Start with a clean face and leave your skin without products for a short while. Notice how it feels and looks: tight or flaky skin may indicate dryness, excess shine may suggest oily skin, while a combination of both can indicate combination skin. If your skin feels comfortable without noticeable dryness or excess oil, it may be normal skin.

Consider what you want to achieve, whether that’s more hydration, a brighter complexion, smoother texture or help with blemishes. Choose products that address those needs and introduce new products gradually to see how your skin responds.

Keep your first routine simple and consistent. Start with the essentials and focus on using them regularly rather than adding several products at once. Once you’re comfortable with your routine, you can introduce targeted products based on what your skin needs.

Apply products from the lightest to the richest texture. A typical routine starts with cleansing, followed by toner, serum and moisturiser. In the morning, finish with sunscreen to protect your skin throughout the day.

It depends on the product and your skin’s needs. Daily essentials such as cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreen can generally be used regularly, while exfoliants and retinoids may need to be introduced less frequently. Always follow the product’s instructions and adjust your routine based on how your skin responds.