Skincare Routine: What to Use and When

No matter your skin type or budget, getting the most from your skincare products is all about timing and layering. Even the best formulas won’t deliver if you apply them in the wrong order — or mix ingredients that cancel each other out.

Here’s your simple AM-to-PM guide, designed for clarity and results:

MORNING ROUTINE

1. Cleanser
   Start your day with a gentle cleanse to remove sweat and overnight oil. No need for harsh exfoliants.

2. Toner / Essence
   Hydrating toners prep the skin and help the next layers absorb better. Skip alcohol-based toners unless needed.

3. Vitamin C or Antioxidant Serum
   Brighten, protect, and boost glow. Apply to dry skin and let absorb fully.

4. Moisturiser
   Lock in hydration with a moisturiser suited to your skin type — gel for oily, cream for dry.

5. SPF (ALWAYS)
   The most important step. Rain or shine, SPF protects your skin from ageing, pigmentation and sun damage.

EVENING ROUTINE

1. Double Cleanse
   Use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and SPF, then follow with a water-based one to fully clean the skin.

2. Exfoliating Treatment (2–3x/week)
   Chemical exfoliants like AHA, BHA or PHA resurface and renew skin. Don’t overdo it — less is more.

3. Targeted Serums (Retinol, Niacinamide, etc.)
   Use active ingredients only at night, and never mix conflicting actives (e.g. Vitamin C + Retinol).

4. Hydrating Serum or Essence
   Think hyaluronic acid or peptides for a moisture boost.

5. Night Cream / Sleeping Mask
   Seal everything in with a nourishing moisturiser.

Extra tips:

• Introduce new actives slowly (especially retinol)

• Always patch test

• Drink your water. Your skin needs hydration inside and out

Build a routine you’ll stick to — not one that exhausts you. Consistency > perfection.