What is a skincare routine?

Knowing what products work together, how they benefit your skin, and the order in which to use them is incredibly important when selecting the most effective skincare routine for you. At Paula’s Choice, we recommend an essential skincare routine that consists of three simple steps, 4 products, each designed to treat the core needs of any skin type—the minimum your skin needs to keep it healthy and protected day and night.

Essential skincare routine

Regardless of your skin type, your skincare routine should contain a minimum of 4 products: a cleanser, an exfoliant, a day moisturiser with a minimum SPF of 30 and a night-time moisturiser. These are the core products required to meet all the basic needs of your skin to maintain its health and appearance for the short and long term.

Personalised skincare routine

Step 1: cleanser

The first essential step of every skincare routine is to cleanse. Cleansers remove dirt, excess sebum and makeup. When your face is clean, it allows the other products you use to work even better.

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Personalised skincare routine

Step 2: exfoliant

A gentle leave-on exfoliant removes built-up layers of dead skin cells that cause dullness and clogged pores. When used as the second step in your routine, an exfoliant will leave your skin smooth, radiant, and younger-looking. After application, you don’t have to rinse it off and you can immediately follow with the rest of your routine.

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Personalised skincare routine

Step 3: day moisturiser

The final and most critical step of your daytime routine is application of a moisturiser with SPF 30 or higher. SPF moisturisers keep your skin shielded from sun damage which is the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of ageing. Use as the last step of your morning routine.

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Personalised skincare routine

Step 4: night moisturiser

A night cream should provide more than simple hydration. Packed with antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients that all help skin function better and look healthier. Use as the last step in your evening skincare routine for smoother, younger-looking skin.

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Advanced skincare routine

Now that you’ve established a foundation, you can further personalise your routine by adding in one or more of the following skincare champions.

Toners

Use a toner after cleansing as the second step in your skincare routine. Toners with antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and fatty acids) will not only remove the last traces of makeup but also will provide benefits targeted to your specific skin concerns.

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Toner

Serums

When you begin using a serum you’ll see improvements right away as their antioxidant-rich formulas soothe redness and brighten skin. Use your serum after your exfoliant.

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Serum

Masks

A mask or other facial treatment is ideal for addressing a special need or occasional concern such as adding extra hydration, absorbing excess oil, or calming redness.

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Face mask

Boosters

A mask or other facial treatment is ideal for addressing a special need or occasional concern such as adding extra hydration, absorbing excess oil, or calming redness.

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Booster