How to Take Care of Your Skin: 5 Simple Skincare Tips

How should you cleanse your face?

Cleansing helps remove makeup, excess oil, sweat and dirt from the skin. A gentle cleanser is usually sufficient as harsh scrubbing or strong cleansers may irritate the skin and disrupt its protective barrier. ^{[1, 7, 8, 11]}

• Choose a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Avoid harsh cleansers and products with very high alcohol content, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. ^{[7, 11]}
• Wash with lukewarm water and use your fingertips rather than a rough washcloth or scrub. ^[7]
• For most people, washing the face up to twice daily and after heavy sweating is sufficient. ^{[7, 11]}
• Remove makeup before bedtime to prevent it from remaining on the skin overnight. ^{[1, 8]}

Washing your face frequently does not necessarily lead to healthier skin. If your face feels tight, stings or becomes flaky after cleansing, your cleanser may be too harsh, or you may be washing your face too often. ^{[7, 13]}

How do you keep your skin moisturised?

Moisturisers help reduce water loss from the skin, maintain hydration and relieve dryness, roughness and tightness. Applying moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp can help retain moisture. ^{[1, 8, 13]}

• Dry skin: Creams or ointments generally provide better moisture retention than lightweight gels or lotions. ^[13]
• Oily or acne-prone skin: Choose lightweight moisturisers labelled oil-free or non-comedogenic (less likely to clog pores). ^{[8, 11, 13]}
• Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free products with fewer potentially irritating ingredients may be better tolerated. Stop using a product that repeatedly causes burning, stinging or a rash. ^[13]

An effective moisturiser does not need to contain a long list of active ingredients. What matters most is choosing one that suits your skin type, feels comfortable and can be used consistently. ^{[8, 13]}

Why is sunscreen essential for healthy skin?

UV radiation can cause sunburn, premature skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. Regular sun protection is therefore an important part of maintaining healthy skin and reducing the long-term effects of sun exposure. ^{[1, 9, 10]}

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF 30 or higher. ^{[9, 10]}
• Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including the face, ears and neck, before going outdoors. ^[9]
• Reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming or heavy sweating. ^{[9, 10]}
• Combine sunscreen use with other sun protection measures, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. ^[10]

Do you need toner or a face mask?

Toner and face masks are optional rather than essential parts of a skincare routine. For many people, a basic routine of cleansing, moisturising and sun protection is sufficient. Adding more products does not necessarily improve skin health and may increase the risk of irritation. ^{[1, 8]}

Is toner necessary?

Not for everyone. Some toners contain hydrating ingredients, while others contain alcohol, exfoliating acids or astringents that may cause dryness or irritation, particularly in sensitive skin. If you use a toner, choose one that suits your skin type and addresses a specific concern. Stop using if it causes persistent stinging, redness or dryness. ^{[1, 11]}

How often should you use a face mask?

There is no recommended frequency that applies to everyone. Sheet masks, clay masks, overnight masks and other formulations contain different ingredients and serve different purposes. Follow the product instructions and your skin tolerance. Depending on their ingredients, face masks may provide additional hydration or oil control, but they should not replace regular cleansing, moisturising or sun protection. ^{[1, 8]}

How should you care for acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone skin benefits from a gentle and consistent skincare routine. Harsh scrubbing, picking at acne lesions or frequently changing skincare products may increase irritation, worsen inflammation and contribute to skin marks or scarring. ^{[1, 11]}

• Cleanse your face gently up to twice daily and after heavy sweating. ^[11]
• Choose skincare products, sunscreens and makeup labelled non-comedogenic or “won’t clog pores”. ^{[8, 11]}
• Do not squeeze or pick acne lesions, as this may worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring or dark marks. ^[11]
• Evidence-based topical treatments for acne include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and azelaic acid and topical retinoids. The most suitable treatment depends on the type and severity of acne, skin sensitivity and individual suitability. ^[12]

If your acne is painful, deep, persistent, causing scarring or affecting your confidence, seek advice from a pharmacist, doctor or dermatologist rather than repeatedly changing skincare products. ^{[11, 12]}