How to Build a Simple Skincare Routine for Beginners
Starting a skincare routine can get complicated surprisingly quickly. Cleanser, toner, essence, serum, ampoule, moisturiser, sunscreen—and suddenly your bathroom shelf has become a small skincare department.
The good news? You don't need all of it.
If you're new to skincare, start with the basics and build from there. A simple skincare routine makes it easier to understand what your skin actually likes, what it doesn't, and whether you really need that extra serum everyone is talking about.
Step 1: Cleanse
A good cleanser removes excess oil, sunscreen, makeup and the general build-up of the day without leaving your skin feeling uncomfortable or stripped.
For many people, a gentle cleanse is enough in the morning. At night, you may prefer to double cleanse, particularly if you've been wearing makeup or water-resistant sunscreen.
Double cleansing usually means starting with an oil cleanser or cleansing balm to help remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser.
The important part isn't how many times you cleanse. It's finding a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling clean and comfortable.
Step 2: Moisturise
Whatever your skin type, hydration and moisturising still matter.
A moisturiser helps reduce water loss and supports the skin barrier. And yes, oily skin can still need moisturiser. The trick is finding a texture and formula that works for your skin.
If you prefer something lightweight, look for gel creams or lighter lotions. Dry skin may feel more comfortable with a richer cream.
You can also add a hydrating toner or essence between cleansing and moisturising if your skin needs a little more hydration—but you don't need one simply because a skincare routine told you that you do.
Step 3: Sunscreen
For your morning routine, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Sunscreen helps protect your skin from UV radiation and the skin damage it can cause. It's also an especially important part of your routine when using certain active skincare ingredients.
In Australia, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF and follow the directions on the product for application and reapplication.
And perhaps most importantly, choose one you actually like wearing. The sunscreen sitting untouched in the bathroom cupboard isn't doing much for anybody.
What About Toners, Essences and Serums?
They're optional.
Once you've found a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen that work for you, you can start adding products based on what your skin actually needs.
That might mean a hydrating toner or essence for extra moisture, niacinamide for concerns such as uneven-looking skin or excess oil, vitamin C for brightness and uneven tone, or retinol for concerns such as uneven texture and the appearance of fine lines.
These aren't products you need simply because they're popular. Choose ingredients based on what you're actually trying to address.
Introduce new products gradually rather than adding several things at once. If your skin doesn't agree with something, you'll have a much better idea of what caused it.
A longer routine isn't automatically a better routine.
A Simple Morning and Evening Skincare Routine
If you're wondering what order to use your skincare products, your basic routine can be as straightforward as this:
Morning:
Cleanser → Moisturiser → Sunscreen
Evening:
Cleanser → Moisturiser
If you wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, you may want to double cleanse in the evening.
Once you've got the basics sorted, you can decide whether toners, essences, serums, exfoliants or other treatments have a useful place in your routine.
Start With What Your Skin Needs
Skincare doesn't need to begin with ten products.
Start simple. Give your skin time to adjust. Add products when there's a reason to add them rather than because you've been told every step is essential.
Your skincare routine can always grow later.
Your bathroom shelf probably will too.
Stash what your skin needs. ❤️