Finding the right skincare routine for you skin type and concerns can feel daunting. There’s a ton of advice and recommendations online but information overload often makes decisions more difficult. If you’re struggling to find a good routine, I’ve created a guideline to help you find the products that everyone needs and a selection of affordable, effective products in that category. Read on to start building your perfect and budget friendly routine.

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleansing your face daily is a must. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin or something in between, removing dirt, makeup, oil and dead skin allows for other skincare products to apply and absorb better. If you wear makeup, you’ll also want to incorporate makeup removers in addition to a cleanser.

Neutrogena Fragrance Free Ultra Gentle Foaming Daily Cleanser

For those with sensitive skin, Neutrogena’s Ultra Gentle cleanser is perfect. And it works well for other skin types as well. If you’re unsure of your skin type, this cleanser is a safe choice.

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

If your skin is acne prone, PanOxyl’s Acne foaming wash contains 10% benzoyl peroxide -the highest over the counter benzoyl peroxide face wash available. It kills acne causing bacteria to prevent breakouts and also helps eliminate existing acne.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Struggling with dry skin? CeraVe is dermatologist developed skincare that doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s hydrating cleansing contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin for ample hydration. The wash is non-foaming and certified by the National Eczema Association.

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Double cleansing is a must if you wear makeup. Before cleansing, use a cleansing balm to remove makeup. E.l.f.’s makeups melting balm removes all makeup, including waterproof mascara, without irritating or stripping skin of natural oils. It’s suitable for all skin types.

Step 2: Treat

A targeting treatment for your skin concerns should follow cleansing. Whether you’re looking to even texture, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, or brighten dark spots, there’s a product with the right ingredients. To keep it simple, pick your biggest skincare concern and choose a treatment to target that particular issue.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

Dull and textured skin is a common concern, particularly as we age. The Ordinary’s glycolic acid toner brightens and smooths skin by exfoliating. Use at night after cleansing.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Multi-Depth Hydration Serum

A hydrating serum can help skin look and feel smoother, reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent flakiness. The Ordinary Hyaluronic acid serum contains ceramides which lock in moisture, vitamin B5 to enhance moisture retention, and 5 types of hyaluronic acid to plump and smooth.

Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Another great hydrating serum comes from CeraVe. It’s formulated with three essential ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. CeraVe’s patented MVE ingredient delivery technology allows for continuous release of moisture throughout the day. Apply the serum to damp skin after cleansing.

Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

Struggling with acne? Don’t avoid serums because you think they’re just for age-related skin concerns. Niacinamide, also known as B3, can help those struggling with acne, enlarged pores and dullness. Good Molecules’ 10% Niacinamide Serum is a multitasker that brightens, evens texture, hydrates, and tightens pores. It’s suitable for all skin types, and should be used morning and night after cleansing.

Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Face Serum

Those with sensitive skin don’t have to fear treatment serums. Aveeno’s Calm Restore Serum is specially formulated for sensitive skin. The Triple Oat Complex & calming feverfew effectively calms irritated, dry skin while strengthening skin’s moisture barrier. The serum is fragrance, paraban and dye free. And it’s noncomedogenic so it won’t clog pores.

Step 3: Moisturize

Lastly, you want to add moisturizers to your AM and PM skincare routine. Your morning routine should include a moisturizer with SPF or a separate sunscreen. Sun protection is the most important skincare step as it prevents skin damaging UV rays that cause skin cancer and age skin faster. A night time moisturizer or face cream is usually thicker and may have special ingredients such as retinol to treat texture, fine lines and other concerns.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

CeraVe’s AM Moisturizer contains micro-fine zinc oxide sunscreen for UVA/UVB protection. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. In addition, it contains hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and niacinamide to help calm skin. It’s suitable for all skin types, including dry, sensitive and acne prone.

Eucerin Sun Clear Skin Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Especially formulated for acne prone skin, Eucerin’s Sun Clear SPF provides ample coverage, with SPF 50.  It’s enriched with 5 antioxidants and oil-absorbing minerals for oily, acne-prone skin. It offers an immediate, long-lasting matte finish, and is suitable for use under makeup.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Neutrogena Hydra Boost Water Gel is the perfect moisturizer for those with oily or combo skin who don’t want a heavy cream. The lightweight gel formula will make your skin feel hydrated and refreshed. It’s a great moisturizer for those who hate the feel of traditional creams.

BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream

Having dry skin doesn’t mean you need a heavy or greasy cream. BYOMA moisturizing gel cream feels light and absorbs quickly and is formulated for dry skin. It contains ceramides, niacinamide and green tea to hydrate and relieve irritation. And the pump bottle is a great option for those who don’t like dipping into tubs.

Additional Steps

As you get used to having a skincare routine, you may want to add additional steps to give your skin extra care.

• A hydrating toner or essence is great for additional hydration. The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Toner  is infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Beta-Glucan for deep hydration, skin regeneration, and a radiant complexion.
• Exfoliating pads help improve texture, brighten, tone and prep for other skincare. The First Aid Beauty Facial Radiant Pads contain glycolic and lactic acids to improve skin’s appearance and remove all dirt and impurities, allowing for better makeup and skincare application.
• Eye creams are useful for anyone struggling with dark circles, fine lines or dryness in the eye area. The skin around the eyes is thinner and often more sensitive, so a product specially formulated for the eye area is a good addition to your skincare routine. For an affordable, effective option try CereVe’s Skin Renewing Eye Cream.

A good skincare routine doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Finding the best products for your skin matters more than using a lot of products. Consistency is also key, as most ingredients work best when used daily over several weeks or months. As you get comfortable with a simple routine, you can incorporate more products to address your skincare concerns.