How to find the most effective skincare routine

Knowing what products work together, how they benefit your skin, and the order in which to use them is incredibly important when selecting the most effective skincare routine for you. At Paula’s Choice, we recommend an essential skincare routine that consists of three steps, each designed to treat the core needs of any skin type—the minimum your skin needs to keep it healthy and protected day and night.

One of our core skincare philosophies is that skin type is not one size fits all. That’s why we have products for just about every skin type and to address just about every skin concern under the sun. So, let's get to the bottom of what works best for you and your specific skin concerns, step by step.

Step 1: Cleanser

Use a cleanser morning and evening to remove debris, oil and make up. When your face is clean, your other products have a chance to work even better.

Step 2: Exfoliant (AHA or BHA)

Exfoliants remove dead skin and clean out pores for a healthier and more radiant skin. They're highly effective for treating sun damage, wrinkles, blackheads, clogged pores and breakouts. When used as the second step in your routine, an exfoliant will leave your skin smooth, soft, and healthy-looking. Paula’s Choice exfoliants are ‘leave-on’ exfoliants so you don’t have to wash them off.

Start slow. Use your exfoliant once a day, a few of times per week to see how your skin reacts. Gradually increase frequency over time, as tolerated by skin. During the day, follow with a broad-spectrum sun cream rater SPF 30+.

The difference between AHA and BHA exfoliants is that AHA exfoliates the surface of skin while BHA exfoliates the surface of skin and inside the pores. Dry and damaged skin responds well to AHA exfoliants whereas those who struggle with breakouts or blackheads, find their concerns resolved by BHA. Both exfoliants are suitable for redness and sensitivity.

Step 3 AM: Moisturiser with SPF

This critical morning step keeps your skin shielded from sun damage which is the primary cause of wrinkles, brown spots and other signs of ageing. Remember, without adequate sun protection, your other skincare routine products don't stand a fighting chance! Sun protection is the starting point when it comes to effective skincare.

Step 3 PM: Moisturiser (without SPF)

Moisturisers loaded with antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients are vital in keeping skin healthy. Don't forget to take care to massage your moisturiser around your eye area. Use as the last step in your evening skincare routine.

The routine above is just a guideline. Experimentation is key to finding what works best for your skin type and concerns. Keep a close eye on how your skin reacts so you can adjust the quantity, method and frequency of application to best suit your skin. For additional advice about your skincare routine, contact our customer care team.

Of course there are more ways to take care of your skin to get the results you want. Find out more on how to create an effective personal routine, unique to you and your skin.

Read more about skin types:

• How to determine your skin type

Shop skincare sets:

• Resist Anti-Aging: normal to dry skin
• Resist Anti-Aging: combination to oily skin
• Skin Balancing: combination skin
• Skin Recovery: dry to very dry skin
• Calm: sensitive, normal to dry skin
• Calm: sensitive, combination to oily skin
• Clear Regular Strength: mild to moderate breakouts
• Clear Extra Strength: moderate to severe breakouts