Get started with the Basic Routine

A straightforward and effective routine to keep your skin clean, healthy, and protected

Who is the Basic Routine for?

The Basic Routine is for anyone looking to get started with a simple yet effective skin care routine. It’s suitable for keeping skin clean, healthy, and protected. The Basic Routine is the foundation of every other routine that targets specific concerns, so it’s good to have this sorted out especially if you want to expand.

The basic routine is for people who do not wear makeup. If you wear makeup, check out the Basic+ Routine.

It’s helpful to know your skin type when starting a routine. Here’s how to determine yours if you’re not sure:

The Basic Routine

Morning Routine

  1. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel

  2. Apply moisturizer

  3. Apply SPF

Evening Routine

  1. Cleanse your face and pat dry with a towel

  2. Apply moisturizer

The Basic Routine Components

  • Moisturizer

    Despite using a gentle cleanser that doesn't cause dryness, it still eliminates some of the natural oils that keep our skin smooth and hydrated. To replenish these oils and incorporate additional beneficial elements, we apply a moisturizer.

    A high-quality moisturizer not only nourishes the skin but also enhances its protective barrier. This is vital for addressing and preventing issues such as dryness, as well as less visible concerns like acne, fine lines, and post-acne marks. If you intend to use potentially irritating actives in the future, it is particularly important to have one or more effective moisturizers on hand.

  • SPF

    Exposure to the sun can have both positive and negative effects on our skin. While some exposure improves health, it can also lead to skin cancer, sunburns, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.

    With numerous sunscreens now available, not all of which are thick, greasy, or white, there are many options to safeguard oneself. In addition, certain actives, such as retinoids, AHAs, and benzoyl peroxide, can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. As a result, if you intend to use these substances in the future, incorporating a high-quality sunscreen into your regimen is crucial.

  • Cleanser

    Our skin accumulates sweat, oil, bacteria, and grime throughout the day, necessitating regular cleaning, as long as it is done with a gentle touch. Cleansing can also help alleviate acne and prepare the skin for any actives or treatments that you may use.

    To eliminate the accumulated debris from the day, it is advisable to use a cleanser at night. In the morning, depending on your skin type, you can opt to use a cleanser or simply rinse with water. An effective cleanser should leave your skin feeling smooth and mildly moisturized rather than dry, tight, or excessively clean.

Shop Our Moisturizer Picks

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion

La Roche-Posay Face Moisturizer

Shop Our SPF Picks

Elta MD Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Supergoop unseen sunscreen

La Roche-Posay spf 100

Shop Our Cleanser Picks

Cetaphil Daily Cleanser

Vanicream Gentle Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Gentle Cleanser