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September 12, 2026

A Simple 3-Step Skincare Routine for Beginners

You don't need ten steps. Cleanse, hydrate and protect — here's the easy routine (and the products) we recommend to start.

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Skincare can feel overwhelming, but a great routine only needs three steps. Start here, stay consistent for four weeks, then add extras if you want them.

Step 1: Cleanse

Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser morning and night. Your skin should feel comfortable afterward — never tight.

Step 2: Hydrate

A hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin, followed by a moisturizer, keeps your skin barrier happy and makeup sitting smoothly.

Step 3: Protect

Sunscreen is the single best anti-aging product there is. If you wear makeup, a skin tint with SPF covers two steps at once:

Bonus: don't forget your lips

Lips have almost no oil glands, so they dry out first. An overnight lip mask is an easy win:

Find more in our skincare picks.

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