Better-chosen skincare, better-understood habits

Building a facial skincare routine: cleanse, treat, protect

A facial routine starts with cleansing, morning and evening. At night it removes make-up, sunscreen and the grime of the day: an oil-based remover followed by a mild cleanser suits skin that wears make-up, while a simple gel is enough for the rest. In the morning, lukewarm water or a light cleanser often does the job, especially for dry or reactive skin. There is no need to scrub; a few circular movements with the fingertips, then pat dry with a clean towel. Skin that feels tight after rinsing usually points to a product that is too harsh and worth swapping for a gentler formula.

Active ingredients come next, chosen for what you want to improve. Salicylic acid helps oily, blemish-prone skin by clearing out pores; start with one evening in two to see how your skin reacts before using it more often. Sensitive skin mostly needs soothing and a stronger barrier, with short, fragrance-free formulas. Avoid layering several exfoliants on the same night: redness, stinging or a feeling of heat are signs to space them out. Test any new product for a few days on a small patch, behind the ear or inside the elbow, before applying it to the whole face.

Moisturiser goes on skin that is still slightly damp, right after cleansing or serum, to hold water in the outer layer. A pea-sized amount covers the face and neck, spread from the centre outwards. In the morning, sunscreen finishes the routine, even under cloudy skies, because it limits the brown spots that build up on the face over the years. Reapply it during long hours outdoors, and keep a balm in your bag for lips, which have no protection of their own. Above all, consistency counts more than the number of products: three steps repeated every day beat an elaborate routine dropped after a week.