A simple skincare routine for beginners needs just three products: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. In the morning, cleanse, moisturise and apply SPF. At night, cleanse and moisturise. Stick to that for a month before adding anything else. It costs little, takes about five minutes a day and covers what skin genuinely needs.
When I started writing about skincare, I owned more products than I could use before they expired. Most of them did nothing my basic three weren’t already doing. If you are just starting out, this is the routine I wish someone had handed me, plus clear advice on where your money is best spent.
The simple skincare routine for beginners at a glance
Step 1: Choose a gentle cleanser
A cleanser removes sweat, oil, sunscreen and pollution. It should leave your skin feeling clean and comfortable, never tight or squeaky. Here is how to match the texture to your skin.
Use lukewarm water, massage for about 30 seconds and pat dry with a clean towel. Hot water and rough flannels are surprisingly irritating over time.
Step 2: Find a moisturiser you like
Moisturisers keep water in the skin and support the barrier. You don’t need anything fancy. Look for a few reliable ingredients on the label rather than buzzwords on the front.
Oily skin usually prefers gels and light lotions; dry skin prefers creams. If you can’t decide, a light fragrance-free lotion suits most people.
Step 3: Wear sunscreen every day
If you only buy one product, make it sunscreen. Daily broad-spectrum SPF helps protect against sunburn, premature skin ageing and dark marks getting darker. Use SPF 30 or higher, apply around two finger-lengths for your face and neck, and reapply when you are outdoors for long periods. Texture is personal, so try samples if you can. The best sunscreen is the one you will actually wear every day, including on cloudy days.