How to Get Glowy, Hydrated Skin With a Simple Routine

Glowy, hydrated skin starts with a routine that leaves your skin comfortable, not tight: wash with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, then pat your face dry rather than rubbing it. If your skin feels dry after cleansing, try washing with cleanser just once a day and using water in the morning, especially if you have not been sweating or wearing heavy products overnight.

Apply moisturizer shortly after cleansing, while your skin is slightly damp, to help hold on to that water; a lighter lotion may feel better on oily skin, while a richer cream may suit skin that feels dry or flaky. If you use a hydrating serum, apply it before moisturizer, and introduce one new product at a time so you can tell what agrees with your skin.

Finish your morning routine with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, since sun exposure can leave skin looking dull and contribute to long-term damage even when your skin feels well moisturized. Reapply sunscreen as directed when you spend time outdoors, and avoid scrubbing or exfoliating so often that your skin becomes stingly, red, or more prone to dryness.

Give a simple cleanse-moisturize-protect routine time before adding more steps, and pay attention to how your skin feels throughout the day: tightness may call for a gentler cleanser or richer moisturizer, while a greasy finish may call for a lighter texture. For a straightforward place to organize those basics, explore our guide to hydrated skin essentials or the Glow Hydrated: Essentials for Healthy Skin digital eBook; our team recommends choosing a routine you can follow consistently.