With the best anti-aging products at your fingertips, how do you know which ones to choose? The beauty of this simple routine is that people of any age can keep their skin looking young. And with just four skin care essentials, you won’t break the bank getting started.

Morning Routine

1. Wash Your Face

Start the day by washing your face with a mild cleanser. CeraVe’s cleanser or SkinMedica’s foaming face wash work well. They gently remove oils, overnight build-up, or products (like Retinol) that you applied the night before.

TIP: Use your hands to wash your face. A washcloth or a rotating brush are too rough for your skin. Also, avoid harsh cleansers. In an effort to thoroughly cleanse their faces, people often irritate their skin. You want to start the day with a fresh face, not with frustrated skin.

2. Apply Sunscreen

After you have a clean face, apply a layer of sunscreen. Sunscreen prevents light energy and environmental factors from damaging your DNA. Continued exposure to the sun results in dark spots, damaged skin, or even skin cancer. Additionally, you’ll start to see rapid signs of aging like wrinkles and discoloration.  

Related: 4 Everyday Habits That Are Giving Your Skin Creases

Ladies, your makeup may contain some SPF, but consider adding a light sunscreen. EltaMD offers a zinc titanium oxide product called Clear. It goes on smoothly under your makeup, reflecting light rather than looking white and pasty.

Evening Routine

1. Wash Your Face

End your day by washing your face again. Not only will you remove the build-up from the day, you’ll also get rid of the makeup and sunscreen you applied in the morning. Use the same gentle cleanser morning and night for an effective wash.

2. Apply Retinol

Retinol is a wrinkle-fighting product. It increases cell turnover, resulting in a brighter complexion. Over time, our skin often becomes dull, like flat paint. With just a few weeks of applying retinol, you’ll see more of a semi-gloss sheen to your skin. It exfoliates your face and makes it smoother and more radiant. As a result, your makeup will go on easier rather than glob up on old skin cells. With extended use, retinol improves your whole complexion. It removes dark spots and prevents lines, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.

Related: Does Retinol Live Up to the Hype? 5 Things You Need to Know About the “Miracle” Product.

TIP: Application works best when you dot the retinol cream on the skin. Take a small pea-sized amount and touch it to forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Then spread the dots out in those areas. Don’t start with a big blob and try to move it all over. It’ll absorb much better if you put it on one area at a time.

3. Moisturize

After applying a retinol product, your skin needs a heavy moisturizer. As retinol exfoliates your skin, it removes some of your natural moisture barrier. A good moisturizer rehydrates your skin and helps you avoid a chapped, dry face.

Choose a product with a creamy (not greasy) consistency. CeraVe makes a great moisturizer that applies like a thick lotion. This will provide a thin barrier to lock in the moisture.

With a cleanser, sunscreen, retinol, and moisturizer, you can get a beauty regimen that will last you months and it’s an easy routine to follow. For another look at what your beauty process may look like, check out this video.

There’s no need to invest in the “best anti-aging” creams and potions on the market. This proven skincare regimen will put you far ahead in the anti-aging process.