In case you missed it, Part One of our skincare education series covered the Core Four—the four key ingredients I believe everyone should have in their routine: SPF, an antioxidant, a retinoid, and an exfoliating acid. These are the actives that deliver results. But what about the products that support them?

Enter the Bookends of your skincare routine: your cleanser and moisturiser.

I call them the bookends because they sit at either end of your routine—they’re essential for keeping everything intact, but they’re not where you need to focus your spending. If you’re trying to save a bit of money, this is where you can do it. Your serums and actives are where you’ll get the most return on investment. That said, a well-chosen cleanser and moisturiser can make all the difference in how your actives perform—and how your skin feels day to day.

Let's break them down.

Absolutely.

Here’s why:

In the morning: Sweat, pillow grime, and overnight buildup sit on your skin when you wake up. If you’re spending money on a good vitamin C serum, you want it to penetrate properly—so start with a quick, gentle cleanse.

In the evening: It’s all about the double cleanse. The first cleanse removes makeup, SPF, and surface dirt. The second cleanse gets to your skin. Mix and match if you like—oil first, cream second, or whatever combo works for you.

Even dry skin types can double cleanse, provided you’re using gentle, nourishing formulas.

You can also use active-based cleansers—for example, salicylic acid for acne-prone skin, or a gentle exfoliating enzyme-based cleanser for dull skin. They’re a great way to start your routine with a little boost.

Cleanser and moisturiser may not have the wow-factor of a retinoid or antioxidant—but they’re foundational. Get them right, and everything else in your routine works better.

Ready to find your ideal bookends?

Part 3: How to build the ideal AM routine

Part 4: the Ultimate PM Routine for Skin Correction

We can’t wait to take you on this skincare journey. Because when you understand your skin, everything changes.