How to build a simple skincare routine

A good routine is one you will actually keep. For most people that means four steps. Cleanse, treat, moisturize, protect, morning and evening, with small adjustments between the two.

Start with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. Mornings, a light gel or milk is usually enough. Evenings, if you wear sunscreen, a balm or oil first, then your usual cleanser after.

The treatment step is where one serum meets one concern. Adding more rarely helps. It mostly complicates things.

Moisturizer seals in whatever sits beneath it. Oily skin tends to like emulsions. Dry skin tends to like creams. Everyone else, something in between.

Mornings end with sunscreen. Every day, whatever the weather. It is the single most considered thing you can do for your skin.

Give any new routine two to three weeks before judging it. Skin responds to rhythm, not intensity.