This post is all about beginner skin care routine
We’re all tired of acne… you know how it goes. One day your skin looks perfect. Glass skin, clear, glowing. And then out of nowhere, that first pimple shows up. You throw a patch on it or try to ignore it, hoping it’ll go away. But instead, it gets worse, and suddenly you’re dealing with a full breakout like it came out of nowhere.
So then you decide you’re finally going to do something about it. You start watching YouTube videos, and suddenly you have a million people telling you to buy a million different products. Now you feel like you need some $100 skincare bottle with a name you can’t even pronounce… yeah, no. You don’t need to spend a fortune. You just need a simple beginner skincare routine that actually makes sense and is affordable.
That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve spent months researching products, watching videos, reading blogs, and testing everything on myself (with a lot of failures along the way). So I can confidently say this is the best and last beginner skincare routine you could ask for or need.
A lot of the credit for this routine honestly goes to Taeveniti on YouTube. I probably wouldn’t have found most of these products without this guide. If you want to watch the video, I’ve linked it here. But if you just want the routine and product list, you can scroll down and get everything right away 
Table of Contents
Beginner Skincare Routine
Start here: Fix These Things First
Before we get into the products, there are a few lifestyle changes you need to make if you actually want clear skin long term:
- Sleep
- Hydration
- Diet
- Exercise
- Clean Bedsheets
- No dirty Towels!
Sleep (You need to consistently get quality sleep!)
Your skin repairs and heals while you sleep. If you’re not getting enough rest, your body produces more stress hormones, which can increase oil production and inflammation. That’s a perfect setup for breakouts. Good sleep also helps your skin recover faster and look more refreshed overall.
Hydration (This is more important than most people think)
When you’re dehydrated, your skin can actually produce more oil to try to compensate. That extra oil can clog pores and lead to acne. Drinking enough water helps balance your skin, flush out toxins, and keeps your complexion looking clearer and more glowing.
(You should aim to drink around 3 liters of water a day. This is the water bottle I use to stay consistent, so I thought I’d link it here in case it helps you too.) Click Here
Diet (What you eat shows on your skin)
Eating a lot of sugary, salty, and heavily processed foods can increase inflammation in your body, which can make acne worse. This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but being more mindful and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods can make a huge difference over time.
Exercise (Underrated glow up habit)
Working out improves blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin. It also helps reduce stress, and stress is a big acne trigger. Just make sure you wash your face after sweating so bacteria and oil don’t sit on your skin.
Clean Bedsheets (Small change, big results)
Your pillowcase collects oil, sweat, and bacteria every night. If you don’t change it often, you’re basically putting that back onto your skin over and over. Switching pillowcases a few times a week can seriously help reduce breakouts.
No Dirty Towels (This one is huge)
Avoid using regular towels on your face. They can hold bacteria and irritate your skin, even if they feel soft. Instead, let your face air dry or use clean disposable paper towels. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference.
Alright, now that we have those habits in place, here are the products I personally use every day and why they’ve worked so well for me.
The 7 Products I use Everyday
Step #1: Cleansers (Yes, you need two cleansers)
morning
night
This is important. You need two cleansers: one for the morning and one for the night. There’s a big misconception that cleansers have to be expensive to work, and that’s just not true. I use two affordable cleansers that do the exact same job as the $30 ones. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get clear skin, you just need products that are simple and effective.
Gel Cleanser (Morning)
In the morning, you only need something gentle. You’re not trying to strip your skin, just wash off oil, sweat, and anything from your pillow or bedsheets. Honestly, if your skin is very sensitive, you can even just use water. But if you want a simple, affordable option, I highly recommend the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. It’s cheap, gentle, and gets the job done without irritating your skin.
Balm Cleanser (Night)
Next is a balm cleanser, which you’ll use every night. This step is for removing sunscreen, oil, makeup, and all the products you used during the day. It helps break everything down so your skin is actually clean and your pores don’t get clogged.
Honestly, it doesn’t need to be expensive. Most balm cleansers work very similarly, so just choose an affordable one that fits your budget. The important part is staying consistent and making this part of your nightly routine.
Step #2. Milk Toner
Milk Toner (Hydration + Barrier Support)
Next is the LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, and honestly this product will change your whole life and I’m not exaggerating. It’s a little more expensive, but it lasts a long time, so it’s actually worth it.
The reason this milk toner is so important is because it deeply hydrates your skin and helps support your skin barrier. When your skin is hydrated and balanced, it produces less oil and is less likely to break out. It also makes your skin look healthier, smoother, and more “alive” instead of dull and tired.
One thing that made me way more consistent is putting it in a small spray bottle. I just mist it onto my face instead of using cotton pads, which saves product and makes the routine feel easier and more aesthetic. It’s honestly one of my favorite little glow up habits.
Step #3 Retinol (tretinoin if you can)
Make sure you’re careful when you first start using this product. Begin with a tiny, teardrop-sized amount and only use it every other day, or even just once a week if you’re completely new.
Most retinol products online are honestly overpriced. At the end of the day, they all do a very similar job, so you don’t need to spend a fortune. I personally use the The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane because it’s affordable, simple, and works really well. It’s a great beginner-friendly option if you want results without paying luxury prices.
Step #4. Chemical Exfoliant
You’ll use a chemical exfoliant on the nights you’re not using retinol. Make sure it’s an AHA or BHA exfoliant, and don’t stress about the price. It doesn’t need to be expensive to work. There are plenty of affordable options that do the same thing as the luxury ones. The key is just being consistent and not overdoing it.
I personally recommend using the The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (our go-to, lol). But this is one of the more flexible steps in your routine. If you struggle more with blackheads or clogged pores, you may want something with a higher percentage of BHA instead. Everyone’s skin is different, so do a little research and choose what fits your skin type best.
AHA vs BHA (Quick Guide)
• AHA → Best for dry, dull, or textured skin. Helps with glow, smoothness, and surface-level exfoliation.
• BHA → Best for oily, acne-prone skin. Goes deeper into pores to clear blackheads and prevent breakouts.
Step #5 Moisturizer
YOU DO NOT NEED AN EXPENIVE MOISTERIZER
The purpose of a moisturizer isn’t actually to add moisture to your face. It’s to lock in the moisture that’s already there and protect your skin barrier. That’s it. It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. You just need something simple that keeps your skin hydrated and prevents water loss throughout the day.
I personally use the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion. It lasts forever, so you don’t have to worry about running out all the time, and it’s really good for strengthening your skin barrier and keeping your skin calm and hydrated.
Step #6. Sunscreen!
Sunscreen is probably the most important step in this whole routine. It protects your skin from so much damage, like premature aging, dark spots, and irritation. It also helps prevent your acne marks from getting darker and lasting longer.
And honestly, we all forget sometimes. Even I skip it on some days. But the more consistent you are with sunscreen, the better your skin will look over time. It’s one of those small habits that makes a huge difference.
I use this exact Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+. It’s a little pricey upfront since it usually comes in a pack of three, but it lasts a really long time, so it’s honestly worth it. It’s lightweight, doesn’t feel greasy, and doesn’t leave a white cast, which makes it way easier to stay consistent and actually wear sunscreen every day.
A Simple Weekly Schedule For Beginners (Screenshot This)
