A simple morning and night skincare routine

A short routine you follow every day does more than a long one you skip.

Morning

1. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser, or just water if your skin is dry.
2. Moisturize with a formula suited to your skin type.
3. Sunscreen: a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied generously, every day.

Night

1. Cleanse, twice if you wore sunscreen or makeup.
2. Treat with one active, such as a retinoid or an exfoliating acid, if you use one.
3. Moisturize.

Add one product at a time

Introduce new actives one at a time, a few nights a week at first, so you can tell what works and what irritates.

Know your skin type

Oily skin often prefers gel textures; dry skin, creams. Combination skin may need different products on different areas.

When to see a professional

For persistent acne, rashes or changes in a mole, see a dermatologist.