Skincare: what is it and where to start?
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Short answer: skincare is the set of daily things you do to look after your skin. To start, three steps are enough: gentle cleansing, a moisturiser that suits your skin type and sunscreen in the morning. Only once the basics are stable does it make sense to add an active, one at a time.
What skincare is
Skincare isn't a shopping list: it's a routine that keeps your skin clean, comfortable and protected. A short routine used every day tends to be more useful than a long one used now and then.
The three basic steps
- Cleansing. At night, to remove sunscreen, make-up and grime. In the morning, water or a gentle cleanse is enough for many people. Avoid cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight.
- Moisturising. A moisturiser helps skin hold on to water and keeps the skin barrier comfortable. Oily skin needs it too: choose a lighter texture.
- Sun protection. Every morning, SPF 30 or 50 with a UVA symbol, in a generous amount.
How to tell your skin type
A few hours after washing your face, without applying anything, check:
- Tight or flaky: dry tendency.
- Shiny all over: oily tendency.
- Shiny only on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin): combination tendency.
- Reacts easily (stinging, redness): sensitive or sensitised skin.
Your skin type can change with the season, the climate and the products you use.
When and how to add actives
Once the basics have been stable for a few weeks, you can add one active with a specific goal: for example, a gentle exfoliant for texture, vitamin C in the morning, or retinol or bakuchiol at night. Introduce one product at a time, patch test on a small area and increase frequency slowly.
If you have a skin condition (persistent acne, rosacea, eczema, spots that change), see a dermatologist: cosmetics complement, but don't replace, medical care.
Common beginner mistakes
- Buying lots of products at once and not knowing which one caused a reaction.
- Exfoliating too many times a week.
- Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days or in winter.
- Changing routine before giving your skin time.
A simple base: the Fragrance-Free Moisturiser (organic aloe vera juice, jojoba, glycerin and hyaluronic acid) and the Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.
Fragrance-Free Moisturiser →For the right order of application, read What's the correct order to apply skincare?. To build your routine step by step, read How to put together a simple skincare routine.
FAQ
Do I need a toner?
It isn't essential. It can be a light hydrating step, but a routine with cleansing, moisturiser and sunscreen is already complete.
Is skincare for everyone?
Yes. Skin has no gender: the same principles apply to anyone.
Are "natural" products better?
Not necessarily. Natural and synthetic ingredients can be equally safe and effective, and both can irritate. What matters is the formula and your skin's tolerance.