The Only Basic Skincare Routine You Actually Need

A beautifully styled bathroom shelf featuring a complete daily skincare routine with a cleanser, moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, and lip balm on a neutral background

This is the basic skincare routine most people will use day to day. It builds on the Minimalist Skincare Routine by adding structure, customizable options, and a clear morning and night plan so you can keep your skin healthy with zero guesswork.

If you want a daily skincare routine that’s still simple but offers more flexibility and support for common skin concerns, this is the place to begin. It works for all skin types and ages, and it’s designed to protect the skin barrier, reduce irritation, and keep your skin microbiome balanced.

The routine below references products from Simple DIY Skincare: The Complete Guide to Easy, Natural Recipes for Beginners. In the book, you’ll learn how to make each product yourself — including minimalist versions, variations, and customization options — so the routine becomes fully tailored to your skin.

If you don’t have the book yet, you can still follow the structure of the routine using products you already own. But if you want to create the exact formulas this routine is designed around, the book walks you through every recipe step‑by‑step.

Steps Where Order Matters

These steps are designed to work in sequence. Following the correct order helps each product perform optimally and supports a healthy skin barrier.

Morning Routine (3 Required Steps)

1. Cleanse (Required)

Choose the cleanser that feels most comfortable on your skin. Most people use the no-rinse Hydrating Cleanser, but you may choose the easy-to-rinse Oil Cleanser instead. If you are dealing with an active eczema flare, broken skin, or ultra-sensitive skin, use the Baby Wash or a very gentle, soap-free, water-based wash. If your skin feels clean, rinse with water only.

2. Treat (Optional)

Apply Super Serum to clean, slightly damp skin to deliver targeted actives before sealing in moisture.

3. Moisturize Face & Body (Required)

Apply your chosen moisturizer to slightly damp skin to nourish, lock in hydration, and support your skin barrier. See the table below to compare types.

4. Sunscreen (Liquid/cream) (Required)

Use a mineral sunscreen daily if you’ll be outdoors. Apply liquid or cream formulas before makeup. Powder sunscreens can be used on top of makeup for reapplication. Stick to physical (mineral) sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They sit on top of the skin like a shield rather than absorbing into it. See the sunscreen table below for choosing the right texture for your skin type.

5. Makeup (Optional)

For normal or dry skin, use liquid, cream, or powder foundation. For oily or acne-prone skin, use mineral powder foundation. DIY makeup will be covered in the next volume.

6. Stop Shine (Optional)

Apply a mattifying face powder to reduce shine, blur pores, and support clearer skin. Use it after sunscreen if you’re wearing it alone, or as a setting powder over foundation. Reapply throughout the day as needed.

7. Clean Makeup Applicators (As Needed)

Use a makeup brush cleaner — or Oil Cleanser followed by Hand Wash — to remove buildup and microbiome‑disrupting residue. Clean brushes and sponges immediately after each use.


Evening Routine (3 Required Steps)

1. Cleanse with Oil (Required)

Use the non-comedogenic Oil Cleanser to dissolve and lift away microbiome-disrupting buildup. This gentle cleanse preserves natural moisture and can be used on the face or all over the body with minimal water.

2. Exfoliate & Balance (Optional, up to twice a week)

Apply Manuka Mud Treatment Mask to smooth, purify, and balance oil levels without drying.

3. Cleanse & Hydrate (Required)

Follow with Hydrating Cleanser to remove invisible microbiome disruptors. (Pro Tip: Always use this step after the Manuka Mud mask to ensure it is fully and gently rinsed away).

4. Treat (Optional)

Apply Super Serum to clean, slightly damp skin. This water-based serum delivers customizable actives to target specific concerns like pigmentation, sensitivity, or barrier repair.

5. Moisturize Face & Body (Required)

Apply your chosen moisturizer to slightly damp skin to nourish, lock in hydration, and support your skin barrier. See the table below to compare types.

6. Zap Zits (As Needed)

Apply Zit Zap Spot Stick after moisturizing to calm inflammation and prevent breakouts. Keep it handy for quick application throughout the day. (Note: Malassezia Moisturizer, Baby Ointment, and Manuka Mud can also be used for spot treatment.)


Bonus Scalp Care (1 Required Step)

If you experience stubborn itchiness, flaking, or dandruff, your scalp barrier needs the exact same respect as your face. Use this simple targeted workflow:

1. Treat (Optional)

If you experience itchiness or dandruff, apply a thin layer of Manuka Mud to the scalp and leave it on for a few minutes before washing.

2. Cleanse (Required)

Use the Shampoo to cleanse the scalp without feeding Malassezia or stripping the barrier.

3. Moisturize (Optional)

Use a small amount of Malassezia Moisturizer after rinsing to calm irritation and support barrier recovery.

Steps Where Order Doesn’t Matter

These products can be used at any time, in any order, as needed.

  • Moisturize Lips — Use Lip Butter to protect and hydrate lips. Also works beautifully around the eyes and on cuticles.
  • Stop the Stink — Use Peaceful Pits Liquid Deodorant for fungal‑prone skin or the Deodorant Stick for stronger odor protection.

Compare Moisturizers

MoisturizerTextureFinishBest ForFungal ConcernsMakeup Compatibility
Meadowfoam OilSilky oilSoft glowAll skin typesNot fungal‑safeGood
MCT OilUltra-light oilSatin‑matteSensitive, fungal-proneFungal‑safeExcellent (dry‑touch)
Malassezia MoisturizerUltra-light oil blendSatin‑matteSensitive, fungal-proneFungal‑safeGreat (smoother than plain MCT)
Repair CreamSilky creamSmooth, cushionedAll skin typesNot fungal‑safeExcellent (primer‑like)
Face & Body OilMedium oilDewyNormal–dry skinNot fungal‑safeFair
Balm BaseSoft balmDewy‑richDry patches, winter skin, brightening spotsNot fungal‑safePoor
Balm StickFirm balm stickProtective, wax‑cushionedDry patches, winter skin, on-the-go protectionNot fungal‑safePoor

Compare Sunscreens

TypeBest For
CreamNormal to Dry Skin
CreamEczema‑Prone & Sensitive Skin
Lightweight silicone fluidFungal‑Prone Skin (Malassezia)
Non‑comedogenic fluid/gelOily & Acne‑Prone Skin
Brush‑on mineral powderAll Skin Types (Touch Up Only)

Notes:
All rows assume zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide only.
Powder is for reapplication only. A liquid or cream mineral sunscreen must be applied first to reach full SPF.

Acne

Dry Skin

Oily Skin

Malassezia

Body Odor