Not sure where to start? Pick the thing that bothers you most and we will tell you what to use and in what order.
Start with your main concern
Dull, tired-looking skin
Cleanse, then a vitamin C serum in the morning, then moisturiser and sunscreen. Vitamin C works on brightness; sunscreen is what stops the brightness you gain from being undone by lunchtime.
Dark spots and uneven tone
A niacinamide-based serum at night, a brightening cream as your treatment step, and daily SPF. Pigmentation responds slowly — give any routine eight to twelve weeks before judging it.
Breakouts and congestion
A gel cleanser morning and night, a salicylic acid serum on affected areas, and a light moisturiser. Do not skip moisturiser because your skin feels oily; stripping it makes oil production worse.
Dryness and tightness
A gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum on damp skin, then a richer moisturiser to seal it. Body lotion within three minutes of a shower, while skin is still slightly damp.
The order, always
- Cleanse
- Serum (thinnest first if using more than one)
- Eye care
- Moisturiser
- Sunscreen — mornings, without exception
Introduce one new active at a time and leave a week between additions, so you know what is working and what is not agreeing with you.