The skincare world can feel like a maze. New products launch every week, 10-step routines abound, and the constant pressure to try the latest “must-have” can leave you overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. But at its core, healthy skin isn’t about doing more; it’s about consistently doing what works.
At Golden Hour, we believe skincare should be simple, effective, and sustainable. When it comes to building a routine that delivers real results, it all starts with three essentials: a cleanser, a moisturiser, and a sunscreen. These core products work in harmony to cleanse, restore, and protect your skin, regardless of your skin type, tone, or lifestyle.
If you’ve been wondering how to build a skincare routine that actually works, this is where to start. Here’s how these three products form the foundation of healthy, glowing skin.
1. Cleanser: Reset your skin
Think of cleansing as a daily reset. Throughout the day, your skin collects oil, sweat, dust, and bacteria - all of which can clog pores and dull your complexion. A gentle cleanser helps maintain your skin’s hygiene and balance without stripping it of essential moisture.
To get the most out of your cleanser, give it time to work. Massage it into damp skin in circular motions for around 60 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water. This allows the ingredients to lift away buildup effectively, leaving your skin refreshed and ready to absorb the next step in your routine.
2. Moisturiser: Restore and protect
Hydration is what keeps your skin resilient. A good moisturiser doesn’t just make your skin feel soft; it helps maintain your skin barrier, prevents water loss, and supports overall texture and tone.
Depending on your skin type and needs, moisturisers can also deliver targeted ingredients to address dryness, oiliness, or uneven tone. The key is consistency: apply your moisturiser daily, morning and night, to help your skin stay balanced and nourished.
3. Sunscreen: Protect your progress
No routine is complete without daily sun protection. And yes, that means every day - even if it’s cloudy, even if you’re indoors, and even if you have melanin-rich skin.
As skin therapist, Dasha Josephus explains, “UV radiation happens whether it’s super sunny or gloomy and raining. We are exposed to UV rays on a daily basis, from the sun, to the blue light of our laptops and phones, to the lights around us. Wearing a good SPF can protect the skin from free radicals, which accelerate ageing and contribute to various skin conditions.”
Skipping sunscreen can undo the benefits of your entire routine. So make SPF your non-negotiable step - it’s the difference between maintaining your results and starting over.
Keep it simple. Stay consistent.
A healthy routine doesn’t require ten steps or a bathroom shelf full
of products. It just needs the right three to cleanse, restore, and protect your skin.
At Golden Hour, we take the guesswork out of achieving great skin. Our Core Series brings these essentials together so you can focus on what matters most: feeling confident in your skin, every day.