Skincare can feel overwhelming — so many brands, products, routines, and pieces of advice make it hard to know where to start. At The Skincare School, I focus on keeping things simple and prioritizing healthy, balanced skin. Below, I’ve outlined what I consider the core building blocks of a beginner skincare routine—no frills, just essentials. Everyone has to start somewhere, and if your skin has concerns or damage, the best place to begin is with a fresh, simple routine. Let’s dive into the basics!
Step 1: Cleansing (AM + PM)
Cleansing removes oil, dirt, makeup, sunscreen and other gunk from the day so your skin can breathe. A gentle cleanser is a good place to start. You want clean skin, not tight or stripped skin.
Pro tip: Double cleansing at night (starting with an oil based cleanser, followed by a gentle cleanser) *link to guide to double cleansing here
Product faves:
- PCA Facial Wash
- iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
- Cocokind Cream Face & Body Cleanser
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Step 2: Moisturize (AM + PM)
No matter what skin type you have, your skin needs hydration (even oily skin!) A moisturizer helps strengthen your skin barrier and keep you hydrated and balanced.
Product faves:
- PCA Rebalance – lightweight and repairing
- PCA Clearskin – great acne prone skin
- Cocokind – Watercream
- CeraVe – Facial Moisturizer
- LaRoche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer – bonus SPF included!
Step 3: Protect (AM)
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Sun damage is the #1 cause of aging and skin issues as well as protecting yourself from skin cancer.
Product faves:
- PCA Hydrator Plus SPF 30
- PCA Sheer Tint SPF 45
- Colorscience Sunforgettable SPF 50
- EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50
In our next lesson we will dive into the treatment/correct step. Once your basics feel consistent, you can add a targeted serum or treatment for concerns such as acne, pigmentation, or fine lines. But the basics come first! No product can fix skin that isn’t properly cleansed, hydrated and protected.
A Note on Product Recommendations:
The products I mention here are my personal and professional recommendations, things I’ve used and seen success with. That doesn’t mean other brands or products are “bad.” There are many great options out there, and what works best for your skin may vary. My goal is simply to share what I’ve had the most success with, so you feel confident getting started.
Lesson Takeaway:
Cleanse. Moisturize. Protect. Mastering these three basics sets the foundation for a healthy skin barrier and allows you to add in treatments down the line confidently.
