Last Updated on January 19, 2026 by Lila Sjöberg
My pre-kid skincare routine had twelve steps. Now? If I manage to wash my face before bed and slap on moisturizer, I’m calling it a win. Progress, not perfection.
But here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t need twelve steps for good skin. You need maybe three, done consistently. And those three minutes can feel surprisingly nurturing.
Key Takeaways
Effective skincare doesn’t require a complicated routine — cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen cover the essentials. Consistency with simple steps beats elaborate routines you won’t maintain. Skincare can double as self-care; those few minutes count as caring for yourself.
The Short Answer: A simple skincare routine includes gentle cleanser at night, moisturizer morning and night, and sunscreen during the day. Three products, maybe five minutes total. Everything else is optional.
The Only Three Things You Actually Need
A gentle cleanser removes the day — at minimum, wash at night. Moisturizer hydrates and protects your skin barrier. Sunscreen prevents most skin aging. That’s it. Cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen.
The 3-Minute Morning Routine
Splash face with water. Apply moisturizer while skin is damp. Apply sunscreen. Done in under two minutes. If you have extra time, add vitamin C serum before moisturizer.
The 3-Minute Night Routine
Cleanse to remove the day. Apply moisturizer. That’s it. If you want to add something, retinol helps with fine lines over time. Our personal care essentials page has product ideas.
What About Serums and Treatments?
If you have time and specific concerns: Vitamin C (morning) for brightness. Retinol (night) for anti-aging — not while pregnant or breastfeeding. Hyaluronic acid for hydration. Niacinamide for pores and inflammation. Skip elaborate eye creams unless you have specific concerns.
Mom Skin Issues and Quick Fixes
Postpartum acne — keep cleansing gentle, use non-comedogenic moisturizers. Melasma — sunscreen is critical. Dryness and dullness — good moisturizer and hydration. Under-eye circles — no cream fixes exhaustion, but caffeine products temporarily help.
Skincare as Self-Care
Those three minutes of touching your own face gently became a tiny ritual of self-attention. Our 15-minute self-love revolution talks more about these micro-moments.
Tips for Actually Doing It
Keep products visible. Minimize steps. Pair with brushing teeth. Lower the bar — face wipes by the bed for impossible nights are better than nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need sunscreen if I’m mostly inside?
If you go outside at all, yes. UV rays cause cumulative damage and it’s the single most effective anti-aging product.
Are expensive products better?
Not necessarily. Many drugstore products contain the same ingredients. CeraVe, Cetaphil, Neutrogena — all solid affordable options.
You Deserve to Take Care of Your Skin
Those three minutes are an investment in yourself — and in the message that you’re worth caring for. Start tonight. Wash your face. Put on moisturizer. Look at yourself in the mirror for just a moment.
That tired, beautiful face has been through a lot. It deserves a little care.
Three minutes. Three products. that’s it! 🤩
Lila.
