Skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s a journey, one that often involves plenty of experimentation and patience.
After more than a decade of dealing with persistent acne and the challenges of combination skin, I finally found a skincare routine that truly works.
From countless trial-and-error attempts to real results, this guide is packed with everything I’ve learned and now swear by. If you’re looking to save time, money, and stress while giving your skin the care it deserves, keep reading.
Skincare Routine Overview
To keep things simple and structured, I’ve broken down my ultimate skincare routine into three core sections:
- Morning Routine
- Night Routine
- Once-a-Week Must-Dos
Let’s dive into each of them with full detail, step-by-step instructions, and recommended products that actually deliver.
Morning Routine: Start Fresh and Protect
Mornings set the tone for the rest of your day—and your skin deserves to start strong. The focus in the morning is on cleansing away overnight grime, replenishing moisture, and shielding your skin from environmental damage. Here’s how I tackle all that in five streamlined steps:
Step 1: Cleanse
I love starting the day with the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser from La Roche-Posay. It’s gentle yet effective, especially for oily and combination skin types. Dermatologist-recommended and affordable, this cleanser removes excess oil without stripping your skin.
How to use: Dispense one pump into your hands, lather, massage onto damp skin, and rinse using a warm washcloth.
Step 2: Tone
Toning helps restore your skin’s pH, minimize oiliness, and refine pores. I stick with the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Lotion, which gently exfoliates and smooths the surface of the skin thanks to its micro-exfoliating formula.
How to use: Pour a 10-pence-sized amount onto a cotton pad and sweep across your face, avoiding the eye area.
Step 3: Serum
During the day, I alternate between two powerful serums: Hyalu B5 Serum and Vitamin C10 Serum by La Roche-Posay. The Hyalu B5 plumps fine lines with hyaluronic acid, while the Vitamin C serum brightens and adds radiance.
How to use: Apply about a quarter of a pipette to your face and massage gently until absorbed.
Step 4: Moisturise
Olay’s Niacinamide-infused moisturiser is my daytime go-to. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t trigger breakouts. Niacinamide helps strengthen your skin barrier while improving elasticity and hydration.
How to use: Use a pea-sized amount and apply evenly across your face.
Step 5: SPF
If I’m stepping outside, I layer on La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF—even if my moisturiser already contains SPF30. This sunscreen doesn’t clog pores or feel greasy, making it a holy grail product for oily skin types.
How to use: Apply a pea-sized amount after moisturising, and be sure to reapply if you’ll be outside for long.
Night Routine: Cleanse, Repair, Replenish
My nighttime routine is all about recovery. While you sleep, your skin gets a chance to repair and regenerate. I take that opportunity seriously with this five-step regimen that calms, nourishes, and preps your skin for tomorrow.
Step 1: Double Cleanse
To truly remove the day’s makeup and buildup, I start with Clinique’s Take the Day Off Balm—a creamy, oil-based cleanser that melts everything off. Then, I follow with the same La Roche-Posay Effaclar cleanser for a deeper clean.
How to use: Rub a ten-pence-sized amount of balm on dry skin to dissolve makeup, then follow with your water-based cleanser.
Step 2: Tone
Even in the evening, I don’t skip toner. The Effaclar toner ensures that my pores stay tight and clear while setting the stage for better absorption of the next steps.
How to use: As with the morning, apply with a cotton pad all over your face.
Step 3: Night Serum (Retinol)
Night is when I bring out the heavy hitter: retinol. I use La Roche-Posay’s Retinol B3 Serum to target signs of aging, treat acne, and reduce inflammation. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and powerful enough to deliver visible results.
How to use: Use a quarter-pipette, apply it directly to your face, and massage it in.
Step 4: Moisturise
At night, I opt for something richer. Dior’s Capture Totale Super Potent Rich Cream is luxurious but worth every penny. It deeply hydrates and plumps my skin, leaving it baby-soft by morning.
How to use: Scoop out a five-pence-sized amount and apply evenly across your face.
Step 5: Neck and Décolletage Care
Often overlooked, your neck deserves TLC too. I rely on the Prai Ageless Throat & Decolletage Cream to keep that area firm and hydrated.
How to use: Gently massage a small amount into the neck and chest area before bed.
Weekly Skin Boosters: For That Extra Glow
While the daily routine is the foundation, some treatments are best done once a week. These targeted treatments enhance your skin’s texture, clarity, and glow without overloading your barrier.
Weekly Exfoliation
My go-to exfoliator is the Elemis Blackcurrant Jelly Superfood Exfoliator. It’s slightly grainy but not too harsh, and it leaves my skin looking renewed and smooth.
How to use: Apply a pea-sized amount to damp skin, massage in gentle circles, and rinse with warm water. Use in the evening after cleansing.
Weekly Clay Mask
Clay masks are a must for oily or acne-prone skin. La Roche-Posay’s clay mask draws out impurities, controls shine, and helps tighten pores without over-drying.
How to use: Apply a thin layer using a brush, leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Weekly Face and Eye Masks
To boost your skin barrier and hydration levels, I recommend using sheet masks or eye masks. While I haven’t settled on a favorite, I love experimenting with new hydrating and plumping formulas.
Pro Tip: Look for masks containing ceramides, peptides, or hyaluronic acid for added nourishment.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far—congratulations! Finding the perfect skincare routine takes time, patience, and self-discovery. I’ve battled every skin issue imaginable, from teenage acne to adult oiliness and sensitivity. This routine has transformed not just my skin, but my confidence.
Remember, skincare is deeply personal. What works for me might not be perfect for you—but I hope this guide serves as a helpful starting point. With consistency and care, you’ll find what your skin truly loves.