This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase (at no cost to you!)
Building a good skincare routine may be one of the biggest achievements of my mid-20s. But it didn’t come easily. For most of my teens and early 20s, I had lots of problems with my skin: blemishes, acne scarring, and uneven texture. The way I tried to deal with these issues was by bombarding my face with new products, harsh active ingredients, and wearing heavy makeup to cover up any redness.
Safe to say, my skin barrier was well and truly a wreck.
All attempts to sort these issues out left me with skin that was extremely sensitive, prone to breakouts, and covered in stubborn acne scars that felt like they would never go away.
It took a few years of maximalist routines for me to realise that, really, I needed to go back to basics and adopt a more minimal routine made up of products that addressed my specific skin concerns.
In the process, I’ve discovered some great products that work for me and only take a few minutes to slap on in the morning and evening. The basics apply to everyone, but I’ve also got some great recommendations that are perfect for different skin goals.
Here’s your guide to a perfect routine, depending on your skin type:
Basic Skincare Routine: Essentials For All Skin Types
Let’s start with the absolute basics. If you’re just getting started with a routine, here’s where you should start – nothing more, nothing less.
But, these products are also the foundation to any other routine. So start with this basic routine, then pick and choose from the targeted routines I mention below to find your ultimate product line-up.
KOSE Softymo Cleansing Oil
Everyone needs a good quality oil cleanser in their daily skincare routine to fully remove dirt, oils and makeup from your face at the end of the day. The KOSE Softymo Cleansing Oil has been the one I’ve recommended for years now. It’s cheap, easy to get your hands on, quickly removes makeup and comes off easily as soon as you start splashing your face with water.
Aveeno Face Calm Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
After using cleansing oil, follow up with a water-based facial cleanser to remove excess oil and properly cleanse your face day and night; I like the Aveeno Face Calm Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser. It’s a simple, gentle cleanser that would work for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
When I think of a simple, basic skin-care routine, CeraVe is one of the first brands that come to mind. Their no-fuss products contain ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which protect and maintain the skin barrier. I’ve always used a lot of CeraVe products in my skincare regimen, but their moisturizer is one of the highlights of the brand.
Beauty of Joseon Relief SPF Sunscreen
Finally, and perhaps the most important part of your routine is sunscreen. I’m pretty picky with SPF skin care products, but the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun really stands out. It feels like a moisturiser when you apply it, sinks into the skin immediately, and doesn’t leave any greasy residue like some sunscreens tend to do. It’s also an SPF 50, which I aim for every day (SPF 30 would be my absolute minimum).
Anti-Aging Skincare Routine
When your skin gets older, or you’ve noticed your first wrinkle, you need extra love from your skincare routine. I’ve added a few thicker, more hydrating products that target ageing skin cells more effectively than the basic routine.
Beauty Pie Youthbomb 360° Radiance Concentrate Serum
If you want high-end products that don’t break the bank, I recommend Beauty Pie. You’ll notice that anti-aging skincare is often a lot more expensive than basic products, this is because they contain a lot more active ingredients – you get what you pay for.
The Youthbomb 360° Radiance Concentrate Serum contains ingredients that visibly firm, tighten, hydrate and brighten the skin. The traditional retail price of something like this would set you back £185, but with a Beauty Pie subscription, you can bag it for £44.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum
Retinol is an important product to add to your routine as your skin matures, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal is a gold-standard retinal that is powered by three ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin A and SPF. I like that they have different ‘levels’ of the product, so if you’re a first-time retinal user, you can start with the Retinal 3, or if you’re used to these ingredients, you can go all the way up to Retinal 20.
Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment
I’m a big fan of Allies of Skin, but their products do come at a price (believe me though, they’re totally worth it). My personal favourite from the brand is the Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment, which is a rich and hydrating moisturizer with the texture of a lightweight gel.
I like how it feels on my skin, and I notice a huge difference when using it; my skin is glowing and smoother – a win-win.
Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
When you have sensitive skin, trying new products in case they cause a reaction or flare-up can be scary, but I’ve found some great products that are unlikely to cause any irritation. You can start by incorporating them into your routine a couple of days a week as a patch test before using on a more permanent basis.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum
French pharmacy brands are always top picks for sensitive skin; they are simple, with no-fuss formulas that deliver exactly what you expect. Whenever my skin has a reaction or starts to feel uncomfortable, I’ll use the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum, as it immediately hydrates the skin and gets rid of dryness and itchiness.
Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream
A basic moisturiser also won’t cut it if you have sensitive skin, so I’d recommend Dr Jart’s Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream, which is packed full of ceramides to lock in hydration, moisturizes and strengthens your skin’s barrier.
REN Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm
If your skin is feeling especially sensitive, you may need something a bit more to look after your skin overnight; in that case, I’d recommend Ren’s Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm. This super thick balm (so not for your daytime routine) contains a lipid-rich complex of oils that nourish the most sensitive and dry skin.
Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Oily and combination skin can often be tricky; you want to hydrate and care for your skin, but you don’t want to create any unwanted shine. Over the years, I’ve found some great products that walk that line perfectly.
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum
2024 was the year I started properly investing in my skincare routine, and this was the product that started it all. The SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum is expensive, but I’ve been through two bottles and preparing to buy my third, I couldn’t live without it. The acids gently exfoliate away dead skin cells without irritation (unlike an exfoliating scrub) and get rid of any texture. It’s the reason I’ve had a largely breakout-free complexion for the past year and why my skin is smoother than every – five stars out of five.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Retinol isn’t just for anti-ageing (although it is great for that); it’s also been really helpful for my acne-prone skin. Retinol can get expensive, so if you’re looking for something effective without breaking the bank, try out the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. It’s extremely affordable compared to your other options but is still high-quality.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT+ Moisturiser
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar range has been a favourite for years, and the MAT+ Moisturiser, in particular, is something I constantly recommend to friends with oily skin. It still gives a hit of hydration (because oily skin needs moisture, too, remember) but without any dewy or shiny finish.
Skin care Routine for Dry Skin
It’s the dead of winter as I’m writing this, and I live near the sea, so dry skin comes with the territory. When my skin feels dry, flaky and uncomfortable, I double down on as much hydration as possible. Here are the products I swear by.
Hada Labo Tokyo Premium Lotion
My facialist / dermatologist recommended the Hada Labo Tokyo Premium Lotion to me, and if there’s one person I trust, it’s her. Not only does it sit at a reasonable £21.99 (although you’ll often find it on offer for much less), but you also get 150ml of product, which is pretty much unheard of for serums. Don’t the term ‘lotion’ put you off, this is a hyaluronic acid serum like any other you’ve used.
Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Deep Moisture Miracle Cream
If there’s one thing Beauty Pie knows, it’s how to make a good hyaluronic acid. They have a few options on their site, but this Deep Moisture Miracle Cream is top-tier. A small amount of this will help you say goodbye to your dry skin, trust me.
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
One of the first places I get dry is around my eyes, so a good eye cream is absolutely essential. I don’t think you need anything fancy, so I’ve always been loyal to CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream; it’s hydrating and lightweight, and there’s nothing else you could ask for.
More skincare tips and routines are here!
Find more Volumes of Beauty content over on Substack:
