A Beginner's Guide to Building A Simple Skincare Routine

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12 products are nice, but not necessary to have good skin. In fact, a simple, consistent routine with the right basics can do more for your skin than an elaborate regimen you can't stick to. Here's how to build one from scratch.

Step 1: Figure Out Your Skin Type

Before buying anything, understand what kind of skin you are working with. The four main types are oily, dry, combination (oily T-zone, dry cheeks), and sensitive. A quick way to test: wash your face, don't apply anything, and check in after 30 minutes. Shiny all over? Oily. Tight and flaky? Dry. A mix? Combination.

The Core Three

•       Cleanser: Wash your face morning and night. Use a gentle, fragrance-free formula. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, it's too harsh.

•       Eye Cream: Most people wait until they see wrinkles to start eye cream — but by then, prevention has passed. Start early, and your future skin will thank you.

•       Moisturizer: Every skin type needs moisture — even oily skin. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas if you're prone to breakouts.

•       SPF: This is non-negotiable. Daily sunscreen is the single most effective anti-aging and skin-protective step you can take. Use at least SPF 30 every morning, even on cloudy days.

Once You've Got the Basics Down

After a few weeks of consistent cleanse, eye cream, moisturize, and SPF, you can add one treatment product if needed. Popular options include niacinamide (for pores and oil control), vitamin C (for brightness), or a gentle retinol (for texture and fine lines). Add one at a time so you know what's working.

The goal isn't a perfect routine — it's a routine you'll actually do every day. Start simple, be consistent, and adjust as you learn what your skin responds to.