The basic skincare steps are cleanse, moisturize and sunscreen. You wash your face to remove dirt and oil, moisturize to keep your skin hydrated, and put on sunscreen in the morning to protect it from the sun. At night you skip the sunscreen and just cleanse and moisturize.
That's the whole routine. You don't need ten products or a long shelf to start.
If you've ever stood in front of a skincare aisle (or scrolled through hundreds of products online) feeling lost, this guide is for you. We'll go step by step, and we'll keep it simple.
The Basic Skincare Steps at a Glance
- Step 1: Cleanse. Remove dirt, sweat and extra oil.
- Step 2: Moisturize. Keep your skin hydrated and comfortable.
- Step 3: Sunscreen (morning only). Protect your skin from UV rays.
Morning: cleanse, moisturize, sunscreen.
Night: cleanse, moisturize.
Why a Simple Skincare Routine Works Better
Most people start skincare by buying too much. A serum from one brand, a toner from another, a scrub a friend recommended. Then the skin gets red, tight or breaks out, and no one knows which product caused it.
A simple skincare routine avoids that. With only two or three products, your skin has less to react to. You can also tell quickly if something doesn't suit you.
It's also easier to stick with. A routine you do every day, even a short one, will do more for your skin than a long one you quit after a week.
Step 1: Cleanse
Cleansing is the base of any daily skincare routine. Through the day, your face collects dust, sweat, pollution and natural oil. In most parts of India, with heat, humidity and traffic, that adds up fast.
When to cleanse
Twice a day works for most people: once in the morning and once at night. The night wash matters more, because it clears away the whole day's dirt (and sunscreen or makeup, if you wear any) before you sleep.
How to cleanse
- Wet your face with normal or lukewarm water.
- Take a small amount of face wash, about a pea-sized drop.
- Massage it gently with your fingertips for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Rinse well, especially around the nose, jawline and hairline.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Don't rub.
Common cleansing mistakes
- Using very hot water. It can leave your skin feeling dry and tight.
- Scrubbing hard. More pressure doesn't mean cleaner skin.
- Washing too many times a day. Three, four or five washes can irritate the skin and make it feel stripped.
- Skipping the night wash. Sleeping with a day's worth of dirt on your face is a habit worth breaking.
Step 2: Moisturize
Many people with oily skin skip moisturizer because they think their face is already greasy. But oil and hydration aren't the same thing. Skin can be oily and still lack water. When it feels dehydrated, it may look dull or feel tight, even if the T-zone is shiny.
A moisturizer helps your skin hold on to moisture and supports your skin barrier, the outer layer that keeps water in and irritants out.
When to moisturize
Twice a day, right after cleansing. Apply it while your skin is still slightly damp for a smoother feel.
How to moisturize
- Take a small amount, about the size of a one-rupee coin for your whole face.
- Dot it on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin.
- Spread it gently with your fingers. Don't forget your neck.
Common moisturizer mistakes
- Skipping it on oily skin. A lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer is a better choice than none.
- Using too much. A thick layer doesn't give extra benefit and can feel heavy.
- Applying it on completely dry skin after a long wait. Do it within a minute or two of washing.
Step 3: Sunscreen (Morning Only)
If you only follow one skincare tip, make it this one. Sun exposure is behind a lot of the dullness, uneven tone and dark spots that people try to fix with other products. Indian skin has more natural melanin, but that doesn't mean the sun leaves it alone. UV rays reach us on cloudy days and indoors near windows too.
How to use sunscreen
- Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Apply it as the last step of your morning routine, after moisturizer.
- Use enough. For the face, about two finger-lengths of sunscreen is a commonly suggested amount.
- Reapply every 2 to 3 hours if you're out in the sun.
Common sunscreen mistakes
- Applying too little.
- Skipping it on cloudy days or when staying indoors all day.
- Using it only when going to the beach or on holiday.
We don't make a sunscreen at the moment, so choose whichever one feels comfortable on your skin and that you'll actually wear every day.
Your Morning Skincare Routine
Your morning skincare routine should take less than five minutes.
- Cleanse with a gentle face wash.
- Moisturize with a lightweight moisturizer.
- Apply sunscreen.
Wait a minute or so between moisturizer and sunscreen so they sit nicely on the skin.
Your Night Skincare Routine
Your night skincare routine is even shorter.
- Cleanse. This is the most important wash of the day, since you're removing sunscreen, sweat and dirt.
- Moisturize. Skin does a lot of its repair work while you sleep, so keep it hydrated.
If you wear makeup, remove it first with a makeup remover or cleansing oil, then wash your face as usual.
Skincare Routine for Indian Skin Types
Not everyone's skin behaves the same. Here's how to adjust the same three steps. If you're not sure of your skin type, watch how your face feels a few hours after washing it.
Oily Skin
Your face looks shiny by afternoon and pores may look more visible.
- Use a gel-based face wash that controls oil without leaving the skin tight.
- Don't skip moisturizer. Choose a light, non-greasy one.
- Use sunscreen every morning. Gel or lightweight formulas often feel better on oily skin.
Dry Skin
Your skin feels tight or flaky, especially after washing.
