General Maintenance Protocol

This protocol is for people who want healthy, well-maintained skin without targeting a specific problem. No active acne, no significant pigmentation, no barrier damage — just a sustainable, evidence-based routine that protects what you have and ages gracefully.

It is also the recommended starting point for anyone new to skincare. Master the basics before adding actives.

That is the complete foundation. If your skin is comfortable and healthy with this routine, you do not need anything else. The purpose of actives is to address specific concerns or optimise further — not to fill a perceived gap.

Only add these after your baseline routine has been stable for at least 2–4 weeks. Add one at a time, with 2 weeks between introductions.

Priority 1: Vitamin C serum (AM, before moisturiser)

Provides antioxidant protection that works synergistically with sunscreen. This is the most valuable addition to a maintenance routine — it addresses UV damage prevention from a different angle than SPF alone. Start with 10–15% L-ascorbic acid, or a gentler derivative (ascorbyl glucoside) for sensitive skin. See our vitamin C guide.

Priority 2: Retinoid (PM, before moisturiser)

The most evidence-backed anti-ageing active. Start with retinol 0.25–0.3% twice per week and build gradually. This is a long-term investment — benefits accumulate over months and years. See our retinol guide or retinal vs retinol comparison.

Priority 3: Niacinamide 4–5% (AM or PM)

A versatile, low-irritation active that supports barrier function, helps with oil control, and provides mild brightening. One of the safest actives to add to any routine. See our niacinamide guide.

Priority 4: Weekly exfoliant (AHA or BHA, once per week)

A gentle chemical exfoliant once per week can improve texture and brightness. Choose based on your skin type: salicylic acid for oily/acne-prone, lactic acid for dry/sensitive, glycolic acid for normal/tolerant. See our AHA vs BHA comparison.

• Vitamin D3 (1,000–2,000 IU daily) — If you wear daily sunscreen (as you should), you are almost certainly not making enough vitamin D through sun exposure. This is the most universally relevant skin supplement.
• Omega-3 (1–2g EPA+DHA daily) — Systemic anti-inflammatory support and barrier lipid composition. Take with a fatty meal for absorption.
• Vitamin C (200–500mg daily, or dietary sources) — Collagen synthesis cofactor. Most people get enough from diet, but supplementation ensures adequacy, especially if you are also taking collagen peptides.

• Sleep — 7–9 hours consistently. Sleep deprivation measurably increases transepidermal water loss, reduces barrier recovery speed, and accelerates skin ageing markers.
• Hydration — Adequate water intake supports skin hydration from within. Not a cure for dry skin, but chronic dehydration does impair skin function.
• Diet — High glycaemic index diets are associated with acne. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, omega-3 from fish) supports skin health more reliably than any supplement.
• Exercise — Improves circulation and overall health. Wash face promptly after sweating to prevent pore congestion.
• Stress management — Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which breaks down collagen, impairs barrier function, and can trigger flares of acne, eczema, and rosacea.
• Not smoking — Smoking is one of the most significant accelerators of skin ageing, second only to UV exposure.

• Over-complicating the routine — you do not need 8 products
• Chasing trends and new products instead of using basics consistently
• Introducing multiple new products simultaneously
• Skipping sunscreen because you work indoors (UVA penetrates glass)
• Spending heavily on premium products before mastering a basic routine
• Neglecting lifestyle factors while fixating on topical products