Minimalist skincare: where to start without overthinking it

You're often sold ten-step routines, but your skin doesn't need that. A simple, regular, gentle base does far more than ten products used once and then forgotten at the back of a drawer.

The three basic steps

Cleanse morning and evening with a gentle product, moisturise with a light cream, and protect from the sun during the day. That's the trio that covers the essentials for most skin.

Add only if needed

The rest - serums, masks, exfoliants - comes later, and only if you feel the need. Introduce one product at a time to see how your skin reacts. If a problem persists, talk to a dermatologist or pharmacist.