Start with the foundation
For most people, three basics form the backbone of a sensible routine:
1. Cleansing: Choose a gentle cleanser suited to your skin. Cleansing should remove excess oil, sweat, sunscreen and environmental debris without leaving the skin excessively dry, tight or irritated.
2. Moisturising: Yes, even oily and acne-prone skin may need a moisturiser. The formulation is what matters. Someone with dry or sensitive skin may benefit from a richer barrier-supportive formulation, while oily or acne-prone skin may be more comfortable with a lighter, non-comedogenic one.
3. Photoprotection: A broad-spectrum sunscreen should be a routine part of daytime skincare. This becomes particularly important when managing pigmentation, photoageing or when using treatments that make the skin more vulnerable to irritation or sun-related worsening.
Then identify what you are actually trying to treat
Acne? Pigmentation? Dryness? Sensitivity? Early signs of ageing?
This is where active ingredients may be introduced, but they should have a purpose.
Retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and azelaic acid can all have useful roles in appropriately selected skin. But more actives do not necessarily mean better results. Combining too many at once can disturb the skin barrier and sometimes create an entirely new problem: irritated skin that stings, burns, peels or suddenly becomes intolerant of products it previously handled well.
I prefer introducing actives thoughtfully, according to the concern being addressed and the individual’s tolerance.
Your skin type is only part of the story
“Oily”, “dry” and “combination” are useful descriptions, but they are not diagnoses.
Two people with oily skin may require completely different routines if one has acne and the other has rosacea or sensitive skin. Climate, age, hormonal changes, occupation, existing skin disease and ongoing medication can all influence what the skin tolerates.
Your routine may also need to change over time. What worked a year ago may not necessarily be what your skin needs today.
Give a routine enough time
Another mistake I frequently see is changing products too quickly. Skincare is rarely about overnight transformation.
Unless a product is causing significant irritation or an adverse reaction, consistency is important. Constantly switching products makes it difficult to know what is actually helping and what may be causing a problem.
Finally, persistent acne, pigmentation, redness, itching, recurrent sensitivity or a new rash should not simply be treated by adding another cosmetic product. Sometimes what appears to be a “skincare problem” is actually a dermatological condition that requires proper assessment.
The best skincare routine is not the longest or the most expensive one. It is the one that understands your skin, addresses its actual needs and is simple enough for you to follow consistently.