How to Start a Skincare Routine in Your 20s

Begin with cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning, add a gentle cleanser at night.

Most people overcomplicate their first routine and end up with irritated skin and buyer's remorse—boring consistency beats exciting chaos every time.

1. Choose a gentle cleanser. Start with a mild, non-foaming cleanser that removes makeup and daily grime without stripping your skin. Use it every evening, and in the morning if your skin feels oily or you applied heavy products the night before.
2. Find your moisturizer match. Pick a lightweight moisturizer for daytime that absorbs quickly under makeup. Your skin type matters less than finding something that feels comfortable and doesn't pill under other products.
3. Make SPF non-negotiable. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even indoors. This single step prevents more skin issues than any other product you could add to your routine.
4. Introduce one thing at a time. Add new products one at a time, waiting two weeks between additions. This way you know what works and what doesn't, instead of playing skincare roulette with your face.