A simple skincare routine for women.

A good skincare routine is really just three steps done consistently: cleanse, moisturise, and protect from the sun every day. Everything beyond that is optional. If you enjoy skincare, a few cosmetic actives can be added carefully, but they are extras, not the foundation. Here is the simple version and how to build on it without overcomplicating things.

The skincare aisle is built to make you feel you need more than you do. You don't. The Better Health Channel describes gentle cleansing and regular moisturising as the basis of looking after skin, and warns that harsh or stripping products often backfire. Start simple, keep it up, and only add things if you actually want to.

The three core steps

1. Cleanse

Use a gentle cleanser to remove the day's grime, sunscreen and excess oil. Most people do well cleansing in the evening, and either rinsing with water or using a gentle cleanser again in the morning. Avoid harsh, heavily fragranced or stripping washes, and skip very hot water, which can leave skin dry and irritated. Pat dry rather than rub.

2. Moisturise

Apply a moisturiser suited to your skin while it is still slightly damp, to help hold in moisture. Lighter, water-based formulas tend to suit oilier skin, while richer creams suit drier skin. Moisturised skin is more comfortable and tends to look smoother. This is also the step that makes the most everyday difference to how skin feels.

3. Daily sun protection

This is the step that matters most in Australia. Finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, applied generously, and reapply through the day when you are outdoors or UV is high. Cancer Council Australia recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that is SPF50 or SPF50+, alongside clothing, a hat, shade and sunglasses. If you only keep one habit, keep this one. There is more on why in sun, pigmentation and melasma in Australia.

Optional cosmetic actives

If you want to go beyond the basics, a few over-the-counter cosmetic ingredients are commonly used. None of these are essential, and they support the appearance of skin rather than treating any condition. Add them one at a time so you can tell how your skin responds.

• Vitamin C is an antioxidant serum often used in the morning, before moisturiser, to support a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
• Retinol (a vitamin A derivative) is usually used at night for skin texture and the look of fine lines. Start with a low strength a couple of nights a week, build up slowly, and always pair it with daytime sun protection, as it can make skin more sun-sensitive.
• Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) is a gentle, well-tolerated ingredient many people use to support a smoother, more balanced look.

Keep it modest. One or two actives used consistently beat a crowded shelf. For more on which of these are worth it as skin ages, see collagen and skin ageing: what actually helps.

Layering, consistency and patch-testing

A few simple habits make any routine work better:

• Layer thinnest to thickest. Watery serums go on before creams, and sunscreen goes on last in the morning. Let each layer settle for a moment before the next.
• Be consistent. Skin renews over weeks, so results build with steady use. A simple routine you do daily beats an elaborate one you do occasionally.
• Patch-test new products. Try a new product on a small area first for a few days before using it on your whole face, especially with active ingredients.
• Introduce one thing at a time. If something reacts, you will know what caused it.
• Less is often more. Using too many strong products at once is a common cause of irritation. If your skin gets red, tight or flaky, simplify.

Common questions