Skincare basics: cleanse, moisturise, protect

Skincare is far simpler and cheaper than social media suggests. Three steps, a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser if you need one, and sunscreen, cover most people's needs, whether you are in the UAE sun or a cold, dry winter abroad.

Step 1: cleanse gently

• Wash your face twice a day with your hands, a mild cleanser and warm water (Mayo Clinic). The NHS gives the same twice-a-day advice for spot-prone skin.
• Do not scrub. The NHS says scrubbing can irritate skin and make acne worse, and Mayo Clinic advises against facial scrubs, astringents and masks for acne-prone skin.
• Choose a mild cleanser rather than a strong soap that strips your skin (Mayo Clinic).
• Remove make-up every night before sleep (NHS).
• Keep showers and baths short and warm rather than hot; Mayo Clinic notes some experts suggest 5 minutes or less, to protect your skin's natural oils.

Step 2: moisturise if you need it

• After washing, pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing, leaving a little moisture on the skin (Mayo Clinic).
• If your skin feels tight or dry, use a moisturiser. Mayo Clinic suggests a daily moisturiser with SPF for dry skin.
• Choose products labelled 'non-comedogenic', meaning designed not to block pores, especially if you get spots (NHS).
• Expect your skin to change when you move. Air conditioning, a cold winter or central heating can make skin drier; a humid summer can make it oilier. Adjust the moisturiser, not the whole routine.

Step 3: protect from the sun

• Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 with at least 4-star UVA protection (NHS). Outside the UK, look for 'broad spectrum' with SPF 30 or more; Mayo Clinic recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
• Cover all exposed skin, including your face, neck and ears. Adults need about 6 to 8 teaspoons to cover the whole body (NHS); most people use far too little.
• If you will be out long enough to burn, apply it 30 minutes before going out and again just before you leave, then reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying (NHS). Water-resistant sunscreen still needs reapplying.
• Check the UV index on your weather app. The NHS says to protect your skin when it is 3 or higher, which in the UAE is much of the year.
• Add shade, a wide-brimmed hat, close-woven long sleeves and UV-protective sunglasses (NHS). Mayo Clinic advises limiting direct sun in the middle of the day, roughly 10am to 4pm.
• People with darker skin are less likely to get skin cancer but can still burn, so the NHS says everyone should take care.

Reading labels and choosing products

• Check the open-jar symbol, such as '12M', which shows how many months a product lasts after opening (NHS). Write the opening date on the tube with a marker.
• Introduce new products one at a time, a week or two apart, so if your skin reacts you know which one caused it.
• If a product causes redness, itching or a rash, stop using it and ask a pharmacist.
• Expensive is not the same as effective. The ingredients and SPF matter, not the brand name or the number of steps.

A routine you can follow

• Morning: gentle cleanser (or just water), moisturiser if needed, sunscreen.
• Evening: remove make-up or sunscreen, gentle cleanser, moisturiser if needed.
• After sport: shower promptly, because Mayo Clinic notes sweat can trigger breakouts.
• Protect your sleep and manage stress where you can; Mayo Clinic links stress to skin problems including acne.