Build Your First Skincare Routine
The three steps that actually matter, why order matters, and how to start without wasting money.
A good routine is shorter than the internet makes it look. For almost everyone, three steps cover the fundamentals: cleanse, moisturise, and protect from the sun. Everything else is optional and built on top of that foundation once you know how your skin reacts.
The core three steps
- Cleanse — a gentle wash removes oil, sweat, and grime without stripping your . Once at night is enough for most people; a plain water rinse in the morning is fine.
- Moisturise — replaces water and lipids so the barrier stays intact. Even oily skin benefits; skipping it can actually drive more oil production.
- Protect — a broad-spectrum 30+ every morning is the single highest-impact step for long-term skin health.
Why order matters
Apply products thinnest to thickest. Watery serums go on before creams so they can reach the skin, and sunscreen always goes last in the morning. At night you can skip sunscreen entirely.
Frequently asked
Knowledge check
0 / 2 correct1. Which three steps form the foundation of a routine?
2. When should sunscreen be applied?
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