The ideal skincare regimen isn’t always the most intricate, featuring the trendiest brands, viral products, or TikTok fame, according to experts. It’s about finding something simple enough to maintain consistently, as dermatologist and surgeon Whitney Hovenic, who is double board-certified, emphasizes.
A common misstep Dr. Hovenic encounters in her practice is patients struggling to adhere to overly complex skincare routines. Her approach is straightforward: a regimen that includes cleansing, hydration, and SPF is all that’s required to keep skin healthy and establish enduring good habits.
She has shared with REAL SIMPLE the three-step morning and evening routines she endorses for her patients, which are composed of budget-friendly essentials from beloved drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Neutrogena, La Roche-Posay, and more. Best of all, these routines begin at just $9.
Dr. Whitney Hovenic is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic dermatologic surgeon at the Skin Cancer and Dermatology Institute in the Greater Reno-Tahoe region.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $16 (was $19)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, $20 (was $23)
Spooge Dew Me Mineral All Screen, $34
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $9 (was $12)
La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, $17 (was $20)
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, $15 (was $20)
Begin your day with a mild cleanser to clear away overnight oils without irritating your skin. Dr. Hovenic advises opting for a fragrance-free, sulfate-free formula to set the tone for the rest of your routine. For this initial step, she recommends the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which is non-foaming and enriched with ceramides to bolster skin’s natural defenses. “For REAL SIMPLE readers who prefer simplicity, this cleanser effectively cleanses without stripping or causing irritation, and it’s budget-friendly,” she explains.
Proceed with a light, oil-free moisturizer rich in hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration without a heavy feel. Dr. Hovenic suggests Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, which is perfect for those seeking a reliable, everyday moisturizer that’s easy to layer under sunscreen or makeup. “It’s ideal for those who want a straightforward moisturizer that doesn’t involve extra steps or high-end ingredients,” she notes.
Sun protection is a daily necessity to shield skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that can lead to sunburn, dark spots, premature aging, and even skin cancer. For the final morning step, Dr. Hovenic is a fan of mineral sunscreens that seamlessly blend into the skin without clogging pores. Her top choice for patients is Spooge Dew Me Mineral All Screen. “This formula, enhanced with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, provides a subtle glow and light coverage to even out skin tone, offering protection and a lightweight feel, suitable for acne-prone skin, and making daily sunscreen application a breeze, all at an affordable price.”
Ensure a fresh start each morning by thoroughly removing dirt, oil, SPF, and makeup before bedtime. To achieve this gently, Dr. Hovenic recommends micellar water for a thorough cleanse without harsh scrubbing. “Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is gentle, quick, and removes makeup and SPF in one go,” she says. “It’s ideal for busy evenings, allowing anyone to cleanse effectively without extra effort.”
A hydrating cleanser can support skin’s natural defenses while you sleep. For sustained hydration, seek out ingredients like glycerin and ceramides. “At night, I often suggest La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser because it’s creamy and soothing, a great way to balance skin after a long day, and it’s suitable for those with combination skin or acne,” Dr. Hovenic advises.
Conclude your evening routine with a nourishing moisturizer to replenish skin overnight and help preserve its resilience through seasonal shifts. For an option Dr. Hovenic deems “affordable and effective,” apply this ultra-lightweight cream from a trusted drugstore brand, CeraVe. “CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a multitasking product,” she says. “It restores hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and contains ingredients like niacinamide that calm redness.”
