The skincare industry thrives on excess. Viral ingredients and weekly launches, but skincare doesn’t need 15 steps, 15 products or 15 hours to work.....all it needs is structure. 

But ask most dermatologists where to begin, they consistently recommend: 

Cleanse, Protect, Treat, Repair.

No hype. No trend chasing. Just skin health. This is the foundational routine that prioritises skin health over trends, building real, visible results over time.

Step 1: A Gentle Cleanser (Put your Skin Barrier First)

Healthy skin starts with a functioning barrier. Over-cleansing and harsh foaming formulas are the root cause of irritation, breakouts, and sensitivity.

A dermatologist-favourite option like Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Creamy Cleanser which removes impurities without stripping natural oils. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin, exactly what a starter routine should be.

 

Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Creamy Cleanser

 

Step 2: A Proven Vitamin C (Morning Protection)

Vitamin C is one of the most researched antioxidant ingredients in skincare. It helps defend against environmental stress, supports brightness, and improves uneven tone.

A reliable and affordable option is The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%, which delivers a stable form of vitamin C to brighten the skin, improve uneven tone, and provide antioxidant protection. 

 

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

 

Step 3: A Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF (Non-Negotiable)

No active ingredient outperforms sunscreen. Consistent SPF use is the most effective anti-ageing and skin-protecting step available.

Heliocare 360 Water Gel SPF 50 offers broad-spectrum protection in a lightweight, non-greasy gel formula that’s ideal for daily use, even on sensitive or acne-prone skin. 

 

Heliocare 360 Water Gel SPF 50 offers broad-spectrum protection

 

Step 4: A Beginner Retinol (Evening Only)

Retinoids remain the most evidence-backed ingredient for improving texture, breakouts, and early signs of ageing.

 A controlled introduction using Obagi OBAGI360 Retinol 1.0 allows the skin to build tolerance gradually. Start with two to three nights per week, and increase slowly as your skin adapts, pairing it with a barrier-supportive moisturiser for best results.

Start two to three nights per week and increase slowly.

 

Obagi OBAGI360 Retinol 1.0

 

Step 5: A Barrier-Repair Moisturiser (Repair + Support)

Actives can only do so much if the skin is compromised. A restorative moisturiser like La Roche Posay Toleriane Sensitive Riche Creme - Fragrance Free helps calm irritation and reinforce the skin barrier, especially important when introducing retinol.

 

La Roche Posay Toleriane Sensitive Riche Creme - Fragrance Free

The Routine Wrapped Up:

Morning
Cleanser → Vitamin C → Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
Cleanser → Retinol (2–3x weekly to start) → Moisturiser