Let’s not overegg skincare. Cleanse; moisturise; protect. That’s actually as simple as it needs to be.

However, sorting through the deafening noise of industry experts, know-it-alls and aggressive marketing can often be a tough ask. Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA — your daily habits have a big impact too. Ultimately though, caring for your skin is just a matter of personal choice and often what works for one might not do jot for the next person. Not feeling the energy to hack through the noise? Here’s the basics.

Cleanse

Cleansing is just a fancy word for cleaning. The process removes skin-care products, make-up, excess oil, sweat, pollutants and other debris. The general rule of thumb is to wash your face twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. But being gentle is key. Don’t scrub as this can cause unnecessary irritation or inflammation. Look for hydrating cleansers because these lock in moisture and natural oils.

Moisturise

This stage is to keep the skin healthy by adding and locking in hydration. A good layer of an effective moisturiser can serve as a physical barrier for lots of things. This, in turn, can prevent irritation, dryness and cracking. Most dermatologists recommend oil-free, fragrance-free moisturisers because they are well-tolerated by most skin types including sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. Products containing natural ingredients tend to be the most popular today.

Protect

Ok, this one is pretty simple. If you do nothing else, do this — SPF 30+ (50+ if you find a good product). We’re not even joking. Even if you never take the time to wash your face properly, you should slap on the SPF anyway. Disclaimer: we are not suggesting you shouldn’t wash your face (or anything else for that matter)!

Sun damage causes skin cancer, sun burns, pigmentation and premature aging. A broad-spectrum sun screen means it protects from UVA and UVB rays, and it’s what you should be looking for.

Find a moisturiser that has at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection and you can even knock this routine from three steps down to two. Yep, how clever.

If you do fancy going the extra mile

Get this basic routine down before you gradually begin to add additional steps as you see fit. A good place to start is with either hyaluronic acid, a gooey, slippery serum to help with hydration, or an over the-counter retinol or retinoid. This can be added to your evening routine to help boost collagen, improve pigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Less is more

The skincare basics are worth noting because often, it’s better not to overdo it. Using a few active ingredients is all you need.