NL Skin test

Home / Routine

Basic routine

A routine you'll stick to

A good skincare routine is above all consistent, not complicated. Three basic steps already get you a long way. Everything after that is a bonus.

01

Cleanse

In the evening, cleanse with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. If you wear sunscreen or make-up, start with a cleansing oil, balm or micellar water. In the morning water is often enough.

02

Moisturise

A cream that suits your skin type. Dry skin wants something richer, oily skin something lighter. Oily skin needs moisture too.

03

Protect

Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning. About two finger-lengths for face and neck, and reapply if you're outside for a long time.

Morning and evening

Morning

  1. Water or a gentle cleanser
  2. Optionally a serum (for example vitamin C or niacinamide)
  3. Day cream
  4. Sunscreen SPF 30+

Evening

  1. Cleanse (with make-up or SPF, start with an oil or micellar water)
  2. Optionally an active product, such as an exfoliant or retinol
  3. Night cream

In what order?

A handy rule of thumb: thinnest to thickest. Watery products such as serums first, then creams and oils. During the day, sunscreen always goes on last, before any make-up.

Trying new products

  • Add one new product at a time, so you know what your skin is reacting to.
  • Test it for a few days on a small patch of skin first, for example under your jawline.
  • Give a product a few weeks. With retinol or exfoliants it often takes longer to see results.
  • Don't combine strong actives (retinol, AHA, BHA) on the same evening if your skin is sensitive.

Exfoliating: how often?

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and can make your skin smoother. Don't overdo it: one to three times a week is enough for most people. A mild acid exfoliant such as lactic or salicylic acid is often kinder than a grainy scrub. If your skin stings or feels raw, take a break.

Beyond the jar

Your skin also benefits from things that cost nothing: enough sleep, not touching your face, washing your pillowcase regularly, cleaning your phone screen and not showering too hot. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your skin.

Pregnant or breastfeeding?Talk to your GP or midwife about active ingredients. Retinoids (such as retinol) are not recommended during this time.