The only skin routine you really need (and what’s worth your money)
You don’t need ten steps or a shelf of products. Here’s a simple routine that covers what matters.
Skincare marketing would have you believe you need a different product for every hour of the day. You don’t. A good routine is short, steady and suited to your skin.
Morning: three steps
- Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
- Moisturise your face, neck and the backs of your hands.
- Apply SPF 30 or higher with 4 star UVA protection. If you only do one thing, make it this.
Evening: two or three steps
- Cleanse to remove sunscreen, makeup and the day.
- Moisturise.
- Consider a retinol product a few nights a week, building up slowly. It’s one of the best studied ingredients for lines and texture, but it can irritate at first, so go gently.
Once or twice a week
A gentle exfoliating product can help with texture. More is not better here: exfoliating every day can irritate your skin.
What’s worth your money
- A sunscreen you actually enjoy wearing, because you’ll use it every day.
- A moisturiser that suits your skin type.
- One proven active, like retinol or vitamin C, rather than five trendy ones.
- A hand cream with SPF.
What usually isn’t
- Products that promise dramatic results in days.
- Long routines you won’t keep up.
- Anything bought because it trended this week.
The golden rules
Introduce one new product at a time, so you can see what suits you. Give each product a few months, because skin changes slowly. And take your skincare down to your neck every time.
If you have a skin condition or are unsure about an ingredient, speak to your GP or a pharmacist before starting it.
LumyIQ provides skin health education only. It does not diagnose, treat or cure any condition, and does not replace advice from your GP or a qualified practitioner. For any health concern, please speak to your GP.