Start with a gentle cleanser, a suitable moisturizer and sunscreen. That’s a good base, even if your bathroom shelf still has plenty of room. In the evening, remove makeup, sunscreen and the day’s grime, then apply your moisturizer. In the morning, a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and at least SPF 30 completes your routine; outdoors, shade and protective clothing are part of it too.

Choose textures you enjoy using: maybe a light lotion, maybe a richer cream. You don’t have to buy a whole set. A serum, toner or exfoliant can come later, if you have a specific reason. Introduce new products one at a time so you can tell what feels good and what your skin doesn’t like. Our morning and evening routine guide walks through the steps in more detail.