Building a Simple Skincare Routine (That You Super Love & Stick With)
Skincare should feel like slipping into silk pajamas…simple, soothing, and something you actually want to do at the end of a long day.
To me, the 12-step overwhelm is over. It feels like a waste of money and time and many people get tripped up layering products that can counteract benefits and dry you out. I’ve seen it and it breaks my heart. I think a good routine is like a best friend: steady, reliable, and cheering you on from the bathroom mirror.
So let’s cut the clutter on your countertop. Here’s your simple, esthetician-approved routine (with a few extras if you’re ready to glow a lil harder), plus, what to actually look for (and easily avoid) in each step.
Step 1: Cleanse
Your cleanser is your reset button. Go gentle, please.
Look for:
Creamy, milky, or gel cleansers labeled “gentle,” “hydrating,” or “pH-balanced.”
Soothing ingredients like aloe, coconut, oat, glycerin, or chamomile
Oil cleansers with jojoba, sunflower, or coconut-derived esters for makeup removal
Avoid:
Foaming cleansers with SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate = tight, squeaky skin)
Fragrance overload, alcohols, and “acne washes” that feel like punishment and sting your eyes
Anything that leaves your face feeling dry, tight, flaky, or shiny in a bad, starved way
Personal Preference: A soft, softsoft clean washcloth is underrated magic. I use a fresh one daily to help remove makeup and get that extra clean sweep. Just keep it fresh and, again, super soft. (shout out to TJ Maxx’s crazy towel section. They have the best brands coming through regularly…)
Makeup wearers & SPF lovers: Double cleanse. This step doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to use two different cleansers as much of the beauty world will try to tell you. Simply cleanse with your favorite cleanser…then do it again.
If you are a HEAVY makeup wearer: primer, full foundation, powder, bronzer, liquid eyeliner, waterproof mascara - the works - and it’s just not coming off with your dbl cleanse, THAT is when I would say try using two different products. Cleanse first with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing cream (Cap’n Coconut Body Balm works beautifully here) or a straight-up oil like coconut or jojoba. Spread the oil or cream around your face neck, and jawline, then use that super soft washcloth I mentioned to gently swipe the makeup off. Follow with your gentle facial wash. Your cheeks, jawline, and pillowcases will thank you.
Step 2: Tone
Toner may be the most confusing of all skincare products out there for many of you. Think of toner as the tall glass of water your skin didn’t know it needed. Toners are best to rebalance, prep, and hydrate, setting the stage for everything else to actually work. I believe a toner should be a splash of deliciousness.
Look for:
Alcohol-free formulas
Ingredients like aloe, cucumber, hibiscus, hyaluronic acid, flower and cactus waters, cbd, or sea minerals (lush lush lush)
Bonus points for mist format (spa vibes)
Avoid:
Astringents that sting or smell like nail polish
Toners with witch hazel high on the ingredients list (it’s drying when overused)
Anything that boasts “pore-tightening” with zero hydration (boo!)
After cleansing, pat the face dry, then spritz or swipe (depending on the type of toner you’re feeling) all along the face, jawline, and your even chest. Toners are great for the whole area. Our chests are often forgotten, and a little refresh spray goes a long way. Using a gentle cotton pad, wipe any excess (you may see even more makeup residue on the cotton). Spritz and swipe as needed.
Step 3: Serum
This is where the focused magic happens. Serums deliver concentrated ingredients deeper into the skin, like a splash of green juice for your face. Coupled with a gentle face massage, you are setting yourself up for a boost of nourishment, circulation, and extra sexy vibes.
Look for:
Hydrating: hyaluronic acid, panthenol (Provitamin B5), beta-glucan (Usually from oats, mushrooms, or yeast - top tier hydrator)
Brightening: vitamin C, licorice root, niacinamide (water-soluble vitamin B3)
Calming: plumeria, calendula, green tea
Gentle enzymes (like my favorites papaya & pineapple) for glow without irritation
Avoid:
Highly reactive actives - acids/retinols- if your skin is sensitive
Layering on multiple serums. I believe it’s best to pick one and stick with it for the best results. You don’t want to layer on too many serums because piling actives can overwhelm your skin barrier, cause irritation, and actually make your routine less effective.
Step 4: Moisturize
Seal in the deal. An amazing moisturizer locks everything in and gives your skin that plump, happy, full feeling. Happy grape, as we say in Cap’n land.
Look for:
Light, quick-absorbing if you’re oily, dreamier creams if you’re dry
Ingredients like watermelon, squalane, ceramides (lipids = healthy fats), jojoba, or mango oil
Formulas you actually want to use daily
Avoid:
For my makeup wearers - you’ll want something that doesn’t pill under foundation or tinted moisturizer
Avoid waxy, silicone, or dimethicone-heavy moisturizers that sit on top and don’t absorb
Artificial fragrance bombs
Extras (When You’re Feeling Fancy)
✨ Exfoliation: 1–2x per week max✨
Physical exfoliants = Scrubs and polishes. Look for smooth, round particles like jojoba beads or very fine sugar and honey formulas (not jagged shells and please don’t use coffee scrubs on your face).
Chemical exfoliants = AHAs, BHAs, or fruit enzymes. Use at night, moisturize after.
Avoid overdoing it—redness, flaking, or tightness means you’re doing too much.
🧖♀️ Masks
Hydrating = when you’re parched (aloe, honey, hyaluronic acid)
Clay = when you’re oily or congested (use only on oily zones if you’re combo)
Anti-aging = when you’re treating yourself (peptides, antioxidants, retinol alternatives like bakuchiol)
💆 Facial Massage
This is my absolute favorite step, and I think the most important in my routine! Boost circulation, move lymph, sculpt, de-puff, and calm the nervous system. Use upward strokes with a serum or facial oil. Just 3 minutes can work wonders. Do this step before moisturizing.
Morning vs. Evening Routine
Morning:
→ Cleanse
→ Tone
→ Serum
→ Moisturize
→ SPF
Evening:
→ Double cleanse (if needed)
→ Tone
→ Serum
→ Moisturize
→ Bonus time (mask, massage, etc.)
Final Cap’n Thoughts
You don’t need every product under the sun. You need a simple ritual you’ll actually keep and enjoy.
Something that feels like a treat, not a chore.
Your skincare routine is less about perfection and more about presence. Every step is a reminder: you deserve care. Every time you wash your face, you’re saying: I’m showing up for me today and setting myself up for feeling good tomorrow.
💌 Want to try Cap’n Coconut’s facial line? Our mini sets are the perfect way to start fresh.
🌴 Need help choosing products? DM me or email - I’m a real human and would love to help.
🧴 Already loving your routine? Take a peek at the next article below for more tips.
