Many skincare aficionados are doing a 180 with their skincare routine. While the ten (or more!) step regimen has been popular over the last few years, it isn’t exactly the most sustainable routine to follow in the long-term. We all have busy lives, and many have realized that simple may be best when it comes to caring for your skin. 

The good news is that you can still unlock incredible visible results – even with a simplified routine. The key is being consistent and using high-quality products made with proven ingredients that will address your skin’s unique needs. Here’s our step-by-step guide to an effective yet straightforward skincare routine. 

Step 1: Cleanser

Start your regimen by cleansing your face with a face wash that is suitable for your skin type. This will clear away any residue on your skin, preparing it for the next steps in your routine. Oilier skin types may want to use a gentle foaming wash that will fully wash away excess oil, whereas those with drier skin should reach for a mild hydrating cream cleanser. 

While you can wash your face both morning and night, some choose to only wash their face in the evening. Those with oily skin typically find that it’s best to wash their skin twice a day. On the other hand, those with dry and sensitive skin often prefer just sticking to a nighttime cleanse to minimize the risk of drying out or aggravating their skin with their face wash. Of course, if you work out in the morning, you’ll still want to cleanse to wash away any sweat. 

Step 2: Toner

While a toner isn’t an absolute must-have, it can be a nice addition to your routine. While traditional toners used to strip the skin of its natural moisture, today’s formulas are designed to hydrate, nourish, and soothe the skin, leaving it looking and feeling calm and fresh. A toner will also help clear away any residue left behind on your skin after cleansing. It’s a great step to work into your simplified routine to add an extra glow to your complexion. 

Step 3: Morning Serum

After cleansing and toning, you can go in with a serum to treat your complexion. Choosing the right morning serum will depend on your skin goals. Let’s talk about some of the best, most effective options. 

Everyone can benefit from using a vitamin C serum, such as our  Vitamin C Boost Serum. This high-performance formula combines vitamin C with other antioxidants, and works to brighten the complexion and fight signs of aging while defending the skin against damaging free radicals. 

If you are battling dehydration, we also highly recommend adding a hydrating serum to your morning routine. Our super gentle and lightweight  Hyaluronic Pure Boost Serum douses the skin with hydration, leaving it looking and feeling soft and smooth. 

There’s also our  CoQ10 Boost Serum. The antioxidant-powered formula works to restore elasticity while soothing the skin for a calm, youthful complexion. 

Note that these serums can be safely layered, so you can choose more than one serum if it works best for your skin’s needs. 

Step 3: Night Serum

To simplify matters even further, you may decide to use your morning serum(s) again in the evening. If you choose to do this, just be sure the product you are using is safe to use twice daily. While theSmall Batch Serums products mentioned above can be safely used both morning and night, other formulas may have high concentrations of active ingredients that can aggravate the skin when used more than once per day. 

Alternatively, you may choose to use one of the serums mentioned above in your morning routine, and then another in the evening. This is great for addressing multiple skin issues while still keeping your morning and night routines super simple with just one serum. 

Step 4: Moisturizer

Once you’ve applied your serum(s), you’ll want to layer on your moisturizer. Moisturizers are essential for all skin types, as they restore the skin’s moisture levels while supporting the barrier to ensure your skin stays healthy and comfortable. Those with skin that tends to get more oily can look for a lightweight gel-based moisturizer that softens and smooths without feeling greasy on the skin. If you have drier skin, look for a cream-based formula that will give your skin the extra moisture that it needs. 

Step 5: SPF

As the last step in your morning routine, apply sunscreen to your face, neck, and chest. Sunscreen will keep your skin protected against the sun’s damaging rays, which can cause premature signs of aging in the skin. At minimum, reach for a formula that is SPF 30. Remember to reapply throughout the day to keep your skin properly protected, especially if you’ll be spending lots of time outside!