What a Skincare Routine Actually Needs

A routine that holds up to evidence is short. Everything past it is optional, and some of it is marketing.

The three that earn their place

1. Gentle cleansing, once or twice daily. Skin that feels tight after washing has been stripped, not cleaned.
2. Moisturiser suited to your skin type. Oily skin needs it too; a light gel is fine.
3. Daily sunscreen. The only step with strong evidence against both premature ageing and skin cancer.

The optional extras

Retinoids and exfoliating acids genuinely work, introduced one at a time and paired with sunscreen. Ten-step routines are not better than three-step routines; they are longer, and they make it harder to identify what caused a reaction.

When to ask a professional

Persistent acne, pigmentation that is changing, or repeated reactions are worth a conversation with a dermatologist or a qualified skin professional rather than another purchase.