A simple skincare routine is all you need to keep your skin looking on point — six steps, and you’re done!
Who says skincare has to be as complicated as your last relationship status? Here’s the deal: a simple skincare routine suits most peeps and complexions. Forget the10-step routinesthat feel like a part-time job. you’re able to still look flawless without much effort.

Life’s too short, so strip it back to basics — cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, treat, moisturize, and protect. That’s theskincare routinethat can elevate your face game.
So, if you’re ready to give your skin what it craves but don’t have time to spare, continue reading to learn about a basic but brilliant skincare routine.
Step 1: Cleanse
Glowing skinstarts with a clean slate. Just like you wouldn’t apply a fresh coat of paint over a dirty wall — a.k.a. the landlord’s special — don’t slap products on skin that hasn’t been thoroughly cleansed.
There’s a ton of different cleansers out there, so choose one tailored to your skin’s needs, for example:
Step 2: Exfoliate
Now it’s time to bring in the exfoliation squad todeclutter your pores, allowing them to breathe easy, free from dead skin cells and grime.
You have a couple of options when it comes toexfoliation. Physical exfoliation involves using a brush, skin scrubber, or products with small particles, like coffee or sugar, to sweep away dead skin cells, making way for the new. But gently does it — think of it as petting a cat, not scrubbing a pot.
The other option ischemical exfoliants, such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), and fruit enzymes. These guys work by breaking down the glue that holds dead skin cells together. AHAs are good for surface-level exfoliation, while BHAs godeep into the pores, perfect for oily skin.
How often should you exfoliate? It depends on yourskin type. Oily skin can usually handle more, while dry or sensitive skin might only need a once-a-week session. So, listen to your skin and experiment to see what works best for you.
Step 3: Hydrate
Hydration isabsolutelyessential. Here’s what you need to know to keep your skin from feeling like adried-up sponge:
Look for these ingredients in skincare products, like serums, hydrating mists, creams, and lotions.
Step 4: Treat
Pimples? No problem. Use a spot treatment to deliver targeted care and avoid collateral damage.
Themain players:
Step 5: Moisturize
It’s time to seal the deal with a moisturizer and keep all that good moisture locked in and protected from the harsh elements outside. Whether your skin isoily, dry, or somewhere in between, there’s a moisturizer out there that fits just right.
Look for drying ingredients like alcohol in high concentrations. They act like sandpaper, stripping away the moisture you worked so hard to lock in.
Step 6: Protect
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Every. Single. Day. Think of it as the helmet for your bike ride or the life jacket for your swim. It protects against UV rays that can cause aging (UVA) and burning (UVB). Even if you’re inside, those rays can sneak through windows and wreak silent havoc.
Choose a broad-spectrum product to ensure you’re covered for UVA and UVB rays, and it should be SPF 30 or higher. And don’t forget to reapply, especially if you’re outside for extended periods.
Asimpleyet comprehensiveskincare routinedoesn’t need to take up more time than your coffee brewing in the morning.
Cleanse to clear the stage, exfoliate to get rid of deadbeat cells, hydrate to keep things smooth, treat any unwelcome guests, moisturize to lock it down, then protect with SPF and you’re done!