Overwhelmed by skincare? Start here. These are the five fundamental steps every skincare routine needs, explained simply and without the jargon.
Skincare can feel like learning a new language. Between serums, actives, acids, essences, and 10-step routines, it's easy to feel lost before you even start. But here's the truth that the skincare industry doesn't always want you to hear: you only need to understand five basic concepts to build a routine that works.
Everything else is optional. These five are not.
Basic #1: Cleansing
What it does: Removes dirt, oil, sweat, makeup, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants from your skin.
Why it matters: If your skin isn't clean, nothing else you apply will work properly. Products can't penetrate through a layer of grime, and leaving makeup or sunscreen on overnight clogs pores and causes breakouts.
How to do it right:
- Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser (pH 4.5-6.5)
- Wash for 30-60 seconds, not just a quick splash
- Use lukewarm water — hot water strips natural oils, cold doesn't dissolve products
- Cleanse twice daily: morning and evening
- If you wear makeup or SPF, double cleanse in the evening (oil-based cleanser first, then water-based)
The golden rule: Your skin should feel clean but comfortable after washing. If it feels tight, dry, or squeaky, your cleanser is too harsh.
Basic #2: Moisturising
What it does: Hydrates your skin and seals in moisture, keeping your skin barrier healthy and protected.
Why it matters: Every skin type needs moisture — yes, even oily skin. When skin is dehydrated, it compensates by producing more oil, leading to the very oiliness you're trying to avoid. Proper hydration keeps skin balanced, supple, and resilient.
How to do it right:
- Apply to slightly damp skin for better absorption
- Use a lightweight formula for oily skin (gel or gel-cream)
- Use a richer formula for dry skin (cream or balm)
- Apply morning and evening, after cleansing (and after any serums)
- Don't forget your neck — skin there ages faster than your face
Key ingredients to look for:
- Hyaluronic acid — Holds up to 1000x its weight in water
- Ceramides — Repair and strengthen the skin barrier
- Glycerin — A humectant that draws moisture to skin
- Squalane — A lightweight oil that mimics your skin's natural sebum
Basic #3: Sun Protection (SPF)
What it does: Shields your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation that causes premature ageing, dark spots, and skin cancer.
Why it matters: This is the single most impactful skincare step you can take. Up to 90% of visible skin ageing is caused by UV exposure, not genetics. Sunscreen prevents wrinkles, dark spots, uneven texture, and — most importantly — reduces skin cancer risk.
How to do it right:
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning
- Apply generously — most people use only 25-50% of what's needed
- The rule of thumb: two finger-lengths of sunscreen for your face and neck
- Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors, or after swimming/sweating
- Apply as the last step of your skincare routine, before makeup
- Yes, even on cloudy days. Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds.
Types of sunscreen:
- Chemical (absorbs UV rays) — Lighter texture, invisible finish
- Mineral/Physical (reflects UV rays) — Better for sensitive skin, can leave a white cast
- Hybrid (both) — Best of both worlds
Basic #4: Exfoliation
What it does: Removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath.
Why it matters: Your skin naturally sheds dead cells, but sometimes this process slows down (especially as you age). When dead cells accumulate, skin looks dull, pores get clogged, and products absorb poorly. Regular exfoliation keeps everything functioning smoothly.
How to do it right:
- Start with 1-2 times per week and increase only if your skin tolerates it
- Choose chemical exfoliants over physical scrubs (they're gentler and more effective)
- Never exfoliate broken, sunburned, or irritated skin
- Always follow with moisturiser and SPF
Types of exfoliants:
- AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) — Glycolic acid, lactic acid. Water-soluble, work on the skin surface. Best for dry, sun-damaged, or dull skin.
- BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) — Salicylic acid. Oil-soluble, penetrate into pores. Best for oily, acne-prone skin.
- PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) — Gluconolactone, lactobionic acid. Gentlest option. Best for sensitive skin.
Warning: Over-exfoliation is one of the most common skincare mistakes. Signs include redness, stinging, increased sensitivity, and breakouts. If this happens, stop exfoliating and focus on barrier repair (ceramides, gentle moisturiser) until your skin recovers.
Basic #5: Targeted Treatment
What it does: Addresses your specific skin concerns with concentrated active ingredients.
Why it matters: The four basics above will maintain generally healthy skin, but if you have specific concerns — acne, dark spots, redness, fine lines — you need targeted treatments to address them.
Common treatments and what they do:
| Concern | Ingredient | How It Works | |---|---|---| | Acne / Breakouts | Salicylic acid, Benzoyl peroxide | Unclogs pores, kills bacteria | | Dark spots | Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Alpha arbutin | Inhibits melanin production | | Redness | Niacinamide, Centella asiatica | Calms inflammation | | Dullness | Vitamin C, AHAs | Brightens and renews | | Fine lines | Retinol, Peptides | Stimulates collagen production | | Dehydration | Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol | Deep hydration |
How to use treatments:
- Apply after cleansing, before moisturiser
- Introduce one new treatment at a time
- Give each product 4-6 weeks to show results
- More is not better — using too many actives at once causes irritation
Putting It All Together: The Routine
Morning:
- Cleanser
- Treatment (optional — vitamin C, niacinamide)
- Moisturiser
- Sunscreen
Evening:
- Cleanser (double cleanse if needed)
- Exfoliant (2-3x per week, not every night)
- Treatment (retinol, acne treatment, etc.)
- Moisturiser
The Most Important Rule
Consistency beats complexity. A simple three-step routine done every day will always outperform a 10-step routine done sporadically. Start with the basics, do them consistently for 4-6 weeks, and only add complexity when you genuinely need it.
Your skin doesn't need 15 products. It needs the right five basics, used consistently, with patience. That's the real secret the skincare industry doesn't want you to know.
Get Your Five Basics Sorted
At Clarity Skin, we've made it easy to nail the fundamentals. Our range covers every essential step — cleansing, moisturising, sun protection, exfoliation, and targeted treatment — all formulated for young skin that's just starting out. No fluff, no unnecessary extras. Shop the basics and build a routine that actually works.
