The ideal skincare regimen is not always the most intricate one, packed with trendy brands or viral products, according to experts. It’s about finding something straightforward enough to maintain consistently, as dermatologist and surgeon Whitney Hovenic emphasizes. A simple routine encompassing cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection is sufficient to keep the skin healthy and establish lasting habits.
Dr. Hovenic has frequently observed patients struggling with overly complex skincare routines in her practice. She believes in a simple plan that includes these essentials for optimal skin care. She has shared with REAL SIMPLE her three-step morning and night routines that her patients find beneficial, utilizing affordable, drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Neutrogena, La Roche-Posay, and others, starting at just $9.
Dr. Whitney Hovenic is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic dermatologic surgeon at the Skin Cancer and Dermatology Institute in the Reno-Tahoe region.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $16 (originally $19)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, $20 (originally $23)
Spooge Dew Me Mineral All Screen, $34
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $9 (originally $12)
La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, $17 (originally $20)
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, $15 (originally $20)
To begin your day, use a mild cleanser to wipe away overnight oils without causing skin irritation. Opt for a fragrance- and sulfate-free formula to prepare your skin for the rest of the routine, according to Dr. Hovenic. She recommends the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which is non-foaming and enriched with ceramides to bolster the skin’s natural defenses. “For REAL SIMPLE readers seeking straightforward solutions, this cleanser is effective without causing stripping or irritation, and it’s budget-friendly,” she notes.
For a light yet hydrating moisturizer that doesn’t weigh down the skin, Dr. Hovenic suggests an oil-free product packed with hyaluronic acid for continuous moisture. “Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is an excellent option as it is light, deeply hydrates, and is easy to apply under sunscreen or makeup,” she explains. “It’s ideal for those seeking a reliable, everyday moisturizer without the need for additional steps or costly formulas.”
Sun protection is a daily necessity to shield the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, which can lead to sunburn, dark spots, premature aging, and even skin cancer. For the final step in the morning routine, Dr. Hovenic favors mineral sunscreens that seamlessly blend into the skin without clogging pores.
Her top recommendation for her patients is Spooge Dew Me Mineral All Screen. “This mineral-based formula, enriched with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, integrates smoothly, offering the skin a soft sheen and light coverage to even out skin tone,” she says. “It’s protective, light, suitable for acne-prone skin, and makes adhering to a daily sunscreen routine easy and budget-friendly.”
To start your evening on a clean slate, make sure to remove all traces of dirt, oil, SPF, and makeup before sleeping. For a gentle yet thorough cleanse, Dr. Hovenic suggests using micellar water, which eliminates the need for harsh scrubbing. “Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is gentle, quick, and removes makeup and SPF in one go,” she notes. “It’s perfect for busy evenings, allowing anyone to cleanse effectively without extra effort.”
A hydrating cleanser can help fortify the skin’s natural defenses while you sleep. For continuous hydration, seek ingredients like glycerin and ceramides. “For night-time, I frequently recommend La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser due to its creamy, soothing texture, which helps maintain skin balance after a long day and is suitable for those with combination skin or acne,” Dr. Hovenic advises.
Conclude your evening routine with a replenishing moisturizer to hydrate your skin overnight and preserve its elasticity through seasonal shifts. For a cost-effective and efficient choice, Dr. Hovenic endorses this ultra-light cream from a trusted drugstore brand, CeraVe. “CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a multitasking product,” she comments. “It restores hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and contains ingredients like niacinamide that reduce redness.”
