A good skin care routine has three core steps: cleanse gently, moisturise, and protect your skin from the sun every morning with an SPF of at least 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection. At night, cleanse again to remove make-up, sunscreen and grime, then moisturise. Everything else, from toners to serums, is optional and worth adding only if it does a specific job for your skin.
Shelves full of serums, essences and mists make skin care look complicated. It does not have to be. Dermatologists agree on a short list of habits that suit almost everyone, and once those are in place you can add one or two products for your own skin type or concern.
The Core Steps Everyone Needs
1. Cleanse
Use a mild cleanser and lukewarm water, massage with your fingertips, rinse well and pat dry with a clean towel. The aim is to remove dirt and make-up without leaving skin tight.
2. Moisturise
Every skin type benefits from moisture, including oily skin. Choose a lighter lotion or gel for oily skin and a richer cream for dry skin.
3. Protect
In the morning, finish with sunscreen. The NHS advises SPF 30 or higher with at least 4-star UVA protection, reapplied every two hours when you are outdoors.
4. Treat (Optional)
If you have a specific concern, such as spots, dullness or early lines, add one targeted product between cleansing and moisturising.
A Simple Morning and Evening Routine
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanse | A quick, gentle wash, or just water if your skin is dry or sensitive | A thorough cleanse to remove make-up, sunscreen and the day's grime |
| Treat | An antioxidant serum, if you use one | A treatment such as retinol or an exfoliating acid, if you use one |
| Moisturise | A lightweight moisturiser | The same moisturiser, or a slightly richer one |
| Protect | SPF 30+ with 4 or 5 UVA stars, as the last step | Not needed |
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing your face when you wake up, before bed and after sweating, and choosing products that match your skin type. You can read its skin care tips from dermatologists in full.
Match the Routine to Your Skin Type
| Skin type | How it feels | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Oily | Shiny by midday, visible pores, prone to spots | Gel or foaming cleanser, light oil-free moisturiser, non-comedogenic products |
| Dry | Tight after washing, flaky patches, dull | Cream or oil cleanser, richer moisturiser, fewer exfoliants |
| Combination | Oily T-zone, normal or dry cheeks | Gentle cleanser, light moisturiser all over, richer cream only where needed |
| Sensitive | Stings, flushes or itches with many products | Short routine, fragrance-free products, patch test everything new |
| Normal | Comfortable most of the time | The three core steps, with extras only if you enjoy them |
Optional Extras: Are They Worth It?
| Product | What it does | Worth adding if… |
|---|---|---|
| Toner | Adds hydration or a light exfoliating acid after cleansing | You like the feel, or you need a specific active ingredient |
| Serum | Delivers a concentrated active, such as vitamin C, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid | You have a clear goal, such as brighter or more even skin |
| Exfoliant | Removes dead skin cells for a smoother surface | Your skin looks dull or rough, used once or twice a week to start |
| Retinol | Encourages skin renewal and helps with fine lines and spots | You are an adult wanting to target ageing or breakouts, introduced slowly at night |
| Eye cream | A gentler moisturiser for the thin skin around the eyes | Your usual moisturiser stings near your eyes |
Pregnant or trying for a baby? Avoid retinoids, including retinol, and check any new active ingredient with a pharmacist or midwife first.
How to Start Without Wasting Money
- Begin with the core three and use them every day for a few weeks.
- Add one new product at a time, so you can tell what is helping and what is causing trouble.
- Patch test first. Apply a little to a small area, such as behind the ear or the inner arm, for a couple of days before using it on your face.
- Give it time. Most products need several weeks of regular use before you can judge them fairly.
- Buy from trustworthy sellers with clear ingredient lists. Our guide to finding quality beauty products online explains what to check.
A Gentle Cleanser to Build On
Kale Face Cleanser by Cad b
A hydrating daily cleanser made with kale, carrot and lemon proteins plus chamomile, aloe vera and green tea extracts. The brand describes it as gentle enough to remove oil and impurities without stripping, and suitable for all skin types, which makes it an easy first step for a new routine.
View ProductWhen to get advice: see a pharmacist or GP if you have acne that is painful or leaving marks, a rash or eczema that does not settle, or a mole or spot that looks different from others, changes, itches or bleeds. A routine helps healthy skin; it is not a treatment for skin conditions.
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Shop Skin CareFrequently Asked Questions
What are the basic steps of a skin care routine?
Cleanse, moisturise and, in the morning, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and at least 4-star UVA protection. Any treatment, such as a serum, goes between cleansing and moisturising.
Do I need a different routine for morning and night?
Mostly the same steps, with two differences: sunscreen is only needed in the morning, and treatments such as retinol are usually used at night.
Do men need a skin care routine?
Yes. Skin works the same way regardless of gender. A gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and daily sunscreen suit almost everyone.
How many products should a skin care routine have?
Three is enough for most people. Add extras one at a time, and only when they do a specific job for your skin.
Sources: NHS, Sunscreen and sun safety; American Academy of Dermatology, 10 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skin.