Creating a skincare routine can be an exciting venture or a scientific experiment gone wrong—and let’s be honest, the “scientific experiment” side can be a bit scary! However, the goal of this article is to ensure your journey is the former. Our skin is truly unique; no two skins are exactly alike, no matter how identical you might think yours is to someone else’s. As such, a product or routine that works wonders for one person might cause irritation or hurt another.

This is why creating a simplified skincare routine is the most effective way to achieve a healthy glow without the stress. Without a clear and intentional plan, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the endless aisles of products. The secret to long-term success isn’t found in a complicated 10-step process; instead, it is about understanding your specific skin type and choosing targeted products that meet your unique needs.

In this guide, we will break down the essential steps of a simplified skincare routine that works. By focusing on the basics and learning to listen to your skin, you can move away from the expensive guesswork and toward a healthy, glowing complexion that lasts. You can read more on the skin here as well as learn what our skin type here. Let’s discuss!

Love the Skin you’re in!

• What’s my skin type?
• Love the Skin you’re in!

What is a Skincare Routine?

A skincare routine is a series of steps and products that one uses in the maintenance of the skin.  However, most times, when one says ‘skin care’, we automatically attribute this to the face of the skin and this is one of those occasions. Why not? It is the first thing we see in the mirror, and one of the first parts of the people sees when they meet you. So, don’t mind those pimples on your back or those crepes on your legs, for now! We will get there shortly. 

Here is a simple routine that can get you started on your skincare journey or simply help you revamp the one you have to reap optimal results. However, keep it simple, even though we are most times led to believe that more is best, but with skincare, that is necessarily not the case.  

Simplicity can be bliss both in life and in how we take care of our skin. A mild cleanser, something to help exfoliate the skin, a toner, which can be optional, you have to decide based on your skin type and a good old moisturizer.  All these can create an environment where your skin can thrive.  Plus, a mineral sunscreen can make a wonderful addition, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

You can watch the video on a Simplified Skincare Routine that works by clicking the link below:

• Video – Let’s Talk Skincare!

Here is Simplified Skincare Routine:

The biggest mistake people make with skincare is starting a routine that is too complex to maintain. When a regimen has too many steps, it becomes a chore rather than a ritual, leading to inconsistency—which is the enemy of progress. To achieve lasting results, you need a simplified skincare routine built on foundational habits. By focusing on the essentials first, you give your skin the space to balance itself without being overwhelmed by too many active ingredients at once.

Follow these key steps to build a routine that is as sustainable as it is effective:

1. Cleansing the Skin

Cleansing the skin is the process of removing dirt, sweat, bacteria and environmental pollutants from the skin.  Proper cleansing of the skin helps to control the production of sebum, which is the natural lubricant of the skin.  The production of too much sebum can cause the pores to clog which can then lead to the development of pimples and other abnormalities of the skin. 

The cleansing of the skin can be easily achieved with just the fingers. However, an exfoliating sponge or a mechanical brush can make a world of a difference.  Be mindful though, that a gentle cleanser is the key as products with harsh ingredients such as lauryl sulfate, ammonium, parabens, alcohols and synthetic colours and fragrances can cause the skin to become dry which can also lead to the over-production of sebum and of course, the dreaded acne.  So, look for products with plant-based ingredients that will not dry out the skin but are effective at cleansing the skin and keeping it balanced.

2. Exfoliating the Skin

While simple cleansing of the skin normally involves the surface layer of the skin, exfoliating goes a little deeper by removing dead skin cells, helping to smooth the skin which prevents the skin from looking dull and lifeless. Exfoliating also helps to prevent the formation of acne as well as minimise pores. It also preps the skin to effectively absorb your other products including your moisturizers or anti-aging treatments. 

