It’s never too late to reassess your Skincare! Here’s the basics you need to know to get a Dermatologist-worthy Skincare routine in 2026.
By Emma, Copywriter & Editor, Hairhouse
A successful Skincare routine is about consistency. You can have a haul of the best brands and products on the market, but unless you use them routinely – and correctly - they won’t be of much help.
Learning how to layer Skincare correctly, identifying which Cleansers, Serums, Moisturisers and SPF work for your skin type - plus knowing which products to apply AM as opposed to PM - will keep you in good stead for amazing skin this autumn.
Why Does a Skincare Routine Matter?
Skin needs care. It’s as simple as that. Ageing is inevitable, as are the negative effects of the environment - including pollution and sun damage - but rather than trying to reverse damage done, you can prevent it taking hold right now. Here’s the steps to take to create your 2026 successful Skincare routine.
Step 1: Cleansers
A great Skincare routine begins with a high-quality Cleanser to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and pollutants that can clog pores and cause irritation. This then allows Skincare products such as Moisturiser, Serums, Sunscreen, Eye Cream, active ingredients and Night Cream to really get to work on skin that is clear and clean.
- Gel Cleansers are great for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Cream Cleansers work best on dry or sensitive skin.
- Foaming Cleansers can be calming on combination skin.
Dermatologist Skincare Tip: Avoid cleaning your face with harsh soaps as these can strip vital nutrients from the skin’s natural barrier. If you don’t have a Cleanser on hand, use warm water and a face towel instead, gently massaging in circular motions - being particularly gentle around the eyes - to remove any makeup and Skincare Products. Finish with a splash of cold water to close pores and pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Serums
Serums are best applied on freshly cleansed skin. Why? Because on clean complexions, concentrated formulas have got the best chance of absorbing and working their magic. There are lots of Serums on the market, so do your homework based on your Skincare needs. Some popular picks include Serums containing Vitamin C to promote glow, salicylic acid to promote cell turnover, peptides to create a healthy skin barrier, BHAs to brighten Skin tone, Niacinamide to control oil and Hyaluronic Acid and ceramides when deep hydration is desired.
Dermatologist Skincare Tip: When layering Serums, always use the thinnest, most lightweight option first, working your way up. Start with water-based Serums then use oil-based Serums last. By layering ingredients correctly, you will get maximum results and improved efficacy. If you have sensitive skin, avoid using Serums with Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid in them as these can cause irritation when sunlight hits.
Step 3: Moisturisers
No matter your skin type, Moisturisers are essential in every Skincare routine to seal in hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and prevent further loss of moisture. Here’s the best formulations to go with for ageing skin, dry skin, oily skin, fine lines, sensitive skin and premature aging.
- Gel Based Moisturisers are great for oily skin as they are primarily water-based, offering a lightweight, non-greasy texture that can hydrate without adding excess oil to the complexion.
- Lotion or Cream Moisturisers are great for normal skin types due to their generally lightweight, nurturing formulas.
- Balms are amazing for dry skin as they create a barrier to prevent hydration being lost and environmental factors depleting skin of much needed moisture.
Dermatologist Skincare Tip: Apply your Moisturisers after Serums and before SPF. However, Serums are not essential so if you have oily skin, you may want to skip the Serum step and just use Moisturisers to prevent the feeling of heavy product build up and an oily finish.
Step 4: SPF
If there’s one thing every Dermatologists agree on, it’s that SPF is a deal breaker. Never skip it. Ever! Daily sun protection is essential to prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and reduce the risk of skin cancer and there are some amazing cosmetics, including Tinted Sunscreens that can protect the skin and also create an even skin tone.
Dermatologist Skincare Tip: No matter what the season, applying SPF in the morning is essential. The face and neck area need about a teaspoon amount of Sun Protection to do the trick and always ensure you get the ears, hairline and top of hands.
Step 5: PM Skincare
At the end of every day, cleansing is vital to remove makeup and daily grit and grime. Using a gentle Exfoliant is also a great idea at least once a week to ensure cell turnover is encouraged and skin is completely clean and balanced.
Dermatologist Skincare Tip: In the AM, the focus of skincare is all about cleansing, moisturising and SPF but in the evening, PM Skincare can focus on repair, which includes retinoids and active ingredients that boost collagen. Skincare Routine Recap: Keep it simple, remember the steps - and your skin (and Dermatologist) will thank you!
AM Skincare Routine
- Cleanser - ensure you find the right one for your skin type, whether you have oily skin, dry skin or sensitive skin.
- Serum (e.g., Vitamin C) is vital for promoting glowy, youthful hydration. Go easy though, as a little goes a long way.
- Moisturiser - Be sure to stick to your skin type her to avoid breakouts and irritation. There are amazing options to target every skin type.
- SPF - Any season, this is your failsafe Skincare Routine. Sun protection should always be a priority, and can be found in a bunch of amazing Beauty brands too!
PM Skincare Routine
- Cleanser - If you have the option, a rich, hydrating Cleanser is great here to really hydrate overnight.
- Serum (e.g., Retinol or Hydrating) is a great option for anti-ageing, premature ageing or fine lines. Cell turnover is high in the evening, so an overnight Serum that contains retinol for anti-aging, hyaluronic acid for hydration, glycolic acid/AHAs for resurfacing or peptides to firm are ideal.
- Moisturiser - again, an antioxidant-packed, nutrient-rich Moisturiser that creates a protective, nourishing skin barrier overnight is perfect.
Kickstart your autumn Skincare routine at Hairhouse today!