How to Build a Skincare Routine with Just 3 Products (Yes, It’s That Simple)

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How I Finally Simplified My Skincare Routine to Just 3 Products (And My Skin's Never Been Happier)

I’ll be honest—skincare used to stress me out more than it helped me. I’d scroll through endless routines on social media, trying to copy 10-step regimens that promised glass skin overnight. But guess what? All I got was irritated, confused, and overwhelmed.

At some point, I just said—enough.

How to Build a Skincare Routine with Just 3 Products (Yes, It’s That Simple)

I stripped everything back to the absolute basics. Three products. That’s it. No frills, no trends, no overthinking. And shockingly… my skin started to thrive.

So if you’re tired of overcomplicating skincare, or just want a routine that feels doable even on your busiest days—this one’s for you.

💧 Step 1: A Gentle Cleanser — Because Clean Skin Is the Starting Line

Morning and night, no exceptions. I used to skip this thinking water was enough, but nope. A gentle face wash made a bigger difference than I expected.

You don’t need anything fancy. Just a non-drying cleanser that removes dirt, oil, and leftover makeup without making your skin feel tight or squeaky.

What I use:
👉 Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash
It’s lightweight, fragrance-free, and never breaks me out. Honestly, it just does the job.

How I use it:
Wet my face, massage for a slow 30 seconds (yes, count it out!), rinse with lukewarm water, then pat dry gently—never rub. It’s my little morning reset.

💦 Step 2: A Hydrating Moisturizer — Not Optional, Even for Oily Skin

Here’s the truth: I thought oily skin meant I should skip moisturizer. Turns out, dehydration actually triggers more oil. Moisturizing is what balances everything out.

I looked for something that sinks in fast, doesn’t clog pores, and gives my skin that fresh, dewy bounce.

My go-to:
👉 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Feels like water, but leaves my skin soft and glowy. No greasiness, no weird residue.

How I apply it:
Right after cleansing—while my face is still slightly damp. It locks in that moisture and makes my skin look way more alive.

☀️ Step 3: Sunscreen — The One Product I’ll Never Skip Again

I used to think sunscreen was just for beach days. Big mistake. I learned the hard way that UV rays don’t take breaks, even when it’s cloudy or I’m indoors near windows.

So now? SPF is my everyday armor.

I trust:
👉 Minimalist SPF 50 PA+++ Sunscreen
It doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all—more like a soft primer. No white cast, no stickiness, no breakouts. It just melts in.

My rule:
Always the last step of my morning routine. And yes, even when I’m not going out, because sun damage is sneaky.

✨ Optional: A Serum (Only If You’re Ready)

If you’ve got the basics down and want to tackle something specific—like dullness, acne, or dark spots—then a serum can help. But it’s not step one.

Add it in slowly. One at a time. And be patient.

A few I’ve tried and liked:

  • Vitamin C (for glow)

  • Niacinamide (for oil control + pore care)

  • Retinol (for texture + fine lines, but be cautious)

Again, not mandatory. Just a bonus if you're curious and consistent.

Final Thoughts (From Someone Who Overcomplicated Everything First)

I wasted a lot of time (and money) chasing complicated routines that didn’t fit my lifestyle—or my skin.

But once I let go of the noise and focused on just three non-negotiables:

  • Cleanser

  • Moisturizer

  • Sunscreen

…everything changed. My skin got clearer. My mornings got easier. And honestly? I felt more confident—not just about how I looked, but about finally keeping a promise to myself.

So if you’re tired of the skincare overwhelm, here’s your permission to keep it simple. Your skin doesn’t need perfection. It just needs consistency—and a little bit of love.



How to Build a Skincare Routine with Just 3 Products (Yes, It’s That Simple)