Skincare for Beginners: Build a Simple Routine

Cleansing removes sweat, dirt, excess oil and anything you applied during the day. Use lukewarm water rather than hot, apply the cleanser gently with your fingertips and pat your face dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing.

Choose a cleanser that suits how your skin usually feels. A foaming cleanser, such as the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, is generally better suited to normal-to-oily skin. If your skin often feels tight or dry after washing, a gentler, non-foaming option may be more comfortable.

A moisturiser helps your skin hold on to water and feel comfortable. It is useful for every skin type, including oily skin. The difference is texture. Lighter lotions often suit normal, combination or oily skin, while richer creams tend to be more comfortable on dry skin.

For example, someone with combination skin might prefer a light lotion like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, while someone whose skin feels rough and dry might reach for a thicker cream such as Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. You only need one moisturiser that feels right for you.

Sun exposure affects every skin tone, including deeper skin tones. For daytime, dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, applied generously to exposed skin and reapplied when you are outdoors for long periods, sweating or swimming. Shade, hats and covering clothing help too.

Moisturisers and vitamin C products are not substitutes for sunscreen, unless a product is specifically labelled and tested as a broad-spectrum SPF. Zazam Glow does not currently stock sunscreen, so please buy one from a trusted local seller.

Here is one easy way to put the steps together:

Serums and scrubs can be useful for particular goals, but they are optional, not essential first purchases. Scrubs in particular can irritate skin if used too often. Get the basics right first, and add extras only when you have a clear reason.

Introduce one new product at a time and give it a few weeks before adding another. That way, if your skin reacts, you will know which product caused it. Before using something new on your face, you can test a small amount on a small patch of skin first. If you notice stinging, redness, itching or a rash, stop using the product. If a skin concern is painful, persistent or getting worse, speak with a pharmacist or doctor.