What basic skin care routine is essential for maintaining healthy skin?

The essential basic skin care routine for maintaining healthy skin includes cleaning, toning, and moisturizing.

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine as it removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. Toning helps to balance the skin's pH levels and can provide additional benefits, such as minimizing the appearance of pores and adding hydration. Moisturizing is crucial because it helps to maintain the skin's hydration levels, preventing dryness and enhancing the skin's barrier function.

While the other options focus on parts of a skincare routine, they miss key components that contribute to overall skin health. For instance, just cleaning and moisturizing leaves out the important balancing step that toners provide. Additionally, while exfoliating can be beneficial, it is not necessary for a basic routine focused on daily maintenance of skin health. Extracting (removing blackheads or impurities) is generally not a standard part of a daily skincare regimen and can lead to irritation or damage if not done with care. Thus, the comprehensive approach of cleaning, toning, and moisturizing is vital for a well-rounded skin care routine.