The only skincare products you really need

New year, new skin and so we head out to buy all the latest serums, creams and toners we think we need to achieve our best skin possible. Although we’ve been told time after time that we need a 10-step skincare routine or the latest serum or skincare device to have glowing and dewy skin, we’re sure some of us wish that things could be simpler and honestly, it can. All you really need is 3 skincare products to get you through the day: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. That’s really it.

Step 1: Cleanser

Let’s start with why we need a cleanser. Simply put, it cleans your face by removing dirt, oil, dead skin cells, build-up of products be it makeup or skincare products that you've applied on your face. This is to avoid any buildup of bacteria, grime and impurities which means less congestions and breakouts. So it's an important part of your skincare routine.

You may think choosing a good cleanser isn’t that important since it’s a rinse-off but choosing a cleanser that works for you is super important. If a cleanser isn’t right for you, it can lead to prolonged irritation which could worsen any skin issues you may be facing such as acne or eczema. It can also dry out your skin, making it so much worse for dehydrated or dry skin type. 

Step 2: Moisturiser

Moisturisers help to repair and protect your skin barrier. It helps to seal in moisture by preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) which basically means the loss of moisture from your skin to the environment. This is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. A moisturiser that has antioxidants will further protect your skin from environmental damages.

But wait. Shouldn’t we be applying toner before this step? Believe it or not, toners aren’t exactly essential but they are a great addition to your skincare routine. If your cleanser is effective and gentle enough, technically your skin shouldn’t feel like it needs more hydration from a toner and hence, a moisturiser should be sufficient. However, we know it’s not always the case. You might be someone with dry or dehydrated skin and would benefit from the use of toner. Or you’re someone suffering from congested or clogged pores and would benefit from a toner that has chemical exfoliants (BHA) to target your skin issues. Ultimately, use what works for you.

Step 3: Sunscreen

This step is a MUST!  It’s crucial to always, always apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays to prevent dark spots, pigmentation, uneven skin tone in the first place. It is considered the number one cause of aging and studies have shown that applying sunscreen helps with slowing down signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging of skin. Without this crucial step, all those expensive skincare products you’ve applied on your face to achieve a brighter, healthier skin would just go to waste.

So the next time you’re considering a new product, ask yourself if “why” you’re getting it and does it serve a purpose on your vanity table.