My Favorite Skincare Staples

Let’s talk skincare. If you've been Googling phrases like “easy skincare routine for beginners,” “best skincare routine for busy moms,” or “how to start taking care of your skin in your 30s and 40s,” you’re not alone. This guide breaks down the products my friends and I actually use to keep us looking fresh!

If you’re anything like me, you may have spent years doing the bare minimum: a splash of water, maybe some bar soap in the shower, and calling it a day. But eventually, the years (and the sun, and the kids, and the NYC air…) start to show a little more than we’d like. Skincare is a lot like investing—everyone says the best time to start was years ago, but the second-best time is right now.

So let’s start simple, build smart habits, and get your skin on a routine that actually feels doable.

This article contains affiliate links to products I feel good about endorsing, meaning I may earn commission from qualifying purchases. Check disclaimers for more info.

Start With the Bare Minimum

1. A Cleanser You’ll Actually Use

Washing your face every night is non-negotiable, no matter how tired you are. I have combination skin, and oil-based balm cleansers have become my best friends. If you're searching for the best cleanser for combination skin or wondering whether an oil-based cleansing balm is right for beginners, balm cleansers are one of the easiest upgrades you can make. They dissolve sunscreen and makeup effortlessly, which is why they trend so often in K-beauty skincare routines.

2. A Hydrating Toner

A splash of hydrating toner keeps that tight, dry feeling away. Hydrating toners are one of the best places for people to start when embarking on a new skincare routine because they’re gentle, affordable, and instantly improve how your skin feels. COSRX toners consistently show up on “best Korean toners for dry or combination skin” lists.

You can also go with tried-and-true CeraVe Hydrating Toner if you prefer a no-frills classic:

3. Daily Moisturizer with SPF

During the day, a moisturizer with SPF is essential—or even better, pair it with a wide-brimmed hat if you’re going to be out and about all day. A lot of people ask, “What’s the best sunscreen for daily use?” The truth is, any sunscreen you enjoy wearing is the right one—but lightweight K-beauty formulas like Beauty of Joseon are frequently ranked among the best everyday sunscreens for people with sensitive or combination skin.

Another great option: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF 30

Ready to Level Up? Try Skin Cycling

If you've been hearing about “skin cycling” on TikTok or Youtube and are wondering how to start, this four-night routine is the most popular version for beginners. It’s ideal if you’re developing an anti-aging skincare routine in your 40s, or if you simply want smoother, brighter skin without irritation. Skin cycling might sound intimidating, but this simple four-night routine will keeps your skin exfoliated, hydrated, and glowing without overwhelming it.

And remember—if this feels like too much at first, just stick to washing your face every night! We build from there.

Night 1: Exfoliation

Skip your toner and use a gentle liquid exfoliant to kick dead skin to the curb. BHA exfoliants like salicylic acid are widely recommended for people searching for ways to shrink pores, smooth uneven texture, and treat blackheads at home. They work especially well if you have combination or oily T-zones.

Night 2: Retinoid Night

Retinoids are the gold standard for skin renewal. If you're comparing retinol vs. retinaldehyde or looking for an anti-aging retinoid for beginners, retinaldehyde is often recommended for people in their late 30s to 50s because it works faster than retinol but is gentler than prescription tretinoin.

Another great option: Celimax Retinal A Shot

Nights 3 & 4: Hydration + Recovery

Return to your hydrating toner. You can layer serums or masks on these nights too. Many dermatologists say the best hydrating serums to use during recovery nights include hyaluronic acid, peptides, and soothing ingredients like niacinamide—these are the most requested ingredients for people dealing with dryness or early signs of aging. A few serums my friends absolutely swear by:

• Medicube Salmon DNA Peptide Serum

• COSRX Snail Mucin Repairing Serum

And if you want to wake up with plump, ridiculously glowy skin, you can’t go wrong with an overnight mask. Overnight masks are one of the easiest ways to upgrade your routine, and searches for “best K-beauty overnight masks” spike every winter. They lock in moisture and help you wake up with smoother, bouncier skin without having to book a facial. Biodance is the gold standard for truly pampering your skin.

Another great option: Medicube Collagen Overnight Peel Off Mask

Bring the Spa Home

Maybe weekly facials aren’t in the budget (or the schedule—hi, parent life), but you can still invest in keeping your skin looking its best. You may have seen people sporting red light therapy masks or other at home facial tools like gua sha stones and face rollers. These tools help with lymphatic drainage, lifting, and improving overall tone when used regularly.

A Medicube face massager combines the best of these into one handy (and portable!) tool. Ten minutes a night with a Medicube face massager helps with lifting, circulation, and overall glow. Truly K-drama worthy glass skin incoming.

Final Thoughts

Whether your goal is “basic functioning adult skincare” or “I want my 20s skin back,” small habits make a big difference. Start with the basics, then level up when you feel ready.

And if you want to grab any of the products I mentioned? Amazon Black Friday deals are happening right now, so it’s the perfect time to upgrade your routine without the guilt.

Let me know what you end up trying—I love hearing what works for your skin!