How To Build A Basic Skincare Routine In Less Than 10 Minutes

Not sure how to build your skincare routine? Looking for a refresher on the basics? 

Whether you’re new to the world of skincare or not, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of conflicting information online. 

In recent years, there has been a gigantic influx of skincare “gurus” all swearing by their own personal routines, and average consumers can often struggle to make sense of it all. 

And forget about building a skincare routine on your own. One trip to the skincare aisle can have your head spinning just by looking at all the cleansers, serums, and toners available. Where do you get started? And which products are best?

We feel your pain, and that’s why we’re here to help! Consider this expert-backed guide your go-to skincare resource.

In truth, a skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. Let’s break down the fundamentals. Consider this your essential guide to beginning a basic skincare routine.

Build An Easy Routine

“In creating your first skincare routine, keep it simple,” recommends Michelle Farber, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia.

For beginners, we strongly recommend building an easy-to-follow regimen—one that doesn’t require you to read a novel every time you get ready in the morning.

Much like a diet, the harder you make it for yourself, the less likely you are to stick to it.

 Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist, agrees—don’t complicate your routine. “The fewer products to apply means fewer products you forget to use. So keeping it simple usually helps people stay on track with regular use of their products… While 12-step routines are popular, they may not work any better than one or two steps.”

So where to start? The basic steps of a skincare routine should always include the following, done in the following order:

Step 1: Cleanse

The first step in a solid skincare routine is to cleanse.


Cleansing removes excess oil, makeup, dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells that build up on your skin over time. After cleansing, your skin will have a clean foundation for you to apply products like moisturizer, makeup, etc.


But how often should you cleanse your skin?


A good rule of thumb is to cleanse both in the morning and evening. Carolyn Stull, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, explains that morning face washing “can help remove excess sebum and dead skin cells, which can clog the pores.”


One exception to the rule of cleansing in the morning is if you have dry or sensitive skin. Using cleansers can overly strip sensitive skin, which is why experts suggest skipping face wash and just using water in the morning.


Cleansing in the evening, however, should never be skipped. “At the end of the day, it’s important to cleanse to remove not only skin-care products and makeup that you applied in the morning, but also excess oil, sweat, dead skin cells, pollutants, and other debris that collect on the skin throughout the day," Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains.

Experts recommend opting for a gentle, hydrating cleanser regardless of your skin type. “Any skin type will tolerate a hydrating cleanser,” Farber explains. Additionally, she says to look for one that is fragrance-free, has minimal ingredients to avoid irritation, and has ceramides and glycerin to restore and maintain the skin barrier. 

Here are a couple of cleanser picks to get you started:

Step 2: Moisturize

The second essential piece of the skincare puzzle is moisturizing.


Our skin is the outermost defensive layer of our body. It’s easy for skin to dry out from the many conditions we subject ourselves to on a daily basis.


According to Healthline, “When the skin doesn’t retain adequate moisture, it can become dry or rough. This occurs because of environmental influences, frequent cleansing or bathing, or medical conditions.”


Moisturizer can form a barrier between your skin and the environment, which can help combat cold air from drying out your skin. 


We all know moisturizing your skin is essential to building a healthy routine. But which moisturizer should you buy?


“I typically recommend an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizer, as this will be well tolerated in [all] skin types, from acne-prone to sensitive.” says Farber.

While every skin type can benefit from moisturizing, you can address your skin’s specific needs by searching for products with ingredients that address your skin’s unique problems.


For example, moisturizers that use hyaluronic acid plump skin and restore lost hydration. Products that include ceramides are crucial for skin barrier strength and overall health (and especially important for those with dry skin and eczema). Products with Vitamin C provide antioxidant protection and overall skin brightening. And so on.


For those with oily skin, we recommend seeking out non-comedogenic moisturizers. The term “non-comedogenic” on a product label means that the ingredients will not block pores and cause further breakouts. 


According to Village Dermatology, “The medical definition of a non-comedogenic ingredient is an ingredient that will not block the pores in the skin. Pores are tiny openings in the skin’s surface through which the skin releases oil and sweat. Clogged pores are a common cause of acne. The buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores in the skin. People with oily skin are more likely to have clogged pores. Using non-comedogenic skincare products can help to prevent clogged pores and reduce or eliminate acne breakouts.”

There are also non-comedogenic oils that hydrate and moisturize your skin without blocking pores. Here are some examples:

  • Sunflower oil

  • Grapeseed oil

  • Hempseed oil

  • Neem oil

  • Sweet almond oil

  • Shea Butter

  • Coconut Oil

If you have acne-prone skin, it’s a good idea to look for these ingredients in your skincare products. Many skincare products are labeled “non-comedogenic” to save you the trouble of checking the ingredients individually.”

Regardless of your skin condition, daily moisturizer use is always important. In fact, washing your skin without moisturizer can trigger an overproduction of oil on your skin.

Here are a few effective moisturizers we recommend based on your skin’s needs: 

Step 3: Protect

Cleansing and moisturizing your skin are great ways to keep it healthy and clean. But if you want to keep it healthy in the long term, protect it with sunscreen.

Experts strongly recommend wearing sunscreen every day - and yes, even on cloudy days.


“Sunscreen is your first line of defense and protection against skin cancer.” “If you were to do nothing else for your skin, sun protection is the most important.” says Dermatologist Michelle Farber.


Products with an SPF of 30 or higher will ensure your skin is fully protected.


According to Arizona Dermatology, sunscreen not only reduces the user’s risk of skin cancer, but also prevents the effects of photoaging, including dark spots and wrinkles.


“When it comes to sunscreen, the most important thing to know is that you need to put it on before you go outside. Period. What’s more, you have to apply face and body sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside, allowing it to absorb into your skin, as Dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman explained.


After applying sunscreen and makeup, the next step to consider is reapplication. Most recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours, but this is only an estimation. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, it may require you to reapply more or less frequently than every two hours on the dot.


Apply your sunscreen generously to get the maximum potential of protection. Acne.com recommends that the average adult needs a little more than a ½ teaspoon (3mL) to cover their face and neck” 


Here are some sunscreens we recommend based on your skin type:

Putting It Altogether

When building and maintaining a skincare routine, it's essential to focus on three key principles:

1. Consistency: Regular application of skincare products is crucial for achieving and maintaining results. Whether it’s cleansing, moisturizing, or applying treatments, sticking to a daily routine ensures that your skin benefits from the products over time.

2. Simplicity: Start with a basic routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Then, gradually add more specific treatments, like serums or exfoliants, based on your skin’s needs. Overcomplicating your routine can lead to irritation or make it harder to maintain.

3. Adaptability: Your skin's needs can change due to factors like age, season, or lifestyle. Be prepared to adjust your routine accordingly. For example, you might need a heavier moisturizer in winter or switch to a lighter formula in summer. Listening to your skin and adapting your products as needed is vital for long-term skin health.

Despite the overwhelming amount of information available online, you can keep your routine very simple and effective with these key principles in mind.

Above all else, listen to your body. If your skin doesn’t respond well to certain products, don’t try to force them into your routine. With the endless amount of products, there’s no reason to use moisturizers and oils that aren’t suited to meet your skin’s needs.

Thanks for reading, happy shopping, and good luck on your skincare journey!