Stick to What Works: 3 Steps for Creating The Ultimate Basic Skincare Routine

In a world inundated with an endless array of skincare products promising miraculous results, telling you that you need a product etc, it’s time to take a step back and reflect if all of that is indeed necessary.

In this post, I want to talk about creating your own basic skincare routine – a concept that seems to have been lost in the sea of retinoids and acids (not that they aren’t good, but sometimes following a simple routine is the better option)

Why, you may ask, should one stick to what works and keep it simple when there are so many tempting options out there? The answer is simple: a simple approach works best.

A basic skincare routine serves as the backbone of any effective skincare regimen, providing essential care for your skin without overwhelming it with a barrage of unnecessary products.

It’s like building a sturdy foundation for a house – you wouldn’t start decorating the rooms without ensuring that the structure is sound first.

So why complicate matters by layering on toners, essences, serums, and creams when all your skin truly needs are the basics? Of course I’m talking about people that don’t have any other underlying issues with their skin, there are many different cases.

My point is, the beauty industry may be constantly evolving with promises of revolutionary breakthroughs in skincare technology, but sometimes going back to basics is all you need.

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The Core Steps of a Basic Skincare Routine

Let’s start with the absolute essentials of a basic skincare routine. First up, we have cleansing.

This step is the FIRST of any skincare routine, as it clears away dirt, grime, and makeup that accumulate on your skin throughout the day. You can choose a simple cleanser, or an oil-cleanser: whatever works best for your skin type.

Next in line is moisturizing – a step that often gets overlooked but is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

Regardless if you’re in your 20s or 50s, moisturizing should be a non-negotiable part of your daily regimen. Even if your skin tends to be oily or acne-prone, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can skip this step, because moisturizing is what will keep your skin healthy.

Proper hydration not only keeps your skin looking plump and youthful but also helps maintain its natural barrier function. Get that moisturizer on morning and night – your future self will thank you for sticking to this timeless rule of skincare.

At last, there is SPF, which I will elaborate further on.

Step 1: Cleansing

As I said before, cleansing is essential. You cannot expect your moisturizers and serums to work their magic if you do not have a clean face. Now, let’s talk about the right way to cleanse.

The key here is gentle cleansing that effectively removes dirt, makeup, and impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight and dry. Opt for a mild cleanser that suits your skin type – dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin – there’s a basic skincare routine for everyone out there.

And remember the golden rule: cleanse twice a day – once in the morning to kickstart your day with fresh skin and once at night to rid yourself of the day’s grime.

In sum, cleansing sets the tone for everything else you apply on your face afterward. So, choose wisely, stick to what works for you (there’s a basic skincare routine for women and men alike).

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For Dry or Sensitive Skin:

For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin:

For Normal or Combination Skin:

Step 2: Moisturizing

Now, let’s talk about the second step in our routine: moisturizing.

Moisturizing is not just a luxury reserved for people who have time for it; no, it is a necessity for every skin type under the sun, everyone.

For those with oily skin, do not jeopardize moisturizing. You can opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that will hydrate without suffocating your pores.

And do not be fooled, if you have a dry skin type, soaking your face in moisturizers will not do what you think it will! Instead, seek out hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to replenish your moisture barrier.

Recommended Products

For Dry or Sensitive Skin:

For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin:

For Normal or Combination Skin:

Step 3: Sun Protection (SPF)

I know a lot of Generation Z girls (just like me) will not skip the step that many seem to neglect or overlook – sun protection, also known as SPF. I get the impression that older generations think the sun is not harmful, just like it was back them.

But, let me set the record straight once and for all: SPF is non-negotiable: it prevents skin cancer and hyper-pigmentation.

No matter your skin type, SPF is a must. It’s a fundamental pillar that should be cemented into your daily regimen without question.

Now, let’s address the misconceptions surrounding SPF in basic skincare routines.

Some may argue that they only need sun protection when basking under the scorching sun at the beach, but that is not true at all.

UV rays are sneakier than you think, penetrating through windows and cloud cover.

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For All Skin Types:

Budget-Friendly Options:

For Hydration and Sun Protection in One:

Optional Add-Ons: When to Expand Your Routine

Just like I said, adding in extra steps and products to your basic skincare routine should come with caution: only when needed, and when recommended by a professional. While it may be tempting to follow the latest TikTok trend or succumb to the marketing tactics of beauty companies, remember that simplicity is often key when it comes to caring for your skin.

One must consider carefully whether each additional step truly serves a purpose and complements your existing routine.

Now, I understand that you think a product you saw on a video will solve everything wrong with your skin, I’ve thought like that as well. However, I was wrong, and I made my skin even worse.

Introducing too many new products at once can overwhelm your skin and lead to unexpected reactions, which was what happened to me (have you heard of purging?)

So, do you need all these new products? I think not. Stick to what works for you and don’t be swayed by the constant influx of product launches and influencers.

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Serums for Targeted Concerns:

Exfoliators:

Masks for Extra Hydration:

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Basic Routine

First and foremost, let us address the worst one: skipping sunscreen. Yes, you heard me right.

As explained before, the sun is not the same sun we had in the 70s (and even then it wasn’t that safe), so SPF is a non-negotiable step, regardless of age or skin type. Neglecting sun protection not only leaves your skin vulnerable to premature aging but also increases your risk of skin cancer.

So please, spare yourself from future regret and put on that SPF every single day. Now, let’s talk about another faux pas that I see far too often – over-exfoliation.

Yes, exfoliating is a needed step in a skincare routine if it is recommended, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

Using harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants too frequently can strip your skin of its natural oils and disrupt its delicate balance.

This is especially true for those with sensitive or dry skin; trust me when I say that less is more when it comes to exfoliation.

Find a gentle exfoliant that works for you and stick to using it 1-2 times a week – your skin will thank you later!

Conclusion: Less Is More

With social media, where trends come and go, it is easy to get caught up on it and think you have to follow them, and that is true for skincare products. That is one of the reasons why I wrote this post: “less is more” stands as a beacon of clarity amidst the chaos, and it has worked for me.

In an industry saturated with noise and confusion, simplicity is a optimal choice.