Exfoliation also increases blood circulation which gives the skin a healthy glow and thus can be a game-changer in any routine, I know, it was for me.  However, keep it minimal at least 2 to 3 times per week as over-exfoliation as with anything, can affect the skin negatively which includes breakout, dry and patchy skin, some of the very things you were trying to avoid in the first place.  So, monitor your skin and see what works best for you, 2, 3 or 4 times per week and then work it into your routine accordingly.

3. Toning of the skin

To use or not to use, has been the day-old debate about adding a toner to one’s skincare routine.  However, as with all other things, you will have to make that decision based on your skin needs.  A toner is simple a solution developed to further cleanse the skin, help with shrinking the pores as well as restore the PH balance of the skin.  Further, toners can be helpful for persons with oily or acne-prone skin. While most toners are alcohol-based others use more natural ingredients to treat the skin.  

Therefore, if you have dry or sensitive skin, then it would be best to stay away from alcohol-based products as those can aggravate the skin and cause breakouts.  As such, try to stick with those solutions with natural ingredients such as witch hazel, cucumber, aloe vera and even essential oils and herbs.  

In addition, a toner should never be used as your skin’s main cleanser.  Therefore, if upon toning the skin the cotton pad is dirty, well dear, your face is not clean so head back to the bathroom and wash again. 

I know sometimes some of us are led to believe that a toner is a product which helps to clean the skin (completing the process of cleansing), however, if you continue to apply your products on skin that is not properly clean that will ultimately lead to breakout as well as rough, patchy skin.  So, ensure that you are applying a toner to a clean face.

4. Moisturizing the Skin

Moisturizers are products or ingredients that help to keep the skin hydrated and thus healthy.  Due to environmental conditions, the skin is prone to becoming dry and brittle. As such, moisturizing helps to protect it while also helping it to remain supple.  However, it is important that you look for products with natural humectants such as honey, aloe vera, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.  

These ingredients will help the skin become hydrated as well as retain moisture which in turn keeps it looking young and vibrant. Consequently, avoid products which contain heavy oils such as mineral oil or petrolatum as those will not only block the pores but also cause dryness and irritation.  Also, look for products which clearly state that the ingredients are non-comedogenic, as this implies that they will not clog pores which will cause breakouts and other skin issues.

5. Wearing Sunscreen

Sunscreens are products with active ingredients to block or minimize the penetration of Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) on the skin. 

With all the steps above, without sun protection, all your efforts will be in vain. This is because the harmful rays of the sun can lead to skin issues such as discolouration or hyperpigmentation, sunspots and skin cancers among others. 

You can read the detailed article on sunscreen here.

Illustrative Summary

Here is an illustrative summary of a simple SKINCARE ROUTINE!

Let’s Sum Up!

Taking care of the skin doesn’t have to be rocket science or an activity that lasts for hours. Just ensure that the fundamental steps of cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing are part of your routine.  Also, consistency is the key to gaining the best results.  

Further, selecting products with natural and effective ingredients is a critical part of this effort. Products with harsh ingredients such as surfactants and alcohol can lead to dull and acne-prone skin, especially those loaded with synthetic ingredients we find most difficult to pronounce and sometimes even spell.  

Remember, even products with some of the best-touted ingredients may cause issues for your skin. As such, an effective routine will come down to trial and error on your part. Reviews can be great and help to steer you on a particular course, but your skin will decide what it likes and what it really does not care for. Additionally, as the years go by, it will become necessary for you to re-assess your routine and products to truly attend to the needs of the skin.

You can print the Skincare Routine Guide here as well as read about an ingredient that can help to truly moisturize the skin as well as help with the signs of aging.  Additionally, you can read the detailed article on sunscreen below as well. 

• Handy Dandy – Skincare Routine Guide.
• Squalene and the Skin – What it is and Three (3) reasons why it should be a part of your moisturizing and anti-aging routine!
• What are sunscreen benefits and the ingredients to look out for when purchasing!
• Video: Here is a Simplified Skincare Routine that Works

Editor’s Note: Last updated by a Research Consultant and Certified Nutrition Coach on January 14, 2026.