You do not necessarily have a 10 step routine. A basic 4 step is enough to start with. 

Cleanse > Treat > Hydrate > Protect 

Step 1 - cleanse your face 

Step 2 - pat dry and do not apply anything 

Step 3 - Note how your skin feels after 20 mins 

• Normal 
• Oily 
• Dry 
• Combination 

All day, every day before stepping out in the sun. If there's too much sun exposure you might reapply after every 3-4 hours. This applies to swimming too. 

Absolutely NOT. It will reduce the efficacy of the actives and might cause pilling. Also you would never understand what suits you. 

YES. It is very very very important to apply ample sunscreen after using L ascorbic acid especially. Because the moment you step out your active gets oxidized and its efficacy will be reduced.

It really depends on how much you're exposed to the pollution, sun, air. But ideally At Least Twice a day is important. 

You can use it both at AM or PM. But it is more beneficial if you use it in the morning, it prevents photo damage.