- Use a gentle face wash and keep the wash short.
- Moisturize while your skin is still a little damp.
- If you use a face wash with active ingredients, try it once a day (at night) first and see how your skin feels.
Combination Skin
Your T-zone gets oily, but your cheeks feel normal or dry.
- Use one gentle face wash for the whole face.
- Use a lightweight moisturizer. You can apply a little more on drier patches.
- Use sunscreen every morning.
Sensitive Skin
Your skin turns red, stings or itches easily.
- Keep the routine as short as possible.
- Add only one new product at a time, and wait a week or two before adding another.
- Always do a patch test first. Put a little product behind your ear or on your inner forearm, and wait 24 hours.
- If your skin reacts badly or you have a condition like eczema, rosacea or severe acne, speak to a dermatologist before changing your routine.
Why Face Wash and Moisturizer Make a Good 2-Step Routine
You'll see many skincare "routines" online with five, seven or ten steps. Most beginners don't need them.
A face wash and a moisturizer cover two of the most important jobs: cleaning the skin and keeping it hydrated. Add sunscreen in the morning and you've got all three basics.
This kind of routine is useful because:
- It's quick, so you'll actually do it.
- It costs less than buying a full shelf of products.
- It's easy to see what's working. If your skin reacts, you only have two products to think about.
- It gives you a base. If you want to add a serum or treatment later, you can, on top of a routine that's already working.
Meet the SHYF 2-Step Routine
At SHYF, our whole approach is built around this idea of keeping skincare simple. We have two main products, made to work together.
Our Gel Face Wash contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, along with Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera and Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5). It's designed to cleanse your face and help with excess oil, without leaving your skin feeling over-dried. It suits oily and combination skin especially well.
As with any product containing salicylic acid, start gently. If your skin is dry or sensitive, use it once a day at first and patch test before regular use.
CustaHydra is a lightweight moisturizer made with Custard Apple Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides, CICA and Vitamin E. The focus is on hydration and supporting your skin barrier. It's meant to feel light on the skin and not greasy, so you can use it morning and night.
Together, they cover the cleanse and moisturize steps of your routine. Add your favourite sunscreen in the morning and you've got the complete set.
Not Sure Yet? Try the SHYF Trial Kit
Buying skincare is a bit of a gamble. Your skin is different from your friend's, and a full-size bottle is a bigger commitment than a first try needs.
That's why we made the SHYF Trial Kit. It lets you try the Gel Face Wash and CustaHydra Moisturizer together as a 2-step routine, at a smaller price than buying both full sizes. Use it for a couple of weeks, see how your skin feels, and then decide if you want to continue.
A Few More Tips for Making Your Routine Work
- Be patient. Skin takes time. Give any routine at least 4 weeks before judging it.
- Change one thing at a time. If you add three new products together, you won't know which one helped or caused a problem.
- Drink water, sleep well, and wash your pillowcase. Basic habits still matter.
- Don't pick or squeeze pimples. It can lead to marks and slow healing.
- Check in with a dermatologist if you have persistent acne, pigmentation or any skin concern that isn't improving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic steps of skincare?
The basic skincare steps are cleanse, moisturize and sunscreen. Cleanse morning and night, moisturize after each wash, and apply sunscreen every morning.
What is the correct order of a daily skincare routine?
Start with cleanser, then moisturizer, and finish with sunscreen in the morning. If you add other products later, the general rule is to apply thinner products first and thicker ones after.
How many times a day should I wash my face?
Twice a day is enough for most people, once in the morning and once at night. You can rinse with plain water after a workout or heavy sweating.
Do I need a moisturizer if I have oily skin?
Yes, oily skin can still be dehydrated. A lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer helps keep your skin comfortable and supports the skin barrier.
Can I use SHYF Gel Face Wash every day?
It's made for regular use, but how often depends on your skin. Oily and combination skin types usually do fine twice a day. If your skin is dry or sensitive, begin with once a day and patch test first.
Can I use the SHYF CustaHydra Moisturizer in the morning and at night?
Yes, it's a lightweight moisturizer meant for daily use, so you can use it after both your morning and night wash.
Do I still need sunscreen if I'm using a moisturizer?
Yes, our moisturizer is for hydration and barrier support. It isn't a replacement for sunscreen, so use a separate broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning.
How long does it take to see results from a new skincare routine?
It varies from person to person. Most skincare routines need at least 4 weeks of regular use before you can judge how they're working. Hydration and comfort may be noticeable sooner.
What's the right skincare routine for beginners?
Keep it to a face wash, a moisturizer and a sunscreen. Use them consistently for a month before thinking about adding anything else.
What is the SHYF Trial Kit?
It's a smaller, lower-priced way to try the SHYF Gel Face Wash and CustaHydra Moisturizer together as a simple 2-step routine before buying full sizes.
Start Simple
If you want to try a clean, easy routine without committing to full-size bottles, the SHYF Trial Kit gives you our Gel Face Wash and CustaHydra Moisturizer together. Use them for a couple of weeks, add your own sunscreen in the morning, and see how your skin feels.