According to Dr. Adisa, all skin types will respond well to a scaled-back routine, but it’s especially beneficial for sensitive and reactive skin. Dr. Kobets adds that rosacea- and acne-prone types may also do better with a less-is-more approach, especially if your skin is especially temperamental. “Every additional product introduces something else you might not tolerate,” she explains, “and starting several together makes it harder to identify the culprit.”
Simple Skin-Care Routine for Normal Skin
A gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF will do just fine for normal skin types, says Annette Czernik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. At night, you can skip the SPF in favor of a targeted product, like a serum or a prescription topical, which should be applied before your moisturizer. Derms love La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser and CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser; both formulas are super gentle but still remove SPF, makeup, and other impurities. For hydration, we’re into the 2026 Best of Beauty-winning Youth to the People Adaptogens Supershroom Calm Cleanser, which nourishes as it cleanses with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Best Gel Cleanser
Youth to the People Adaptogens Supershroom Calm Cleanser
Simple Skin-Care Routine for Dry Skin
Dry skin thrives on a less-is-more regimen, because doing too much with too many products can increase irritation. Focus on hydrating formulas—including your cleanser!—and moisturizers with nourishing ingredients like ceramides and glycerin. “I often recommend soap-free synthetic detergent cleansers, which tend to be less stripping than traditional alkaline soaps and can be formulated closer to the skin’s naturally acidic pH,” says Dr. Kobets. (She’s a fan of Prequel’s Facial Gleanser, which is formulated with glycerin to hydrate as it cleanses.) When your skin is clean, apply a rich moisturizing cream like the classic CeraVe Moisturizing Cream to help soothe and soften thirsty skin. In the morning, if your complexion is not oily or coated in products, a lukewarm-water rinse may be enough, she adds.
