At Austin Skin, we believe great skin comes from consistency, high-quality formulations, and a routine built on the right foundations.
That’s why every Austin Skin routine, and every kit we’ve designed is built around five simple, evidence-based steps: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Treat, Hydrate, Protect. No fluff. No fuss. No irritating stuff.
This framework not only keeps your routine clear and effective, but it helps prevent overlap between products, reducing your risk of irritation and ensuring that every step earns its place.
1. Cleanse
Your first step is cleansing — the cornerstone of every routine. But the *right* cleanser depends on your skin type, your concerns, and what you’re trying to remove.
Removing makeup at the end of the day is completely different to washing away sweat or overnight oils in the morning.
Whether you're choosing an oil-based, water-based, cream, balm, gel, or foam cleanser, consider:
- Your skin type (dry, oily, combination, normal)
- Your concerns (sensitivity, congestion, pigmentation, etc.)
- Your purpose (AM refresh vs PM makeup removal)
A well chosen cleanser preps the skin beautifully for the next steps, without stripping it or disrupting your barrier.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliation can be liquid exfoliants or physical (scrubs).
**Liquid exfoliants** are applied like serums and left on the skin, usually overnight.
**Physical exfoliants** are massaged in and rinsed off.
There’s a common misconception that not everyone needs to exfoliate. While you *can* get away without it, your products will work far better when you incorporate exfoliation into your routine - as serums and moisturisers can penetrate more effectively. Without it, your skincare has to work harder, and your results tend to plateau.
Certain skin conditions - including acne, rosacea, and even sun damage - cause an increased build-up of corneocytes (dead skin cells). In these cases, gentle, appropriate exfoliation is even more important.
Just remember: more is not more. Over-exfoliating leads to irritation, barrier disruption and inflammation. Consistency beats intensity every time.
3. Treat
This is where your serums come in. The 'treat' step targets your specific skin concerns - such as pigmentation, fine lines, acne, rosacea, dullness, or redness.
Serums are high-potency formulations designed to penetrate deeper into the skin, and they often work synergistically. But because they’re active, expert guidance is essential. Using too many actives, or doubling up (e.g. two vitamin A products, or mixing strong AHAs with retinoids), can create irritation and compromise your results.
A targeted plan ensures your serums are working with each other, not against each other, maximising impact, minimising irritation.
4. Hydrate
Moisturising is your fourth step and an essential part of protecting your skin barrier. Moisturisers should always be applied after serums.
Choose a texture based on your skin type and seasonal needs:
- Oily/acne-prone skin → lightweight, oil-free hydration
- Dry/dehydrated skin → richer creams or barrier-focused formulations
- Sensitive/redness-prone skin → calming, anti-inflammatory, barrier repair ingredients
- Seasonal changes → lighter in summer; richer at night or in winter
Your moisturiser locks in hydration, supports barrier function, and enhances the performance of all steps before it.
5. Protect
The final step is your daily sunscreen - the most important anti-ageing product you will ever own. A broad-spectrum SPF50+ (chemical or physical) protects your skin from UV-induced DNA damage, skin cancer, and the 80–90% of visible ageing driven by photo-ageing.
Apply generously, reapply often, and make it non-negotiable. Your future skin will thank you.
Not sure whether to choose chemical or physical? Or which product to apply first? Read more here
The Austin Skin Philosophy: Simple, Strategic, Effective
By sticking to these five steps - cleanse, exfoliate, treat, hydrate, protect - you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs, in the right order, without unnecessary complications or irritants.
Our Austin Skin kits and product formulations are built around this philosophy, helping you create a routine that is:
- Evidence-based
- Non-irritating
- Customisable
- Easy to follow
- Free from unnecessary fillers, fragrances, parabens, SLS/SLES, and other irritants
Simple doesn’t mean basic - it means effective. And when done consistently, it means results.
