How to Build the Best Skincare Routine for You

It’s amazing to have *so* many different options out there now to choose from when it comes to skincare. The only issue is that it can make it a little overwhelming to know what products we should be using in our daily routines – not to mention what order to use them in.

Whilst 10-step regimes sound impressive, at Simple we believe in giving skin everything it needs and nothing it doesn’t. That’s why we’ve gone back to basics with these core face care routine stages. Think of them as your starting point, especially if you’re new to the skincare world. You can always build on it if you want to by introducing more products when you’re comfortable. However, like many things in life, less is often more when it comes to your skin. 

Ready? Let’s create your new daily skincare routine...

Why a good skincare routine matters

Skin likes consistency, so getting into a good skincare routine with products that really work for you will help keep it happy and healthy.

External factors like changes in age, hormones or weather can sometimes mean that the products that worked for us a few months before suddenly need a switch up.

Our advice is to keep your steps straightforward but try a different product and see if that makes a difference. For example, a richer moisturiser might do the trick if it suddenly got colder and your skin is drier.  

What skincare products do I need?

The Simple truth is that you might not need as many as you think. It can be easy to get swept up in product trends you see on social media and think that it’s vital to have a million skincare steps, but if your skin is well cleansed, exfoliated regularly, hydrated properly and protected from the sun, then that could potentially be enough for you - whereas others need a few extra stages.

It’s more about finding the right skincare products for your skin type and using them consistently, ideally ones you enjoy using.

Everyone’s needs are unique, so if you haven’t really used skincare before, start with the basic steps below and see how your skin looks and feels. From there, if you want to add a few more things or tweak when you use what products, feel free to! It’s all about what works for you.

It’s worth noting here also that as much buzz as some trending ingredients are getting online right now, not all of them are suitable for young skin. If you’re around 18/19 years old and reading this we love that you’re as excited about skincare as we are. But with skin as great as yours, all you need right now is a straightforward routine with gentle products and SPF (unless you’re dealing with conditions like acne, which a doctor can help you care for).

Ingredients like retinoids and some acids could damage your skin barrier if you use them too prematurely, so save them for when you’re older!

 

Should I have different routines for day and night?

Your morning and evening skincare routines should look pretty similar. It’s more about the type of product you use and when. For example, you might want to use a lighter moisturiser with SPF during the day. In the evening, however, you might want something more nourishing that can melt into your skin as you sleep.

What’s the best order to use skincare products in?

Firstly, you want to make sure your skin is nice and clean to remove dirt and grime.

By starting your routine with a great cleanser, it purifies the skin and allows products like toners to work more effectively.

After that, the easiest way to think of what products to use is to go from lightest to heaviest. So, you’ll want to use your serum before your moisturiser. If you’ve mastered that and you’re thinking of adding an oil, use that as your final step.

Your new skincare routine steps

 

The skincare routine steps to do daily

Step 1: Cleanse

One of the most fundamental steps in your daily skincare routine is cleansing. It helps remove the impurities and pollution that can lead to irritation, breakouts and even premature ageing!

There are lots of different types of cleansers out there to choose from. When deciding which one to try, you should consider your skin type, what kind of textures you like using and your lifestyle.

Here are some of our top picks:

For normal skin

Kind to Skin™ Refreshing Facial Gel Wash

For oily skin

Daily Skin Detox™ Purifying Gel Facial Wash

For dry skin

Replenishing Cream Cleanser

For dehydrated skin

Water Boost™ Micellar Gel Facial Wash

For mature skin

Regeneration™ Age Resisting Facial Wash

You can find out more about picking the best cleanser for you here.

Our biodegradable face wipes are also great for on the go or our Kind to Skin™ Micellar Water for quick refreshes, so they’re ideal to use in the morning when you just need a quick freshen up rather than a full cleanse. It’s important, however, to cleanse well in the evenings to help shift dirt, pollution particles, SPF and more that can clog pores.

How to use

Depending on the formula you’re using, lather up a little of the cleanser with a cloth and use it in a circular motion before using warm water to rinse. Next, gently dry your skin ready for the next steps.

Step 2: Tone

Toners have a bit of a reputation for not being needed. Whilst they may not be absolutely essential, they can refresh, soothe and more.

Plus, they’re a good way to help prep the skin for the next steps in your routine. Our bestselling Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner is perfect if you’d like to try one out. You can read all about toners here.

How to use

Add a few drops to a reusable cotton pad and gently pat on to the skin.

Step 3: Serum

Serums are a great way to supercharge your skincare with active ingredients. These are used before moisturisers to help target specific skin needs and penetrate deeper into the skin.

Our Booster Serum range helps target key skin needs. Each one has been dermatologically tested and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Vitamin B3 Niacinamide Booster Serum

This multi-benefit serum helps enhance your skin barrier strength, tone and texture

10% Vitamins C + E + F Booster Serum

This helps to protect against environmental aggressors while brightening and boosting your skin’s glow

3% Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Booster Serum

An intensely hydrating formula that locks in moisture and supports balanced sebum production, leaving skin soft, supple and smooth

How to use

Apply 2-3 drops to the skin and smooth in.

 

Step 4: Moisturise

Moisturising is key to keep your skin feeling nourished, as well as looking plump and healthy. We have lots of different moisturisers to choose from, depending on what your skin type is and what textures you enjoy.

For the daytime, it’s best to use a moisturiser with added SPF to help defend against UV rays and prevent premature signs of ageing. We love our Protect 'N' Glow™ Triple Protect Moisturiser SPF 30.

In the evening, you can skip the SPF and reach for night creams that replenish your skin as you sleep, like our NEW Active Skin Barrier Care Repairing Rich Cream and Soothing Water Cream, enriched with Ceramide Boosters that deeply replenish the skin.

The delicate eye area can need a little extra care, so you can use an eye cream like Kind to Skin™ Soothing Eye Balm.

 

How to use

Apply a small amount to the skin and allow it to sink in.

The skincare routine steps to do a few times a week

Masking

Whether you need a deep clean or next-level hydration, face masks are another great way to meet your skin’s needs (and hopefully take time to relax in the process!)

We’ve got a whole array of sheet masks, clay masks, eye masks and more that you can try right here - experiment with different formulas to find what you enjoy using most.

How to use

After cleansing and depending on the formula, apply and leave it on for a few minutes (check the packaging for exact timings) before removing.

Exfoliating

Gently exfoliating a few times a week, either by chemical exfoliating or using scrubs, will help buff away dead skin cells and reveal fresher, more even-looking skin. Try adding our glow-enhancing Protect ‘N’ Glow™ Express Glow Clay Polish or oil-banishing Daily Skin Detox Pore Polishing Scrub into your routine. Just be careful not to over-exfoliate and irritate your skin barrier.

How to use

After cleansing, apply a small amount to your skin in a circular motion before rinsing with warm water.

Treatments

Lastly, skin can be a little unpredictable. If you do happen to get the occasional blemish, you can use a targeted spot treatment as and when you need it.

Ready for more?

So, there you have it. You’re officially on your way to becoming a skincare pro! We hope you love your new routine - let us know how you get on over on our social channels.

If you’re looking for more skincare tips and tricks, or you’re curious about other products you can use as part of your face care routine, we’ve got lots more articles for you to check out here.