Many people assume that good skincare requires a long list of products and complicated steps. The truth is the opposite: a simple, consistent routine of three essential steps delivers far better results than an elaborate one you never stick to.
The three essential steps
- Cleanse: a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type, morning and evening.
- Moisturise: a moisturiser that maintains hydration and supports the skin's protective barrier.
- Protect: sunscreen every morning — the single most important step of all.
Morning and evening
Morning: a light cleanse, then moisturiser, then sunscreen. Evening: cleanse to remove make-up and the day's dust, then moisturiser. If you would like to add active treatments (such as vitamin C or retinol), introduce one new product at a time, and ideally under your dermatologist's guidance to avoid irritation.
Before you begin
- Identify your skin type first (oily, dry, combination or sensitive).
- Patch-test any new product on a small area before applying it to the whole face.
- Consistency matters more than the number of products.
- If you have a specific concern (breakouts, pigmentation), consult your dermatologist rather than experimenting.