Skincare guide
The skincare guide
The shelves are full of products, but which ones do you actually need? Here we explain the most common skincare products and the ingredients behind them, one by one: what they do, who they suit and what to look for on the label.
Basic routine order
Products go on from thinnest to thickest. The morning routine ends with sunscreen; in the evening, moisturizer is the last step.
Product guides
What it does, who should use it and what to check on the label: the most used skincare products, one by one.
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Sunscreen
The most effective step in any routine. SPF, UVA protection, the right amount and how often to reapply.
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Face wash
The daily basic that removes dirt, oil and sunscreen without damaging your skin's protective barrier.
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Micellar water
A no-rinse cleanser that lifts makeup and sunscreen; practical for sensitive skin and busy days.
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Cleansing oil and balm
The first step of a double cleanse: dissolves makeup and water-resistant sunscreen with oil.
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Toner
An optional but useful step after cleansing that hydrates, soothes or gently exfoliates the skin.
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Serum
A lightweight product that carries a high dose of actives for one goal: dark spots, acne, dryness or fine lines.
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Moisturizer
Keeps skin hydrated and supports its protective barrier. Belongs in everyone's routine, oily skin included.
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Eye cream
Care made for the thin skin around the eyes. Knowing what it can and cannot do matters.
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Chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA)
Acid products that dissolve dead cells for smoother skin. The right frequency and sunscreen are a must.
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Face mask
Clay, sheet, gel and sleeping masks: which one does what in your weekly routine, and how long to leave it on.
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Spot treatment
Targeted care for individual pimples: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, pimple patches and how to use them.
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Lip balm
Protective care for lips, which have no oil glands: the right ingredients, SPF lip balms and habits that dry lips out.
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Ingredients
All ingredients →The ingredients behind the products: what they do, typical strength and what not to mix them with.
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Niacinamide
Vitamin B3. A versatile, well-tolerated ingredient for pores, oil balance, dark spots and the skin barrier.
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Hyaluronic acid
A moisture magnet that binds water. Suits every skin type; a basic ingredient for hydration and plumpness.
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Retinol
A vitamin A derivative and one of the most researched anti-ageing actives for lines, texture, spots and acne.
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Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant and the star of the morning routine for glow, dark spots and sun-related damage.
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Salicylic acid (BHA)
An oil-soluble acid that clears inside pores; the first choice for blackheads and breakout-prone skin.
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Glycolic acid (AHA)
The smallest AHA. Removes dead cells; effective for dullness, rough texture and sun spots.
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Azelaic acid
An acid that targets acne, rosacea redness and dark spots at once, well tolerated even by sensitive skin.
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Ceramides
The mortar of the skin barrier. Repair the barrier in dry, sensitive skin and skin irritated by actives.
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Panthenol (B5)
Provitamin B5. Hydrates, soothes and helps irritated skin recover.
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Centella asiatica (cica)
The soothing star of Korean skincare. A plant ingredient for redness, sensitivity and barrier support.
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Peptides
Short chains of amino acids. Non-irritating anti-ageing support for firmness and fine lines.
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Bakuchiol
Known as a plant-based alternative to retinol; an anti-ageing ingredient that irritates less.
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Alpha arbutin
A brightening ingredient that slows melanin production to fade sun spots and uneven tone.
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Tranexamic acid
A newer brightening ingredient attracting interest for stubborn spots and melasma; well tolerated.
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Urea
Part of skin's own moisturising factor. Hydrates and softens dry, flaky and thickened skin.
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Kojic acid
A brightening ingredient made by fungal fermentation. Effective on sun spots and uneven tone, but sensitive skin needs care.
How many products does a basic routine need?
For most people, three products are a solid start: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer that suits your skin type and a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning. Toner, serum, eye cream, masks and exfoliants are added on top of that base depending on your goals; you do not have to use them all at once.
Add new products one at a time and give each at least two or three weeks. That way you can clearly see which product works for you and which one irritates your skin.
In what order should you apply products?
The general rule is to go from the thinnest texture to the thickest: cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturizer and, in the morning, sunscreen last. If you use a prescription or spot treatment for breakouts, apply it after your serum and only where it is needed.
There is no sunscreen in the evening routine; strong ingredients such as retinol or acids are usually used at night. Spreading strong actives across different nights, instead of layering several on the same night, is much easier on the skin.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, talk to your dermatologist or pharmacist before starting a new product.
Which products suit you?
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