7 Easy Steps to a Daily Skincare Routine Everyone in the UK & USA Swears By

When I first started skincare, I was totally confused. Should I wash my face twice? Do I need toner? And what about sunscreen on cloudy UK days? Later, when I moved to the USA, I saw people using almost the same steps—but with small changes.

After trying many products (and making mistakes), I finally built a daily skincare routine that works. It’s simple, beginner-friendly, and dermatologist-approved. Let me share my exact routine that people in both the UK and USA swear by.

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Morning Skincare Routine (Best Order)

1. Gentle Cleanser

Start with a soft face wash. A cleanser removes oil and dirt without making skin dry. This works for oily, dry, or sensitive skin.

2. Hydrating Toner or Essence

A toner helps balance skin and adds hydration. Look for ones with hyaluronic acid. (I once skipped this, and my skin felt tight all day!)

3. Vitamin C Serum

This is the star of my morning skincare routine. Vitamin C helps with glowing skin, dark spots, and protects against pollution.

4. Moisturizer / Moisturiser

Whether you’re in New York or London, you need a moisturiser to lock in hydration. In the USA, we say “moisturizer,” but it’s the same thing!

5. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

Never skip sunscreen. Even in cloudy weather in the UK, sun cream protects skin from UV damage. In the USA, people call it “sunscreen.” Same rule: apply daily.

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Night Skincare Routine

1. Double Cleansing

At night, I use an oil cleanser or balm first, then a gentle foaming cleanser. This removes makeup and SPF properly.

2. Targeted Treatments

Here you can use actives like retinol (anti-ageing), niacinamide (controls oil), or salicylic acid (helps acne-prone skin). Start slow—when I used retinol daily at first, my skin got irritated.

3. Night Cream or Moisturiser

At night, I go for a thicker moisturiser to help my skin repair.

4. Eye Cream (Optional)

If I feel tired or see puffiness, I tap on a little caffeine-based eye cream.

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Simple Skincare Tips I Learned

Consistency matters: A basic 5-step skincare routine works better than buying 20 products you never use.

Patch test new products: Once I used a new serum all over my face, and I woke up red. Lesson learned!

Listen to your skin: In winter (especially in the UK), I use heavier creams. In hot USA summers, I switch to lightweight gel moisturisers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the correct skincare routine order?

Cleanser → Toner → Serum → Moisturiser → Sunscreen (day only).

Q2: Can I use Vitamin C and Retinol together?

Not at the same time. Use Vitamin C in the morning, and Retinol at night.

Q3: Do I need sunscreen indoors?

Yes! UV rays can pass through windows. Use SPF daily.

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Final Thoughts

Building a skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated. For me, it’s all about simple daily steps: cleanse, treat, moisturise, and protect. Whether you live in rainy Manchester or sunny California, this step-by-step skincare routine will keep your skin healthy and glowing.