What's the one skincare product I should start with if I have none?

You have makeup. You have sunscreen you use sometimes. You do not have a routine, and every list you read online makes starting one feel like a part-time job.

You do not need ten steps. You need one.

Skincare advice overwhelms most beginners

Search "skincare routine" and you get double cleansing, toners, essences, serums, and a moisturiser layered on top.

That works for someone already deep into skincare. It does nothing for someone starting from zero except make them close the tab.

One product, used consistently, beats a ten step routine you never finish setting up.

Start with SPF, not a serum

If you pick one thing, pick SPF.

Sun exposure causes more visible skin ageing than almost anything else, and it happens whether you notice it or not. Fine lines, dullness, and uneven texture all trace back to unprotected sun exposure over years.

Every other product you eventually add, retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, works better on skin that has been protected. Skipping SPF undoes the benefit of anything else you try later.

If lotions feel heavy on your skin

Sensitive skin that reacts to standard sunscreen usually struggles with the thick, occlusive base most lotions use. A lightweight, fluid formula sits differently on your skin than a cream based one.

Gel and fluid SPF formulas absorb faster and leave less residue than traditional lotions.

Mineral based options work well for sensitive skin too, though they can leave a lighter cast on some skin tones. Try a small amount on your inner arm first if you are unsure how your skin will react.

If you suffer from pigmentation and melasma, a tinted SPF is shown to provide better protection as the tint also protects from visible light. 

You can build from here

Once SPF is a habit, adding a second product becomes far easier. Most people are ready to add one more step within a few weeks of starting the first.

Not sure what your skin actually needs beyond SPF? Take the free Light Sanctum skin quiz. Your result shows on screen right away, and a free Healthy Skin Guide follows in your inbox. 

Book a free consultation and let's figure out what comes next for your skin.