When it comes to the clean girl aesthetic, skin is everything. That fresh, glowy, “I woke up like this” vibe starts with a simple, effective skincare routine — and no, you don’t need a million products to get there. It’s all about taking care of your skin so it looks radiant, healthy, and naturally beautiful without layers of makeup.
I’ve kept my routine straightforward and budget-friendly while still getting that clean, hydrated glow. If you want skin that always looks polished and put together, here’s the exact routine I follow — and trust me, it works.
1. Cleanse – Wash Away Dirt, Oil, and Makeup
The foundation of any good skincare routine is a gentle, effective cleanser. Your skin collects dirt, oil, and pollutants throughout the day — not to mention makeup — so cleansing is non-negotiable. A good cleanser removes impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils, leaving it balanced and refreshed.
My favorite? I keep it super simple with Dove Beauty Bar (Unscented). It’s gentle, affordable, and leaves my skin feeling soft without irritation. If you prefer a liquid cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is another great option that’s perfect for sensitive skin and packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is a gentle foaming option that cleans without being harsh. For those who wear makeup, double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser like The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser before your regular face wash ensures every trace of makeup and sunscreen is removed.
Pro tip: Wash your face with lukewarm water — hot water can dry out your skin, and cold water won’t effectively clean your pores. Make sure you’re cleansing morning and night for the best results.
2. Tone (Optional) – Balance and Prep Your Skin
Toner isn’t a must, but it can make a huge difference, especially if you have specific skin concerns like large pores, acne, or uneven skin tone. A good toner balances your skin’s pH, removes any leftover impurities, and preps your skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers.
I love Thayers Witch Hazel Toner (Alcohol-Free) — it’s soothing, gentle, and helps keep my skin calm and clear. If you’re looking for gentle exfoliation, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner brightens and smooths skin over time. For hydration, Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer is a great pick, especially for drier skin types.
Pro tip: Apply toner with a cotton pad or your hands by gently pressing it into your skin instead of rubbing. It’s more soothing and helps prevent irritation.
3. Treat – Target Skin Concerns Like Acne, Dryness, or Hyperpigmentation
This is where you get a little more personal with your skincare. Serums and treatments address specific issues like acne, dark spots, dryness, or dullness. The key is to pick products that target your skin’s unique needs without overcomplicating your routine.
On days when I want an extra glow, I use:
- Vitamin C Serum (Morning): Helps brighten and even out my skin tone. I love Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum — it’s effective and budget-friendly.
- Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Night): Adds deep hydration and keeps my skin plump and dewy. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is my go-to.
- Niacinamide Serum: Controls oil production and helps minimize pores. Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum works great without breaking the bank.
If you deal with acne, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo is a lifesaver for keeping breakouts at bay. For hyperpigmentation, The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA helps fade dark spots over time.
Pro tip: Apply serums after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing so they can penetrate your skin more effectively. Pat them in gently rather than rubbing.
4. Moisturize – Hydrate and Lock in Moisture
Hydrated skin = healthy skin. Whether your skin is oily, dry, or somewhere in between, you need a good moisturizer to keep it balanced and glowing. Moisturizing helps maintain your skin barrier, prevent dryness, and give you that soft, dewy look.
I swear by Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion (Fragrance-Free) — it’s lightweight, non-greasy, and keeps my skin soft all day long. And yes, it’s technically a body lotion, but it works wonders on my face! If you’re looking for a dedicated face cream, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is also amazing and filled with skin-loving ceramides.
For extra hydration at night, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is perfect for locking in moisture without feeling heavy. If you have dry skin, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream gives intense hydration without being greasy.
Pro tip: Apply your moisturizer on slightly damp skin to lock in extra hydration and avoid that tight, dry feeling.
5. Protect – Use Sunscreen (SPF) Every Morning, No Matter the Weather
This step is non-negotiable. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage, prevents premature aging, and keeps your skin tone even. If you want that long-term clean girl glow, SPF is your best friend.
My favorite is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 — it’s lightweight, doesn’t leave a white cast, and works perfectly under makeup. For a more dewy finish, try Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30. If you want a matte look, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a great choice.
Even if you’re staying inside, wear sunscreen! UV rays can still reach you through windows.
Extras You Can Add If You Want:
- Exfoliate (1–2x a week): Gently removes dead skin cells for a smoother, brighter complexion. Try The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner or Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
- Eye Cream: If you want to target dark circles, puffiness, or fine lines. I love CeraVe Eye Repair Cream — it’s hydrating without being too thick.
- Face Masks: For extra hydration, acne treatment, or brightening. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is perfect for a quick glow boost.
- Face Oils: For an extra layer of nourishment, especially at night. The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil is lightweight and rich in antioxidants.
Final Thoughts:
The clean girl aesthetic starts with glowing, healthy skin — and you don’t need an overly complicated routine to achieve it. Stick to these essentials, find products that work for your skin, and stay consistent. Trust me, once you nail your skincare, the rest of your look comes together effortlessly.
Also, don’t forget: good skin isn’t just about products. Drink plenty of water, eat your fruits and veggies, and get enough sleep — your skin will thank you for it.
Let me know if you want product recommendations or a tailored routine — I’m always happy to share what’s worked for me!