Ingredients
Plain-language guides to the ingredients that
show up on most skincare labels: what each one does, who it
suits, and how to start using it without irritating your skin.
Sunscreen 
Every morning
Protects skin from UV light, the biggest cause of early lines and dark spots.
– Look for
SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum.
– How to use:
Apply as the last step of your morning routine and reapply every two hours outdoors.
Retinoids
🌙 Night only
Speed up cell renewal to smooth fine lines, fade marks and unclog pores.
– Look for
Retinol or adapalene at a low strength.
– How to use
Start two nights a week, then build up slowly. Always wear sunscreen the next day.
Vitamin C
☀️ 🥔 Morning
An antioxidant that brightens skin and helps fade dark spots over time.
– Look for
L-ascorbic acid at 10 to 15 percent, in dark or airtight packaging.
– How to use
Apply to clean skin before moisturiser and sunscreen.
Moisturiser
☀️ 🌙 Morning and night
Seals in water and keeps the skin barrier comfortable and strong.
– Look for
Gel-cream for oily skin, richer cream for dry skin.
– How to use
Apply on slightly damp skin after serums.
Niacinamide
☀️ 🌙 Morning or night
Calms redness, balances oil and helps even out skin tone.
– Look for
2 to 5 percent in a serum or moisturiser.
– How to use
Works well with most other ingredients, so it is an easy first addition.
Hyaluronic acid
☀️ 🌙 Morning or night
Draws water into the top layer of skin so it looks plumper and less tight.
– Look for
Serums with several molecular weights.
– How to use
Apply to damp skin, then lock in with moisturiser.
Salicylic acid
📅 Few times a week
An oil-soluble BHA that clears blocked pores, blackheads and breakouts.
– Look for
0.5 to 2 percent in a cleanser or leave-on treatment.
– How to use
Begin with two or three times a week and watch for dryness.
Ceramides
☀️ 🌙 Morning and night
Fats that already exist in your skin and keep its protective barrier intact.
– Look for
Moisturisers listing ceramide NP, AP or EOP.
– How to use
A good choice if your skin stings or feels tight after cleansing.
Azelaic acid
☀️ 🌙 Morning or night
Reduces redness and breakouts and gradually fades post-acne marks.
– Look for
10 percent cream or gel.
– How to use
Gentle enough for sensitive skin, but introduce it on its own first.
Add one product at a time
📅 Introduce a new ingredient every two to three weeks. If your skin reacts, you will know exactly which product caused it.
Let your skin grow naturally
Healthy skin takes patience. Be gentle, consistent, and give your
skin the time it needs to glow on its own
