The Only 3 Products You Really ‘Need’ in Your Skincare Routine

Updated:

24 Oct 2023

Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.

skincare routine

Whether you're a beauty novice or a hardcore enthusiast, there are three skincare products absolutely everyone should be using.

It just so happens these products are often overlooked because, well, they aren't all that sexy.

We're talking about the holy trinity of beginner skin care:

Cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.

If you're rolling your eyes thinking yeah, yeah, just give me the serums and peels please, stay with us.

Because honest, these three core skincare products become infinitely more attractive once you get to know them (and what they can do for your skin).

So, consider this your speed dating session with cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.

You can find out more by listening to the Week 2 episode of Skincare School the podcast below (or keep scrolling for the quick version).

Step 1: Cleanser.

Cleansers are the first step in your skincare routine and it's their job to cleanse your skin of any dirt, makeup, sunscreen, impurities and oil accumulated throughout the day.

All skin types can benefit from using a cleanser.

Drier skin types may only need to cleanse in the evening, while oily or combo skin types might find their skin responds better to cleansing morning and night.

Test and learn to see what works best for you.

But can't I just use water to wash my face, you ask?

Water is an OK cleanser, but it can't break down oil-based grime on the skin, so properly cleansing will prevent your pores from clogging.

You can learn more about cleansers in our YouTube video below.

Best Cleansers.

Gel (foaming): Viviology Gentle Foaming Cleanser 200mL
Active: Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12%
Oil: Dermalogica PreCleanse
Cream: Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser
Micellar: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution

You can browse and shop cleansers here.

Step 2: Moisturiser.

Excuse the netball analogy, but moisturiser is basically the WD of skin care.

(Exfoliants would be GA because they get all the glory, and a niacinamide serum would 100 per cent play C.)

All skin types can benefit from using a moisturiser because it's the step that will adequately hydrated and moisturise the skin, which helps your skin to function properly.

The type of moisturiser consistency you choose will depend on what your skin likes - gels usually suit oilier skin types while dry skin enjoys a thicker cream.

You can learn more about moisturiser in our YouTube video below.

Best Moisturisers.

Best-seller: Aspect Phytostat 9
Gel: Murad Age Reform Nutrient-Charged Water Gel
Cream: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Riche Prebiotic Moisturiser for Dry Skin
All-rounder: Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser 50mL

You can browse and shop moisturisers here.

Step 3: Sunscreen.

Last and most importantly, everyone should be using a sunscreen each and every day as the last step in their skincare routine.

Not just when you're at the beach, but also out and about under makeup, while working from home, out on a walk or catching up with friends.

Aside from increasing your risk of skin cancer, we know around 80 per cent of visible skin ageing is attributed to sun damage.

One of the ways we can protect our skin from the sun is to apply enough of a broad spectrum sunscreen in at least SPF30+ (but ideally SPF50+) every day.

To find out which type of sunscreen is suitable for you, watch our sunscreen YouTube video below.

Best-Selling Sunscreens on Adore Beauty.

And of course, SPF is only one part of sun protection!

Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label. You know the drill.

You can browse and shop sunscreen here.

And there you have it!

The only three products you need to start your skincare routine.