The Only 3 Skincare Steps You Need And How to Do Them Right

Starting a skincare routine can feel a little confusing, especially if you’re new to it. With so many products and advice out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you be using 10 different serums? What’s a toner, anyway? And do you really need sunscreen every day? I definitely had all these questions myself during my early days in skincare.

Here’s the good news: skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the best routines are often the simplest ones. That’s why we’re focusing on just three essential steps you can do every morning and evening. These steps are easy to follow, work for almost everyone, and won’t take up too much time.

Think of this as your foundation. Once you feel comfortable, you can always add more steps if your skin needs them. But for now, let’s keep it simple, effective, and beginner-friendly. Ready to take the first step? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Morning Skincare Routine For Beginners

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleansing in the morning is like hitting the reset button for your skin. While you sleep, your skin produces oils and sheds dead cells. A gentle cleanse removes this buildup, leaving your face refreshed and ready for the day.

Something to avoid as a skincare newbie is over-cleansing the skin. This is usually done by using cleansers that contain very drying or harsh ingredients that disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance we don’t want that!

So opt for a mild, hydrating cleanser that maintains your skin’s natural balance. Look for products labeled “gentle” or “suitable for sensitive skin.”

Gentle Morning Cleansers

Step 2: Moisturize

Moisturizing in the morning helps keep your skin hydrated and creates a smooth base for sunscreen or makeup. Even if your skin feels oily, it still needs moisture to prevent overcompensation by producing excess oil.

You want to choose a lightweight, non-greasy formula with added benefits that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration without feeling heavy.

Lovely Morning Moisturizers

Step 3: Protect (Sunscreen)

Sunscreen is the most crucial step in your morning routine. The sun’s rays can cause long-term damage, like wrinkles, dark spots, and even skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays penetrate your skin. By applying sunscreen daily, you’re creating a protective shield against these risks.

When sourcing for sunscreen, look for the broad spectrum ones that have UVA and UVB rays coverage. You also want to look for a formula that suits your skin type, whether it’s a lightweight gel for oily skin or a moisturizing lotion for dry skin. Make sure to apply it generously to your face and neck.

Sunscreens you may like

Evening Skincare Routine for Beginners

Step 1: Double Cleansing

Cleansing in the evening is about removing everything your skin has faced during the day: makeup, dirt, oil, and pollution. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, a double cleansing method is highly effective.

Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue. This could be the same cleanser used in your morning routine. Double cleansing ensures your skin is thoroughly clean without being stripped of its natural oils. Use lukewarm water and avoid harsh scrubbing to protect your skin’s barrier.

First-step cleansers I Love

Step 2: Treatment

The evening is the best time to apply targeted treatments if you have specific skin concerns, like acne, fine lines, or dryness. Retinol is a popular option for improving skin texture and reducing fine lines while hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid can help boost moisture levels. other active ingredients you can incorporate in your evening skincare routine are AHAs and BHAs, like glycolic and salicylic acids, respectively.

Apply these treatments after cleansing and before moisturizing. Start slow with active ingredients like retinol, using them every other night to see how your skin reacts and ensure that you apply sunscreen in the morning, as they can leave your skin raw and prone to sun damage.

Nighttime treatments for beginners

Step 3: Moisturize

Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode, so using a richer, more hydrating moisturizer can make a big difference. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, peptides, or hyaluronic acid, which help repair the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture while you sleep.

A good night cream can help you wake up with soft, supple skin that feels refreshed and ready for the day, and that’s exactly what we want😊

Evening moisturizers to try

There are a few things to keep in mind when you are building a new skincare routine, especially as a newbie, and the first is patience. Patience is key when it comes to seeing results with skincare because, let me tell you, it takes time! Stick to your routine for at least a few weeks to see noticeable changes. Think of it as an investment in your skin’s health

Another thing to remember is that everyone’s skin is unique, so pay attention to how yours reacts. If a product feels irritating, causes redness, or doesn’t seem to work after consistent use, it might not be the right fit for you. Don’t be afraid to switch products or simplify your routine.

You may notice that your skin’s needs can change with the seasons, stress levels, or hormonal shifts, and that’s to be expected, so stay flexible and responsive to your skin’s cues and tweak your routine as needed. For example, you might need a richer moisturizer in the winter or a lightweight one in the summer.

Lastly, remember that less is more; using too many products for anyone, especially for beginners, can overwhelm your skin and cause issues. Start with the basics, and only add new products gradually once you know what works for your skin because skin care is a journey. With time, you will find your tried and tested skincare products you can stick to.

I hope this has been helpful, take care, and love ya, XoXo