The Ultimate Skincare Routine Guide | The INKEY List (2024)

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A skincare routine is crucial for several reasons, from ensuring your skin is functioning at its optimum, to helping to protect, strengthen and repairing the all-important skin barrier and of course, keeping you on track towards hitting your skin goals. But it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to building your own skincare routine.


Should it be 10-steps? Do I need different for morning and evening? The secret? It’s all about locking down the essential skincare steps.


Let’s start with the fundamentals that every skincare routine needs…

The Ultimate Skincare Routine Guide | The INKEY List (13)

1. CLEANSE

The starting point for every skincare routine, finding the right face cleanser for you will set you up for success. From nourishing balms to gentle exfoliators, cleansers help to remove the buildup of dirt and impurities so you’re working with a deeply cleansed, refreshed base for the rest of your routine.

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The Ultimate Skincare Routine Guide | The INKEY List (14)

2. HYDRATE

At INKEY we believe that healthy skin starts with hydrated skin, so that’s why we gave hydration its own step in the routine. Skin hydration products are the foundation to building your healthiest skin because fundamentally hydrated skin works better.

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The Ultimate Skincare Routine Guide | The INKEY List (15)

3. TREAT

Whether it’s a hydration booster or a glow-giving treatment, face serums are an important skincare routine step to help target specific skin concerns. Formulated with potent, hard-working ingredients to help deliver the good stuff directly where your skin needs it most, a face serum can really supercharge your routine.

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The Ultimate Skincare Routine Guide | The INKEY List (16)

4. TONE

Adding a toner to your routine can help to prep the skin for other steps. From hydrating and nourishing to gently exfoliating, face toners can provide an extra helping hand to support your skin’s needs, improving skin texture and brightness for a smooth, healthy-looking complexion.

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The Ultimate Skincare Routine Guide | The INKEY List (17)

5. MOISTURISE

No matter your skin type, there’s a perfect face moisturiser for everyone. Not just essential for keeping your skin hydrated, face moisturisers are a vital part of any skincare routine to help draw and lock in moisture while keeping your skin barrier functioning at an optimal level.

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The Ultimate Skincare Routine Guide | The INKEY List (18)

6. MASK

Face masks are ideal for the times when your skin needs a boost. Often underestimated, face masks are packed with a host of nourishing and restorative ingredients that will revitalise your routine whilst also helping to target specific concerns from enlarged pores to dehydration.

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Not sure what your skin needs? Take our skincare quiz

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SKINCARE BASICS

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What Should a Basic Skincare Routine Include?

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5 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Skincare

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Should You Change Your Skincare With The Seasons?

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SKINCARE FOR WINTER

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5 Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine

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Winter Facial Masterclass

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SKINCARE FOR SUMMER

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Essential Guide to Suncare & SPF

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Should I Change My Skincare Routine For Summer?

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Do I Need To Wear SPF All Year Round?

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ANTI-AGEING SKINCARE

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Your Guide To Antioxidant Skincare

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Ageing 101

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What Is The Best Skincare For Ageing Skin?

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Skincare For Dry Skin

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Dry vs Dehydrated Skin 101

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5 Best Ingredients For Dry Skin

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Dry Skin and Acne: What You Need To Know

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SKINCARE FOR OILY SKIN

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Oily Skin 101

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Best and Worst Ingredients For Oily Skin

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Should I Use A Moisturiser If I Have Acne Or Oily Skin?

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Skincare For Men

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The Best Beginner Skincare Routine For Men

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SKINCARE ROUTINE FAQS

  • A skincare routine is a series of steps you take, using products to care for your skin. These products will vary based on your particular skin type and concerns but typically include a cleanser, treatment, moisturiser and sunscreen.

  • The best skincare routine will vary from person to person, depending on your skin type, sensitivity and concerns you wish to target. It’s important to choose products suitable for your skin type and concerns, as well as being consistent for best results. If you’re not sure where to start on your skincare journey, try taking our Skincare Quiz or reach out to our askINKEY team!

  • They certainly do. Although some products can be used by all skin types, it’s important to choose products best suited for your specific skin type, this will ensure you are getting the maximum benefit from your skincare routine.

  • A cleanser, moisturiser and a sunscreen are the key products you want to included in your skincare routine. These staples will ensure that your skin is properly cleansed, hydrated and protected ready for any targeted treatments for your goals.

  • Skincare tools and devices aren’t necessarily essential to have within your routine however there are several types available that can enhance your routine or self care experience. These include facial rollers, LED light therapy devices or micro current devices. Before purchasing any skincare tool or device, we’d always advise to thoroughly research and consider your specific skincare needs, and always consult with a dermatologist if necessary.

  • There are many benefits to having a skincare routine! Even the most simple of regimens can help your skin feel its best. An effective routine can help target brightness, wrinkles and even treat or prevent acne. Consistency is key, so no matter your skin type or concerns, sticking to a regular routine will allow you to see and feel those benefits.

  • We would always recommend to apply your sunscreen as the last step of your skincare routine and before make-up (if applying). Choose an SPF of 30+ and reapply regularly if exposed to UV for long periods of time.

  • Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing smoother, brighter skin. There are many ways you can include an exfoliator within your skincare routine and how often you use it will depend on your particular needs. They can come in the form of exfoliating cleansers, like our Salicylic Acid Cleanser or in leave-on serums like our PHA Toner. Always follow the instructions provided on your exfoliating product and reach out to askINKEY if you would like further support on how to best fit an exfoliator in your routine.

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The Ultimate Skincare Routine Guide | The INKEY List (2024)

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