Hey beautiful people,
Welcome back to our glowing corner of the internet!
Lately, I’ve been seeing a huge trend of complicated 10-step routines and layering products, but a simple beginner skincare routine can be much more effective and less confusing for your skin. 10-step routines, one serum after another. It might look aesthetic on social media, but let’s be real: sometimes, it’s just confusing your skin.
Your skin is smart. It breathes. It responds. And when you overwhelm it with too many products, it can easily get irritated, clogged, or just tired. That’s why I believe and always say less is more. And honestly, that should be a global skincare rule.
Most of us don’t rush to a dermatologist when something goes wrong maybe we see a breakout or dullness and immediately turn to DIY remedies, something from the kitchen, or what a friend recommended. Sometimes they help, sometimes they don’t because we’re treating symptoms without understanding the actual cause.
This blog is here to simplify things. To help you understand what your skin really needs and more importantly, what it doesn’t. Today, I’ll walk you through a basic beginner skincare routine simple, universal, and budget-friendly so whether you’re a man or woman, student or professional, you can start taking care of your skin the right way.
Let’s build a routine that makes sense, feels good, and actually works no confusion, no clutter.
So let’s slow down.
🧾 What We’ll Cover in This Blog:
Step What You’ll Learn
1️⃣ Why Less is More in Skincare
2️⃣ The Beginner Trio: Cleanser, Moisturizer, Sunscreen
3️⃣ When to Add Serums or Actives (and When Not To)
4️⃣ Common Mistakes Beginners Make
5️⃣ My Personal Journey & Final Thoughts
Why Less is More in Skincare
When I first started exploring skincare, I was overwhelmed and honestly, a little excited too. There were just so many products! Every shelf had pretty bottles, trendy ingredients, and promises of an instant glow. I was like, “Wow, this serum looks fancy,” or “Ooh, this bottle is so cute, it must work!” 😅
And then there were the Instagram models flawless skin, perfect lighting, and some 10-step routine filled with acids I couldn’t even pronounce. Of course, I thought: “If they’re using it, maybe I should too?” But here’s the truth I learned (the hard way): Just because something looks good or works for someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin.
We’ve all been there. Buying whatever’s trending, layering product after product without really knowing what they do or whether they’re even safe for our skin type. In the end, we’re left with:
- A cluttered shelf
- Confused skin
- And a wallet that’s crying
Let’s not do this to ourselves. We work hard. Our money and our skin deserve better. Instead of falling for marketing hype, let’s invest in what actually matters good ingredients, healthy food, lifestyle habits, and understanding what our skin truly needs.
✨ Skincare isn’t about collecting bottles it’s about building a relationship with your skin. And in that relationship, less is more.
That’s why we don’t overload our routines with dozens of products. We stick to just a few of the ones that actually work, based on real skin types and real needs. That’s where the magic happens.
🪞The Beginner Trio: Cleanser, Moisturizer, Sunscreen
If you’re new to skincare, here’s the truth:
- You don’t need 10 steps.
- You don’t need a drawer full of trendy products or a routine that takes 45 minutes.
What you do need is consistency and just three solid products that actually serve a purpose. I call this The Beginner Trio and it’s all you need to build a strong, no-nonsense foundation for healthy, balanced skin. This routine works whether you’re a complete beginner, someone who’s overwhelmed by options, or just tired of wasting money on hype.
Start here. Keep it simple. Your skin doesn’t want more it wants what’s right.
🧼 1. Cleanser – “Let your skin breathe”
First, a cleanser removes dirt, sweat, oil, pollution, and leftover makeup. It keeps your skin clean and preps it for anything else you apply. Without cleansing, everything else becomes less effective. That said, you don’t need a foamy, fancy face wash that strips your skin dry. You just need something that gently removes grime without harming your natural barrier.
For example, choose a gentle cleanser with no alcohol or fragrance.
- For dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides.
- For oily/acne-prone skin, salicylic acid can help unclog pores.
Here are some product suggestions:
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (dry skin)
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel (oily skin)
- Simple Micellar Gel Wash (affordable + non-irritating)
💧 2. Moisturizer – “Nourish, don’t overload”
Next comes moisturizer and yes, it’s non-negotiable. Even if your skin feels oily, skipping moisturizer can actually make things worse. When your skin lacks hydration, it produces even more oil to make up for it, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. In short, moisturizer hydrates your skin and locks in moisture. It helps repair and protect your skin barrier, keeping your skin soft, balanced, and calm.
Now, choosing the right one depends on your skin type:
- If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a lightweight, gel-based formula.
- If your skin is dry or sensitive, go for a cream-based product that offers deeper nourishment.
- Not sure? Choose one labeled “non-comedogenic” — it means it won’t clog your pores.
Here are some great beginner-friendly options:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors (budget-friendly)
🌞 3. Sunscreen – “Your forever skin insurance”
Finally and most importantly “sunscreen”. You can use the best cleansers and the fanciest serums, but if you’re skipping sunscreen, you’re leaving your skin unprotected.Sunscreen is your daily shield it defends your skin from UV rays that cause dark spots, early aging, uneven tone, and even worsen acne scars. No matter your skin tone or skin type, sunscreen is essential every single morning.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Don’t be fooled by SPF 100 labels — SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum is perfect for daily use.
