Skincare for Beginners: Build Your First Routine
Skincare can feel like learning a new language. Serums, essences, toners, actives — it's a lot. And social media makes it worse by convincing you that you need a 12-step routine with products that cost more than your groceries. You don't. A beginner skincare routine has three steps: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen. That's it. Seriously. Get those three right and you're ahead of most people. Once you've been consistent with the basics for a month or two, then you can think about adding one targeted product for whatever your skin needs — acne, dark spots, fine lines, whatever. Everything on this list is dermatologist-recommended, affordable, and available at any drugstore or on Amazon. No trendy influencer brands. No $90 serums. Just stuff that works and has been working for years.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (19oz) | Moisturizer | Dermatologist recommended | Buy on Amazon |
| CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 16 oz | Cleanser | Ceramide and hyaluronic acid formula cleanses without stripping moisture | Buy on Amazon |
| La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 60 (1.7oz) | Sunscreen | No white cast | Buy on Amazon |
| COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence (3.38oz) | Skincare | Deep hydration and repair | Buy on Amazon |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream (1.7oz) | Moisturizer | Lightweight gel texture | Buy on Amazon |
| Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (4oz) | Skincare | Unclogs pores effectively | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (19oz)
Rich moisturizing cream with 3 essential ceramides for skin barrier repair. MVE Technology provides 24-hour hydration with a single application. Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula suitable for all skin types. Developed with dermatologists. National Eczema Association accepted.
- Dermatologist recommended
- 24-hour hydration
- Fragrance-free
- Great for sensitive skin and eczema
- Thick texture not for everyone
- Jar packaging less hygienic than pump
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 16 oz
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to cleanse skin without disrupting the natural moisture barrier, making it suitable for normal to dry skin types. The fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula is developed with dermatologists and recommended by dermatologists and estheticians widely. MVE Technology provides controlled release of ceramides throughout the day for sustained hydration.
- Ceramide and hyaluronic acid formula cleanses without stripping moisture
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Widely recommended by dermatologists for dry and sensitive skin types
- May not effectively remove heavy waterproof makeup in one pass
- Pump dispenser can be wasteful with larger amounts per press
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 60 (1.7oz)
Lightweight mineral sunscreen with SPF 60 that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Antioxidant-rich Cell-Ox Shield technology defends against free radical damage. Suitable for sensitive skin with no white cast.
- No white cast
- Lightweight texture
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Antioxidant protection
- Small 1.7oz tube for the price
- Can pill under some moisturizers
COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence (3.38oz)
Cult-favorite Korean skincare essence with 96% snail secretion filtrate for deep hydration and skin barrier repair. Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly and layers well under moisturizer. Suitable for all skin types.
- Deep hydration and repair
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cult-favorite K-beauty product
- Texture may feel slimy to some
- Results take consistent use
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream (1.7oz)
Lightweight gel moisturizer with hyaluronic acid for 48-hour hydration. Oil-free and non-comedogenic formula absorbs quickly without greasy residue. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone.
- Lightweight gel texture
- 48-hour hydration
- Non-comedogenic
- Absorbs quickly
- Contains fragrance
- Small 1.7oz jar
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (4oz)
Cult-favorite salicylic acid exfoliant that unclogs pores, smooths wrinkles, and evens skin tone with gentle daily use. Fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types. Dermatologist tested with visible results in as little as one week.
- Unclogs pores effectively
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Fragrance free
- Visible results quickly
- Can cause purging initially
- Requires sunscreen with daily use
Frequently Asked Questions
What skincare products do I actually need?
Three things: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream are the gold standard for beginners — they're affordable, fragrance-free, and work on pretty much every skin type. Add SPF in the morning and you're set.
Do I really need sunscreen every day?
Yes, and this isn't negotiable. UV damage causes the vast majority of premature aging and is the number one skin cancer risk. Even on cloudy days, even in winter. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios goes on smooth without that gross white cast. Make it the last step of your morning routine and don't think about it.
What's the deal with snail mucin?
It sounds weird, but the COSRX Snail Mucin is incredibly popular for a reason. It's a lightweight hydrating essence that calms redness, plumps skin, and helps with texture. It's not essential for a basic routine, but it's the first thing we'd add once you've got the basics down. Your skin just looks... better.
When should I start using anti-aging products?
Your mid-20s is a reasonable time to start, but honestly sunscreen IS an anti-aging product — and the most effective one. If you want to add something targeted, the Paula's Choice BHA exfoliant helps with texture and pores. Retinol is the heavy hitter for anti-aging, but start slow and introduce it later once your basic routine is solid.