It can be very overwhelming to look at the skincare routines of celebrities or beauty influencers. What if you don’t have time to apply 10 different products in the morning? What if you can’t afford to buy a lot of luxury creams or latest facials?

That’s okay: skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In this article ,we look at the essential skincare steps and how to find the right products for your needs.

Cleansers break down dirt, makeup, pollution, and oil that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. You should cleanse twice a day: once in the morning to remove any traces left by night creams (which may have also trapped some dust or dirt), and once in the evening.

Double cleansing (or first using an oil-based cleanser, followed by a regular cleanser) can help remove sunblock and makeup. But if you didn’t wear any makeup or spent most of the day at home, one cleanser is enough.  You may need to use special makeup remover for waterproof or long-wear makeup.

Toners help remove traces of cleanser and rehydrate your skin. It can help prevent your skin from feeling tight after cleanser, and even prepare your skin so it absorbs serums and creams more effectively.

Toners are sometimes called essences or beauty waters. You can apply them with a cotton pad, or transfer them into a water and mist them on your face. Gently pat in the toner with your fingertips.

Serums contain concentrated ingredients that target a specific skincare problem. For example, an anti-ageing serum can help prevent or minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Brightening serums can correct dullness. Hyperpigmentation serums can fade dark spots and even out the complexion.

Some serums may contain ingredients that make your skin sensitive to the sun. That’s why some people prefer to apply this at night—especially since your skin heals and regenerates while you sleep.

Day creams and night creams help restore moisture so your skin is supple and soft. Even oily skin needs moisturizers, since it still needs to be hydrated. Sometimes, your skin produces more oil because it’s trying to compensate for lack of moisture.

Pick the right moisturizer for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, make sure it is hypoallergenic and does not contain fragrances. If you have oily skin, look for one that is non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic.

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells for a smoother, brighter and more radiant complexion. It also deep-cleanses pores to prevent breakouts and blackheads or whiteheads.

How often should you exfoliate? It depends on your skin type and the kind of exfoliator you use. If you have dry or sensitive skin, just exfoliate once a week. If you have oily or acne prone skin, you may need to exfoliate more frequently.

You can buy a separate exfoliating scrub, or a cleanser that gently exfoliates every day. Choose from:

• Physical exfoliation. It contains small beads or grains that physically scrub off dead skin

• Chemical exfoliation. Gentle acids break down dead skin cells. You usually leave the product on for a minute, and then massage the skin.

Aside from exfoliating products, you can also use facial cleansing brushes. These note only remove dead skin cells, but stimulate blood circulation.

Just make sure you don’t overexfoliate by using too many harsh products at the same time. Over-exfoliation can dry out you skin and cause redness and irritation.

Many people enjoy treating the skin to a mask. It’s a purely optional skincare step, but can give your skin an extra boost if it feels dry or irritated. You can buy sheet masks, or make your own DIY mask from ingredients you have in your kitchen.

These are the basic steps of a good skincare routine. Don't feel pressured to copy the routines of celebrities or beauty influencers. Just do whatever works for you, and apply your products consistently. You will see results!