- Most importantly, pick a texture you’ll actually enjoy using. Whether that’s gel, matte, tinted, or hydrating — use what feels good on your skin so you’ll stick with it.
Top sunscreen picks to try:
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (Korean + lightweight)
- Minimalist SPF 50 (great matte finish)
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (global favorite)
💡 Step 3: When to Add Serums or Actives (and When Not To)
Once your skin is comfortable with the Beginner Trio — cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen — and you’ve been using them consistently for at least 4–6 weeks, you can start thinking about adding a little extra.
But here’s the key:- Don’t rush into serums or actives. Your skin needs stability first.
🧪 So, what are serums and actives?
They’re targeted treatments packed with ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinol, Salicylic Acid, etc.
Each one has a specific purpose and not every skin needs all of them.
💡 How do you know you’re ready?
Ask yourself:
- Am I consistent with my basic routine?
- Is my skin relatively calm — no major irritation or breakouts?
- Do I know what my skin concern is?
If the answer is yes, you can start adding one product at a time.
⚖️ Start Slow, Start Simple
One serum. One purpose. One at a time.
Here are a few common concerns and what can help:
🧴 Mandeep Tip:
One of the biggest mistakes when starting a beginner skincare routine is trying too many products at once. Trust me it burned. Literally and emotionally. 😅 So here’s what I learned: Always patch test first, and never combine harsh actives like Vitamin C + Retinol or Retinol + AHA on the same day — unless you’re a pro or working under a dermatologist’s guidance.
🌿 What to Avoid (For Now):
Especially if you’re a beginner, it’s best to avoid these common traps:
- Trying too many new products at once
- DIY acids from the kitchen (lemon juice = a big NO 🙅♂️)
- Skipping moisturizer while using actives
📌 Bottom Line:
Serums and actives are powerful tools — but they’re not magic shortcuts.
Use them only when your skin is ready, and always let your skin tell you when something’s too much.
🧼 Step 4: Common Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Hey, we’ve all been there. You’re excited, you want results, and Instagram is telling you that 12-step routines are the secret to glowing skin. However, what no one tells you is this: Too much, too fast can backfire. Here are some common skincare mistakes beginners make and what to do instead:
❌ Mistake 1: Using Too Many Products at Once
Why it’s a problem:
Layering 5 serums and 3 moisturizers doesn’t speed up results — it just overloads and confuses your skin.
What to do instead:
Start with a basic routine: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen. Then, once your skin is stable, you can introduce one new product at a time.
❌ Mistake 2: Jumping Into Actives Without Understanding Them
Why it’s a problem:
AHAs, BHAs, Retinoids, Niacinamide — they’re powerful, but when used wrong, they can irritate your skin or trigger purging.
What to do instead:
First, let your skin adjust to the basics. Then, slowly add one active based on your skin concern — and give it time to show results.
❌ Mistake 3: Not Wearing Sunscreen Daily
Why it’s a problem:
Sun damage is sneaky — it speeds up aging, causes pigmentation, and undoes everything your skincare is working for.
What to do instead:
Make sunscreen a habit. Use it every morning — even if it’s cloudy or you’re staying indoors. Your skin will thank you.
❌ Mistake 4: Expecting Overnight Results
Why it’s a problem:
Skincare isn’t instant — it takes time for your skin to repair and rebalance.
What to do instead:
Be patient. Be consistent. Remember, great skin is a marathon, not a sprint.
❌ Mistake 5: Copying Someone Else’s Routine
Why it’s a problem:
What works for someone else — no matter how flawless they look — may not work for you.
What to do instead:
Your skin is unique.
So, listen to your skin, not the influencer with perfect lighting.
💬 Step 5: My Personal Journey & Final Thoughts
Let me be honest: when I first got into skincare, I had no idea where to begin. There were shelves full of products, all claiming to be “the best.” Meanwhile, everyone around me had an opinion — but no one could explain why something worked.
In the beginning, I made a lot of mistakes:
- I bought products without checking ingredients.
- I believed ads instead of learning what my skin actually needed.
- I kept switching routines, hoping for instant results.
Eventually, though, I changed my approach. Not because of influencers — but through trial, research, and staying consistent.
Here’s what worked for me:
✔ I stopped buying products just because they were trending
✔ I chose face washes and moisturizers based on ingredients
✔ I kept my routine simple — cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen
✔ I introduced actives slowly, one at a time
✔ And most importantly, I stayed consistent
The glow didn’t happen overnight. But over time, it came from treating my skin with patience — not pressure.
🌼 Final Words
You don’t need a shelf full of expensive products to have great skin.
You don’t need to copy someone else’s 10-step routine.
Instead, you just need to:
- Understand your skin
- Choose products based on ingredients — not packaging
- Be patient and consistent
This blog isn’t about perfection. It’s about helping you start where you are with confidence, clarity, and care. I’m not a dermatologist. I’m just someone who’s made the mistakes, learned the lessons, and wants to pass them on — one honest step at a time.
💬 Let’s Chat
If anything here helped you — or raised questions — let’s keep the conversation going. Drop a comment, DM me on Instagram, or just say hi. Let’s talk skin — real skin, not perfect skin.
Because in the end, your skincare routine should feel good, not overwhelming.
Let’s chat. 💬
