A Simple Skincare Routine for Beginners

The four basic steps of a beginner skincare routine, how to pick products for your skin type and common mistakes to avoid.

Skincare doesn't need ten steps or expensive products. A simple routine, done consistently, covers the basics: keep skin clean, keep it hydrated and protect it from the sun. Here's how to build one.

Know your skin type

• Dry: often feels tight, may look flaky or dull.
• Oily: shiny, especially on the forehead, nose and chin, and may be prone to breakouts.
• Combination: oily in the T-zone, normal or dry elsewhere.
• Normal: balanced, not very oily or dry.
• Sensitive: easily irritated, red, itchy or stinging.

Your type can change with seasons, climate, hormones and age, so adjust as you go.

The basic morning routine

1. Cleanse: use a gentle cleanser, or simply rinse with water if your skin is dry.
2. Moisturise: a lightweight moisturiser for oily skin, a richer cream for dry skin.
3. Protect: apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it's cloudy. Use enough to cover your face and neck, and reapply if you are outdoors for long periods.

The basic evening routine

1. Cleanse: remove sunscreen, makeup and the day's dirt. If you wear heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, use a cleansing balm or micellar water first.
2. Moisturise: help your skin recover overnight.

That's it. Stick with this for a few weeks before adding anything else.

Optional extras

Once the basics are a habit, you can add one product at a time:

• Vitamin C serum in the morning for a brighter look.
• A gentle exfoliant, such as a product with lactic or salicylic acid, one to three times a week.
• A retinoid at night for texture and signs of ageing. Start slowly, a few nights a week, because it can irritate, and always use sunscreen.

Introduce new products one at a time, about two weeks apart, and patch-test on a small area first.

Common mistakes

• Over-cleansing or harsh scrubs: these can strip and irritate skin.
• Skipping sunscreen: it's the most important step for preventing sun damage.
• Using too many actives at once: combining several acids and retinoids can lead to redness and peeling.
• Expecting overnight results: give a routine four to eight weeks.
• Picking at spots: this can cause marks and scarring.

Healthy habits help too

Sleep, staying hydrated, a balanced diet and not smoking all show up in your skin. Change pillowcases regularly and clean your phone screen, which touches your face often.

When to see a professional

If you have persistent acne, eczema, rosacea, sudden changes, or a mole that changes shape, colour or size, see a doctor or dermatologist.

Check your skincare and grooming

Upload a clear, front-facing photo in natural light to our face rater. It gives friendly scores and tips on skin care, eyes, nose area and lips, and never rates your features or attractiveness.