Skin guide
Skin guide
Pick what your skin is doing, and follow a simple routine with the ingredients that matter. Everything here is what I use or have tried myself.
start with one step, not ten
Start here
What is your skin up to?
Choose what sounds like you right now. Each page has a routine, a few ingredients worth knowing, and what I actually use.
01Anti-AgingA simple, evidence-based path to smoother texture and fewer fine lines.02Acne & PoresClear up breakouts and minimize pore appearance with targeted actives.03Even Skin ToneFade dark spots, brighten dullness, and achieve a more uniform complexion.04Sensitivity & RednessCalm reactive skin, reduce redness, and rebuild tolerance to products.05Barrier RepairRestore a damaged skin barrier and lock in lasting hydration.06Sun ProtectionMaster daily SPF habits and protect your skin from UV damage.
The basics
The order I follow
Thinnest to thickest, and sunscreen last in the morning. That is really all of it.
Morning
fast and light1
Cleanseor just water
A gentle cleanser
2
Tone or a padif you like
Something hydrating
3
Serum
Thin, water-based textures first
4
Moisturize
To lock everything in
5
SPF
Always last, before makeup
Night
slow and caring1
Cleanse
Twice if you wore SPF or makeup
2
Tone or a pada few nights a week
Exfoliating pad if your skin likes it
3
Treat
One active at a time
4
Moisturize
Richer than in the morning
5
Maskonce or twice a week
My night mask ritual
What I never layer
Strong exfoliating acids and retinoids go on separate nights. I add one new active at a time and give it a few weeks. In the morning, sunscreen is always the last step.
when in doubt, fewer steps
Ingredients
Ingredients, explained simply
The label usually tells you what a product is for. Here is what each group does and who it suits.
RetinoidsThe vitamin A family, best known for texture, acne and fine lines.Retinol, Retinal, AdapaleneRead moreVitamin CAn antioxidant for brightening and extra daytime protection.Ascorbic acid, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Ascorbyl glucosideRead moreNiacinamideA vitamin B3 that supports the barrier and evens the look of skin.Niacinamide, Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3Read moreSalicylic AcidAn oil-soluble exfoliant best known for pores and breakouts.Salicylic acid, Beta hydroxy acid (BHA), Betaine salicylateRead moreAHASurface exfoliants for texture, dullness and uneven tone.Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Mandelic acidRead morePHAGentler exfoliants with added hydration support.Gluconolactone, Lactobionic acidRead moreAzelaic AcidUseful for redness, acne and post-breakout marks.Azelaic acidRead moreBenzoyl PeroxideA well-studied acne treatment that can be drying.Benzoyl peroxideRead moreHyaluronic AcidA humectant that draws water into the surface of your skin.Hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronateRead moreCeramidesSkin-identical fats that help rebuild a damaged barrier.Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOPRead moreCentella AsiaticaA calming plant extract, often called cica.Centella asiatica extract, Madecassoside, AsiaticosideRead morePeptidesShort chains of amino acids used in skin-firming products.Signal peptides, Copper peptidesRead more