View Review
CeraVe
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Formulated with three ceramides in roughly the same ratio your skin barrier naturally uses, so it replaces protective lipids as it cleans instead of stripping them like most foaming cleansers do.
Expert Guide
How to Build a Skincare Routine
Updated 15 January 20256 sections
1
Step 1: Cleanser
Start with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, a cream or milk cleanser will clean without stripping. For oily or combination skin, a gel cleanser can help manage excess oil. In the evening, consider double cleansing — an oil-based cleanser first to remove SPF and makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser.
2
Step 2: Toner (Optional)
A hydrating toner can add an extra layer of moisture and help prepare your skin to absorb subsequent products. Modern toners are a far cry from the harsh, alcohol-heavy formulas of the past. Look for toners with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or soothing botanical extracts.
3
Step 3: Serum
Serums are where you target specific skin concerns. Niacinamide can help with oil control and pore appearance. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help with brightness. Hyaluronic acid adds hydration. Pick one or two serums that address your primary concerns and apply them to clean skin.
4
Step 4: Moisturiser
Lock in hydration with a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type. Gel-creams work well for oily skin, while richer creams suit dry skin. A good moisturiser helps maintain the skin barrier and keeps your skin comfortable throughout the day or night.
5
Step 5: Sunscreen (AM only)
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 as the final step of your morning routine. Sunscreen helps protect against UV-induced premature ageing and sun damage. Choose a formula you enjoy using daily — whether that is a lightweight chemical SPF or a tinted mineral sunscreen.
6
Start Simple
If you are new to skincare, begin with just three products: a cleanser, a moisturiser, and a sunscreen. Once you are comfortable with that routine, you can add products one at a time — waiting a few weeks between additions to see how your skin responds. A simple routine done consistently is more effective than a complex one done irregularly.
Morning Routine
Protect and prepare for the day
1
Cleanse
Gentle water-based cleanser or just water
2
Treat (Optional)
Vitamin C serum or niacinamide
3
Moisturise
Lightweight moisturiser for your skin type
4
SPF
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+. Non-negotiable.
Evening Routine
Repair and treat overnight
1
Oil Cleanse
Remove sunscreen and makeup with oil cleanser
2
Water Cleanse
Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser
3
Treat
Retinol, AHA/BHA, or targeted serums
4
Moisturise
Richer cream to repair overnight
Shop the Guide
Related Products
View Review
Cosrx
Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Formulated at pH 5.5 — close to skin's natural acidity — rather than the pH 9-10 of most foaming cleansers, which is what actually determines whether a cleanser strips or preserves the barrier.
View Review
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400
A high-protection sunscreen featuring Mexoryl 400 providing extended ultra-long-wave UVA coverage beyond standard filters.
Check current priceAvailability: check retailer
Continue Learning