The Simple Skin Care Routine One Derm Swears By

The best skin care routine isn’t necessarily the one with the most steps, buzziest brands, viral products, or TikTok fame, experts say. It’s the one that’s simple enough for you to stick with every day, according to double board-certified dermatologist and surgeon Whitney Hovenic. 

And one mistake Dr. Hovenic sees time and again in her practice is patients with skin care routines too complicated for them to keep up with. Her philosophy is that a straightforward regimen that includes cleansing, hydration, and SPF is all that’s needed to maintain skin health and build good habits that last. 

She shared with REAL SIMPLE the three-step morning and evening routines she recommends to her patients—and they’re made up of affordable staples from drugstore brands we love, like CeraVe, Neutrogena, La Roche-Posay, and more. Even better, they start at $9.

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For the Morning

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Start your day with a gentle cleanser to remove overnight oil without aggravating skin. Look for a fragrance-free, sulfate-free formula to set the stage for the rest of the routine, Dr. Hovenic says. For this step, she suggests the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which is nonfoaming and packed with ceramides to help boost skin’s natural defenses. “For REAL SIMPLE readers who appreciate no-fuss solutions, this cleanser gets the job done without stripping or irritation, and it won’t break the budget.”

Add a Lightweight Moisturizer

Next, to lock in hydration without heaviness, Dr. Hovenic recommends a lightweight moisturizer that is oil-free and loaded with hyaluronic acid for lasting moisture. “Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is a great choice as it is lightweight, hydrates deeply, and layers easily under sunscreen or makeup,” she says. “It’s perfect for those who want a reliable, everyday moisturizer that doesn’t require extra steps or expensive formulas.” 

Top With SPF

Ask any dermatologist and they’ll tell you: Sun protection is a daily must-have to protect skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that can cause sunburn, dark spots, visible aging, and even skin cancer. For this final morning step, Dr. Hovenic is a noted fan of mineral sunscreens that melt easily into skin and don’t clog pores. 

Her top pick for her patients is Spooge Dew Me Mineral All Screen. “This mineral-based formula, enriched with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, blends in seamlessly, giving the skin a subtle glow and light coverage to even out skin tone,” she says. “It’s protective, lightweight, safe for acne-prone skin, and makes sticking to a daily sunscreen routine effortless, all at an accessible price.”

For the Evening

Gently Remove Makeup

Get a clean start each day, by ensuring dirt, oil, SPF, and makeup are all fully removed before bed. To do this gently, Dr. Hovenic recommends micellar water for thorough cleansing without harsh scrubbing. “Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is gentle, quick, and removes makeup and SPF in one step,” she says. “It’s ideal for busy evenings, so anyone who wants an easy, low-stress routine can cleanse thoroughly without extra effort.”

Follow With a Hydrating Cleanser

A moisture-rich cleanser will help support skin’s natural defenses overnight. For lasting hydration, look for ingredients like glycerin and ceramides. “At night, I often suggest La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser because it’s creamy and calming, a great way to keep skin balanced after a long day, and it’s safe for those who are dealing with combination skin or acne,” Dr. Hovenic says.

Finish With a Barrier-Repairing Moisturizer

Cap off your evening routine with a nourishing moisturizer to replenish skin overnight and help maintain its resilience through seasonal changes. For an option Dr. Hovenic calls “affordable and effective,” smooth on this ultra-lightweight cream from trusted drugstore brand CeraVe. “CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a multitasker,” she says. “It restores hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and has ingredients like niacinamide that calm redness.”