Beauty · 5 min read
A No-Nonsense Skincare Routine
Four products, in the right order, for real results.
Skincare has become a hobby industry. It doesn't need to be. Four products, used in the right order, cover 90% of what most people actually need.
Cleanser (AM & PM)
A gentle, low-foam cleanser. If it strips your skin so it squeaks, it's too aggressive. Massage for thirty seconds, rinse with lukewarm water.
Vitamin C serum (AM)
10–15% L-ascorbic acid is the researched sweet spot. Apply on damp skin, wait a minute, then move on. It brightens, evens tone, and helps sunscreen work harder.
Moisturiser (AM & PM)
Look for ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid — the boring, well-studied ingredients. Match the texture to how oily your skin runs, not the marketing.
Sunscreen (AM, non-negotiable)
SPF 30 minimum, reapplied if you're outside. This is the single product with the most evidence behind it. Everything else in the routine works better because of it.
Add retinol at night after a few weeks if you want. Skip it and you're still doing better than 95% of routines.