Skincare for Beginners: Simple Steps to Clear, Radiant Skin

Embarking on a skincare journey can feel like navigating a maze of products, ingredients, and advice. If you’re a skincare beginner, it’s essential to start with the basics to build a routine that works for your skin type. No need for complex routines or a cluttered vanity—just a few simple steps will help you achieve clear, radiant skin in no time.

I’ll walk you through the essential skincare steps for beginners, along with product recommendations tailored to different skin types. Whether you’re struggling with oily skin, dry patches, or looking to boost your glow, I’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow steps and trustworthy products.

Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin

Cleansing is the first and most important step in any skincare routine. A good cleanser will remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Choosing the right cleanser based on your skin type is key to avoiding irritation and ensuring your skin is properly prepped for the next steps.

Recommended Cleansers:

• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
• Best For: Dry and sensitive skin types.
• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin help restore the skin’s natural moisture balance.
• How to Use: Apply a small amount to damp skin, massage gently, and rinse with lukewarm water.
• Where to Buy: Boots
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
• Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin.
• Key Ingredients: Zinc and glycerin help purify the skin and regulate excess oil.
• How to Use: Lather onto wet skin, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
• Where to Buy: LookFantastic
• Cleansing Oil by DHC
• Best For: All skin types, especially dry and combination.
• Key Ingredients: Olive oil and vitamin E nourish while cleansing.
• How to Use: Massage onto dry skin and emulsify with water before rinsing off.
• Where to Buy: DHC UK

Tip: Cleanse twice a day—once in the morning to remove overnight oils and once at night to remove makeup, pollution, and dirt. Be gentle, as over-cleansing can cause irritation and dryness.

Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week)

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and brighten your complexion. However, be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as this can lead to irritation and sensitivity. A gentle exfoliator can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels.

Recommended Exfoliators:

• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
• Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin.
• Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid exfoliates inside the pores, reducing breakouts and preventing blackheads.
• How to Use: Apply to a cotton pad and swipe over clean skin, avoiding the eye area.
• Where to Buy: Paula’s Choice UK
• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
• Best For: Dry and combination skin.
• Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid helps gently exfoliate the skin and improve texture.
• How to Use: Apply with a cotton pad at night, and follow up with sunscreen in the morning.
• Where to Buy: Cult Beauty
• St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
• Best For: Normal to combination skin types (note: avoid if you have sensitive skin).
• Key Ingredients: Ground apricot seeds help buff away dead skin.
• How to Use: Massage onto damp skin, rinse thoroughly.
• Where to Buy: Boots

Tip: Exfoliate no more than 2-3 times per week to avoid over-exfoliating. Always follow up with sunscreen during the day to prevent sun damage.

Step 3: Apply a Toner

A toner helps restore your skin’s natural pH balance after cleansing and exfoliating, prepping it for better absorption of serums and moisturizers. It can also help tighten pores and provide a refreshing feeling.

Recommended Toners:

• Pixi Glow Tonic
• Best For: All skin types, especially for a natural glow.
• Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid and aloe vera help brighten and soothe the skin.
• How to Use: After cleansing, apply to a cotton pad and swipe over your face.
• Where to Buy: LookFantastic
• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
• Best For: Dry and combination skin.
• Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid helps gently exfoliate and promote skin radiance.
• How to Use: Apply with a cotton pad to cleansed skin in the evening.
• Where to Buy: Cult Beauty
• Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner
• Best For: Dry and sensitive skin.
• Key Ingredients: Rose water and rose fruit extract hydrate and refresh.
• How to Use: After cleansing, use a cotton pad to apply to the face and neck.
• Where to Buy: Sephora UK

Tip: Don’t skip this step—toning helps remove any remaining impurities after cleansing and preps your skin for the rest of your routine.

Step 4: Serum for Targeted Skincare

Serums are packed with concentrated ingredients that address specific skin concerns, such as dark spots, acne, or wrinkles. Whether you’re targeting hydration, anti-aging, or brightening, the right serum can make a noticeable difference in your skin’s appearance.

Recommended Serums:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Best For: All skin types, especially for boosting hydration.
• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the skin, while Vitamin B5 helps with healing.
• How to Use: Apply a few drops to damp skin, morning and night, before moisturizer.
• Where to Buy: The Ordinary UK
• La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
• Best For: Dull, uneven skin tone.
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C helps brighten and even out the skin tone.
• How to Use: Apply a few drops to your face in the morning, followed by sunscreen.
• Where to Buy: LookFantastic
• Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Anti-Aging Serum
• Best For: Mature skin and those looking for anti-aging benefits.
• Key Ingredients: Rhamnose and Vichy volcanic water to lift and plump the skin.
• How to Use: Apply to clean skin, morning and night, for smoother, firmer skin.
• Where to Buy: Boots

Tip: Serums should be applied before your moisturizer to ensure they can penetrate deep into the skin. Choose a serum based on your skin’s needs.

Step 5: Moisturize Your Skin

Moisturizing is essential for maintaining skin hydration, and the type of moisturizer you use depends on your skin type. Whether you need a light gel or a richer cream, moisturizing helps lock in moisture and keeps your skin feeling smooth.

Recommended Moisturizers:

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
• Best For: Oily and combination skin.
• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid provides a burst of hydration without the greasy feel.
• How to Use: Apply a thin layer to your face and neck every morning and night.
• Where to Buy: Boots
• Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
• Best For: Dry and sensitive skin.
• Key Ingredients: Aloe vera and humectants provide long-lasting hydration.
• How to Use: Apply a generous amount after serum for all-day hydration.
• Where to Buy: Sephora UK
• Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
• Best For: Very dry and cracked skin.
• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, urea, and natural moisturizing factors.
• How to Use: Massage into the skin after serum, especially on rough or dry areas.
• Where to Buy: Amazon UK

Tip: Even if you have oily skin, don’t skip moisturizer. Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula to keep your skin balanced and hydrated.

Step 6: Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine, as it prevents skin damage, premature aging, and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30

Recommended Sunscreens:

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
• Best For: Sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Key Ingredients: Broad-spectrum protection with a lightweight, invisible formula.
• How to Use: Apply generously to your face and neck every morning.
• Where to Buy: LookFantastic
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Best For: All skin types, especially for those who prefer a non-greasy finish.
• Key Ingredients: Helioplex technology for broad-spectrum protection.
• How to Use: Apply generously to the face 15 minutes before sun exposure.
• Where to Buy: Boots
• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
• Best For: Normal to oily skin types.
• Key Ingredients: Aloe and frankincense extract hydrate and protect the skin.
• How to Use: Apply to your face and neck as the final step of your morning routine.
• Where to Buy: Cult Beauty

Tip: Make sunscreen your daily habit, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from UV damage and maintain its health.

Keep It Simple and Consistent

Starting a skincare routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these simple steps and incorporating the right products for your skin type, you’ll be on your way to clearer, more radiant skin in no time. The key is consistency—stick to your routine and allow your skin the time it needs to show results.

For the best deals and easy shopping, I recommend checking out UK-based platforms like Boots, LookFantastic, Cult Beauty, and Sephora UK. These retailers offer a wide variety of products, great deals, and convenient delivery options.

Here’s to your healthy, glowing skin—happy skincare journey!