Skincare basics: where to start and what is the skincare minimum?
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Are you wondering:
“I want to take care of my skin, but only the bare minimum.”
“I'm interested in skincare, but I don't know where to start.”
It's time to fix it!
Daily skin care doesn't require dozens of products or long minutes in front of the mirror. Regardless of your skin type. Dermatological research shows that for a healthy skin barrier, you only need 3 steps - 3 basic pillars of skincare:
- make-up removal/skin cleansing (make-up removal oil/cream/mousse/gel),
- sufficient hydration (moisturizing cream),
- regular use of broad-spectrum SPF (sunscreen).
Together, these steps remove impurities, strengthen the so-called hydrolipidic film and protect the skin from UV radiation - and thus, for example, from premature aging.
🤔 Why tackle "minimum skincare"?
Even minimal skincare can do wonders for your skin. With the right basic routine, you will cover the most important physiological needs of your skin , while minimizing the risk of irritation.
Dermatologists agree that properly selected products reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), prevent oxidative stress and improve skin texture in the long term. A well-chosen moisturizer strengthens the skin barrier . In combination with other product, the right routine contributes to strengthening the skin's defense mechanisms against the environment - and thus affects its aging.
Now that we know how to do it, let's take a look at all 3 steps in a little more detail.
Step 1: Remove makeup and cleanse your skin 🫧
Why are we solving it?
- It removes makeup, sebum, microparticles, and free radicals from the skin, which increase inflammatory mediators in the skin. By removing makeup, we simply rid our skin of things that would cause mischief.
- Regular evening cleansing reduces the appearance of acne and restores the physiological pH of the skin surface.
- Some aggressive substances (e.g. SLS) have been shown to disrupt the skin's microbiome and increase redness. On the other hand, a sensitive formula with appropriately selected substances supports the skin's natural functions and prevents the skin from suffering unnecessarily during cleansing.
How to care for your skin while cleansing
- Evening: two-phase cleansing (e.g. oil + gentle cleansing gel) dissolves SPF and silicone makeup.
- Morning: lukewarm water or micellar solution with a physiological pH of 5.5 is enough.
- Always: Make sure that the skin is not "creakily" tight after washing - this is a sign of excessive degreasing.
Step 2: Hydration 💦
Why hydration is key
- Adequate hydration reduces TEWL (transdermal water loss) and supports enzymes responsible for barrier repair.
- Clinical studies confirm that regular use of a cream with ceramides and glycerin increases hydration by >24 hours and improves elasticity.
- In chronic dermatoses (eczema, psoriasis), moisturizing creams significantly reduce itching and the need for corticosteroids.
How to do it in practice
- Apply moisturizer within 60 seconds of washing, while your skin is still slightly damp – this will lock in water on the skin's surface.
- Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides; they support both hydration and your skin's own lipid production.
Step 3: Sun protection (SPF) 😎
Practical tip
Apply a two-finger-sized amount of SPF to your face and neck, reapplying every 2 hours when outdoors.
Why SPF is a must
- Daily application of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (ideally 50+ in summer) has been shown to prevent actinic keratosis, melanoma, and visible photoaging.
- A year-long study showed a 40–52% improvement in texture in participants who used SPF every day.
- SPF 30 blocks up to about 97% of UVB, SPF 50 up to 98% - further increases have only a marginal effect.
- Even so, people often get sunburned due to insufficient SPF (the optimum is 2 mg/cm²).
How to start your routine: End all insecurities
Our basic routines cover all 3 steps described in this article. The already assembled product package is complemented by a simple guide that will guide you through the entire routine and teach you how to use the products correctly. 💪🏻
With this minimum of skin care, you will meet the basic requirements of the skin barrier without unnecessary ballast. Everything else – serums, exfoliants, masks – are just additional layers and bonuses that you can add according to individual needs. And when you master the basics! 😊
