Building a Consistent Morning Skincare Routine

Consistency matters more than complexity. A short morning routine that you follow every day will usually serve you better than an elaborate one you only manage occasionally.

The three essential steps

1. Cleanse — a gentle wash or simply rinsing with water, depending on your skin and preference.
2. Moisturise — a layer suited to your skin and the season.
3. Protect — a broad-spectrum sunscreen, applied generously and reapplied as directed on the pack.

If you enjoy them, you can add a mist or serum between cleansing and moisturising. They're optional.

Make it automatic

• Attach your routine to something you already do, like brushing your teeth.
• Keep your morning products together in one place, in the order you use them.
• Choose textures you enjoy — you're more likely to use them.
• Keep a travel-size version in your bag for unexpected days away.

Adjust with the seasons

The same routine may feel different in a humid summer and a dry winter. It's normal to switch to a lighter or richer moisturiser as the weather changes.