Skincare — Routines
The best skin care routine is the one you'll actually follow.
Three steps in the morning, three at night. Then add one targeted product for your skin type or age — that's a complete face care regimen.
7 minute read
Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
Morning
Best morning skin care routine
1. Gentle cleanser
Or just water if your skin is dry.
2. Antioxidant serum
Vitamin C or niacinamide protects and brightens.
3. Moisturiser
Light gel for oily skin, richer cream for dry.
4. SPF 30+
The most important anti-ageing step, even on cloudy UK days.
Night
Best night skin care routine
1. Double cleanse
Balm or micellar water first if you wear makeup or SPF.
2. Treatment
Retinol, exfoliating acid or a soothing serum — one at a time.
3. Moisturiser
Seal everything in and support your skin barrier.
By skin type
Adjust it for your skin type
Oily
Salicylic acid 3x a week and an oil-free gel moisturiser.
Dry
Cream cleanser, hyaluronic acid and ceramide cream.
Combination
Light lotion all over, richer cream on dry patches.
Sensitive
Fragrance-free basics only; introduce actives slowly.
By age
Best skin care routine by age
Teens & 20s
Cleanser, moisturiser, SPF; BHA if breakouts.
30s
Add vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
40s+
Richer moisturiser, peptides and a consistent retinoid.
