A skincare routine does not need to be complicated to be consistent. This guide covers a simple approach to caring for maturing skin: cleanse, moisturise and protect from the sun, with a few optional extras. It is general information, not medical advice.
Start With the Basics
Skin changes over time, and every person's skin is different. Most routines are built on three habits that you can keep up every day: gentle cleansing, moisturiser and sun protection. Extra products are optional, and results vary from person to person.
Morning Routine
1. Cleanse Gently
Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. If your skin feels tight or dry after washing, try a milder product or wash with lukewarm water rather than hot.
2. Add a Serum (Optional)
Some people add a serum before moisturiser. If you try one, introduce it on its own, patch test it and follow the directions on the label.
3. Moisturise
A moisturiser helps skin feel comfortable through the day. Choose a texture you enjoy using, because a routine you like is easier to keep up.
4. Protect From the Sun
Sun protection is a simple daily habit, even on cloudy days in the UK. Guidance commonly suggests SPF 30 or higher for the face, reapplied when you are outdoors for long periods. Always check the label and follow the directions.
Evening Routine
1. Cleanse
Wash your face to remove the day's sunscreen, make-up and grime. If you wear make-up or heavy sunscreen, a two-step cleanse is a common approach.
2. Treat or Moisturise
Evening is when some people use products such as retinol. These can cause dryness or irritation, so introduce them slowly and read our guide to retinol first. On other evenings, a richer moisturiser is a comfortable option.
What to Avoid
- Introducing several new products at the same time.
- Products that sting or leave your skin red or sore. Stop using them.
- Skipping sun protection.
- Relying on cosmetic products for a skin concern that needs medical advice. Speak to a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist about anything persistent or worrying.
The Bottom Line
A consistent, simple routine is easier to keep than a complicated one. Start with cleansing, moisturiser and sun protection, and add other products slowly if you want to.
Shop These Products
Products from the MinDrick Store range that fit the routine above. Check each product page and label for details, and patch test new products first.
Vital Skin London 24K Gold Black Truffle Serum 30ml
A gold-flecked serum. The product page lists 24K gold leaf, black truffle extract, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Check the label for the full ingredient list.
Klara's Anti-Wrinkle Day & Night Cream Duo
A day cream and a night cream sold together, in two 30ml jars. Check the product page and label for the full ingredient list.
American Crew All-In-One Face Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 15 170ml
A face balm with broad spectrum SPF 15. Guidance commonly suggests SPF 30 or higher, so consider adding a higher-SPF sunscreen if you spend long periods outdoors.