Skincare — Beginners
How to start a skincare routine
Three products are enough to begin: cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.
6 minute read
Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
Basics
The three essential steps
Cleanser
A gentle, non-stripping wash. Skin shouldn't feel tight afterwards.
Moisturiser
Gel for oily skin, cream for dry skin, lightweight lotion for combination.
Sunscreen
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, even on cloudy UK days.
Morning
A simple AM routine
1. Rinse or cleanse
Water is fine if your skin is dry; cleanse if oily.
2. Moisturise
Let it sink in for a minute.
3. SPF
Two finger-lengths for face and neck; reapply if outdoors.
Evening
A simple PM routine
1. Remove makeup and SPF
Use a cleansing balm or micellar water, then cleanser.
2. Treatment (later)
After 2–4 weeks, add one active such as retinol or an acid.
3. Moisturise
Seal everything in overnight.
Next steps
Building it up
One new product at a time
Wait two weeks between additions so you know what works.
When to use retinol
At night, after cleansing and before moisturiser; start twice a week.
Patch test
Try new products behind the ear or on the jaw for a few days.
See a GP or dermatologist
For painful acne, persistent redness or sudden changes.
