Optional step 4: Add one treatment
Once your basic routine feels easy, you can add one targeted product at night, such as retinol for texture or adapalene for acne. Add one new product at a time, so you can tell what’s working and what’s irritating. See our guide to the best drugstore retinol for beginners.
Sample routines
Dry or sensitive skin
- AM: rinse with water or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser → CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
- PM: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser → CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Normal or combination skin
- AM: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser → Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream → broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
- PM: cleanser → Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream → retinol 2 to 3 nights a week (optional)
FAQ
How many skincare products do I really need? Three: a cleanser, a moisturizer and a sunscreen. The AAD notes that using many products can irritate skin.
Should I wash my face in the morning? The AAD suggests washing when you wake up, before bed and after sweating. If your skin is very dry, a splash of water in the morning may be enough.
Do I need sunscreen on cloudy days or indoors near windows? Yes. UV rays pass through clouds and windows, so daily sunscreen is a good habit.
When will I see results? Give any new routine about 4 to 6 weeks before judging it, and introduce one product at a time.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice.
Sources: AAD: Skin care on a budget · AAD: 10 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skin · AAD: How to select a sunscreen · CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser · Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser · CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
