The skincare industry is filled with products for almost every skin problem you could experience. From struggling with dry skin to dark spots and blemishes, there are multiple (and often expensive) products available for each problem.
Followed by a flood of skincare trends and recommendations, having a basic skincare routine seems almost impossible. With the amount of products, articles, blogs and videos out there, it can be easy to think you need at least 10 products to have healthy skin. That is not the case at all.
Building an effective skincare routine doesn't need an excessive amount of products or have to be expensive. Although advanced routines often include serums, exfoliants and treatments, having a consistent and solid foundation is key. In this quick guide, we will share the 3 core steps of an effective and basic daily skincare routine, and share our choice of affordable skincare products for each step. Each product has been chosen based on consistent positive customer reviews, efficiency, availability across trusted UK retailers and most importantly, affordability.
- Step 1: Cleansing
- Step 2: Moisturising
- Step 3: Protecting
- Skincare FAQs
Step 1: Cleansing in the Morning and Evening
The first step of your skincare routine in the morning and in the evening is cleansing. Cleansing does the job of cleaning the skin, removing dirt, oil, sweat and previously applied product.
For this first step, it is important that your chosen cleanser effectively cleans your skin and removes any impurities without stripping it of moisture and harming your skin barrier.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
- Available sizes and prices: 236ml for £12.50 and 473ml for £18.50
- Suitable for: Sensitive skin; normal to dry skin
- Why we chose it: Can remove makeup, hypoallergenic
- Save further with: Cult Beauty discount code
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
- Available sizes and prices: 50 ml for £8.30 and 150ml for £14.90
- Suitable for: All skin types
- Why we chose it: Can remove waterproof makeup, non-stripping
- Save further with: LOOKFANTASTIC discount code
The INKEY List Oat Balm Cleanser
- Available sizes and prices: 50ml for £8.00 and 150ml for £15.00
- Suitable for: All skin types
- Why we chose it: Can remove waterproof makeup, suitable for blemish-prone skin
- Save further with: Space NK discount code
Step 2: Moisturise in the Morning and Evening
After cleansing, the next step is to apply a moisturiser. A moisturiser provides your skin with much-needed hydration and moisture, as well as supports your skin barrier. It is a key part of a skincare routine to minimise and prevent your skin from drying out and becoming damaged.
Boots Everyday Sensitive Skin Moisturising Cream
- Available size and price: 100ml for £1.45
- Suitable for: Sensitive skin; dry to oily skin
- Why we chose it: Vegan-friendly; affordable moisturiser option
- Save further with: Boots discount code
Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Face Moisturiser
- Available sizes and prices: 50ml for £2.60 and 125ml for £3.85
- Suitable for: Sensitive skin
- Why we chose it: Free from perfume, colourants or harsh chemicals; non-comedogenic
- Save further with: Sainsburys discount code
Step 3: Protect Your Skin in the Morning
The last and potentially most important step in your routine is protecting your skin with sunscreen. This step is only needed in the morning because you will be exposed to the sun’s UV rays during the day.
Many only consider sunscreen if they will be spending time outdoors or as a means to avoid sunburn from prolonged sun exposure, but it is a crucial daily step in a skincare routine. Daily sunscreen is the first step in supporting healthy-looking skin over time, reducing the appearance of dark spots and minimising the risk of skin cancer.
As mentioned by The Guardian, for your skincare routine, the minimum SPF your sunscreen or cream should contain is SPF30+ for effective protection.
Ultrasun Extreme Sun Cream SPF 50+
- Available size and price: 25ml for £6
- Suitable for: Sensitive skin
- Why we chose it: Fast-absorbing, high UVA, UVB and Infrared A-ray protection; hypoallergenic; vegan-friendly
- Save further with: Marks & Spencer discount code
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice+Probiotics SPF50+ - Soothing Sunscreen
- Available size and price: 50 ml for £16.00
- Suitable for: All skin types
- Why we chose it: Organic formulation; moisturising; non-sticky
- Save further with: Sephora discount code
Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution Super UV Protection Fluid SPF50+
- Available size and price: 40ml for £13.99
- Suitable for: All skin types
- Why we chose it: Minimises existing dark spots and prevents new dark spots; non-comedogenic; hydrating
- Save further with: Very discount code
Frequently Asked Questions - Basic Skincare
1. How do I know which skincare products to choose?
When choosing skincare products, consider whether you have dry, oily, sensitive or combination skin. Knowing and understanding your skin type, as well as how it behaves to external factors such as weather, allergens or stress, helps in choosing products that are suitable for you.
2. Should I use sunscreen on cloudy days?
Yes, even when it is cloudy, you are exposed to UV rays and need protection. This also extends to wearing sunscreen indoors as UV rays can penetrate windows.
3. Do you have to cleanse in the morning and evening?
Cleansing in the evening is needed to remove the day’s makeup, SPF and dirt. Many skin types can handle daily cleansing in the morning and evening, however, sensitive skin may only need rinsing in the morning after cleansing in the evening.
4. What does unhealthy or damaged skin look like?
When skin is healthy, it is even in texture and tone, and feels moisturised. When there is damage or issues, skin will often feel dry and tight, will show redness or inflammation, will flake and have sudden or frequent breakouts.
Unlock Your Basic Skincare Routine with Skincare Voucher Codes
Keep it simple with a basic skincare routine that will address your foundational skincare concerns and is not expensive. Cleansing, moisturising and the daily application of sunscreen provide the core benefits that every skin type needs before adding targeted treatments. If you want to splurge on more luxurious skincare products or are ready to advance to targeted treatments, use our verified Skincare voucher codes to save money on your orders.
