If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by an influencer’s 12-step daily skincare routine, or guilty for skipping your cleanser again, then you’re not alone. As part of our ‘Let’s Talk Skincare’ Series, we spoke to people in London about their skincare routines. The biggest takeaway? People struggle to maintain a daily ritual.
A consistent, thoughtful ritual with two or three high-quality, natural products can do more for your skin than chasing every trend. In fact, keeping it simple is the secret to long-term skin health.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build a daily skincare routine that’s easy to follow, tailored to your skin, and feels good to do - even on busy days.
Consistency Over Perfection
The goal of a daily skincare ritual isn’t perfection, but consistency. Your skin thrives best when it receives regular hydration, nourishment, and protection.
Too many products can:
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Overwhelm the skin
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Cause irritation or flare-ups
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Waste time, money, and effort
Instead, creating a simple 3–5 step routine that fits your lifestyle and skin needs is much more likely to stick, and importantly, to give you visible, lasting results you’re looking for.
Step-by-Step: The Core Skincare Ritual
Think of your daily skincare ritual like a Yoga flow: Cleanse → Treat → Hydrate → Protect
Cleanse
Gently removes dirt, oil, makeup, and pollutants that build up throughout the day.
Choose:
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A gentle cream or gel cleanser for dry/sensitive skin
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A gentle foaming or clay-based cleanser for oily/congested skin
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A gentle balm or oil cleanser for double cleansing or heavy makeup days
Avoid harsh foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can disrupt your skin barrier and microbiome.
Treat
This is where serums, exfoliants, or targeted treatments come in—like glycolic acid.
Use based on your skin concerns:
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Dullness or texture: AHA exfoliants like glycolic acid (2–3x/week)
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Dryness or redness: Hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid or panthenol
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Uneven tone or pigmentation: Brightening serums with vitamin C
Using a multipurpose formulation like our 6% Glycolic Bio Exfoliating Serum
Will help avoid overwhelming your skin, especially if it’s sensitive.
Hydrate
Hydration supports your skin’s natural barrier and keeps everything in balance.
Choose a moisturiser or facial oil based on your skin’s needs:
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Lightweight gel for oily skin
Protect
SPF is a non-negotiable. UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and inflammation.
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Look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30+
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Apply every morning—even when it’s cloudy
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends daily sunscreen use as one of the most effective steps in preventing long-term damage and maintaining youthful skin.
How to Tailor Your Routine to Your Skin Type
Skin Type |
Your Focus |
Suggested Ritual Additions |
Dry |
Hydration & nourishment |
Rich cream, facial oil, gentle exfoliant (e.g., Glycolic) |
Oily/Acne-Prone |
Balance & pore care |
Gel cleanser, glycolic acid, lightweight oil or gel |
Sensitive |
Barrier support |
Fragrance-free, calming serums, minimal exfoliation |
Combination |
Balance |
Gentle cleanser, targeted treatments, build flexibility |
Sticking to Your Ritual: Taking Time for Yourself
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Place your products where you’ll see and use them
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Set the mood: Create a mini ritual - dim the lights, play music, take three deep breaths and make it an enjoyable part of your day.
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Don’t stress if you miss a day: Skin responds to long-term habits, not perfection.
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Simplify your shelf: Less clutter = less overwhelm. Curate 3–5 go-to products and ditch the rest.
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Make it feel good: With a simple, soulful ritual and ingredients you trust, caring for your skin becomes a sacred ritual of self care, even if it’s just for five minutes a day.
SACRA Suggests
At SACRA, our simple skincare ritual is designed to fit into your life. Each product is crafted with high-performance plant ingredients to support your skin, your rituals, and your wellbeing.