Skin & Hair
Skin Care Basics: Gentle Cleansing, Moisturizing and Sun Protection
A simple routine for most people comes down to three habits: wash gently, moisturize, and protect your skin from the sun. This page explains what health agencies and trials say about each, what is optional, and when a skin change needs a clinician.
General information, not medical advice. Last updated October 31, 2026. Written by the AlternativeMed editorial team. Not medically reviewed.
Start here
- Wash gently: use a mild cleanser or a leave-on moisturizer as a soap substitute, lukewarm water, no scrubbing, and pat dry.
- Moisturize right after washing while skin is still just damp from patting dry, and use an unperfumed product if your skin is dry, itchy or easily irritated.
- Protect from the sun every day it matters: shade, clothing and a hat first, then broad-spectrum sunscreen (NHS: SPF 30 or higher with at least 4-star UVA; FDA: SPF 15 or higher), applied generously and reapplied about every two hours.
Be careful with
- A routine is general care, not a treatment. If you have acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis or another diagnosed condition, ask a clinician how to fit these steps to your plan.
- More products is not better. Every extra product is another chance for irritation or an allergic reaction; add one new product at a time.
- Scrubbing, long hot showers and perfumed products can irritate skin and worsen dryness, itch and acne.
- Moisturizer residue on clothing and bedding can catch fire more easily: keep away from flames and cigarettes.
- No tan is safe or healthy, and sunscreen is not a reason to stay out longer in strong sun.
- Do not use a skin product to judge a mole or spot: have changes checked by a clinician.
- Never stop a prescribed skin treatment because of something you read here; talk to your prescriber.
Get help when
- A mole that changes size, shape or colour, or is painful, itchy, inflamed, bleeding or crusty. The NHS also lists a new or unusual mark that has not gone away after a few weeks.
- Hot, swollen, red skin, which can be a sign of infection (redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin).
- Acne with many spots, or deep, painful spots, or spots that leave scars, or acne that is affecting your mental health.
- Itching that affects daily life, does not improve with self-care, covers the whole body, is severe or happens during pregnancy.
- A stinging, burning or rash reaction to a product that does not settle after a few days.
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, or feeling faint after contact with a product, food, medicine or insect sting may be anaphylaxis: the NHS says call 999 (UK); elsewhere use your local emergency number.
About Skin Care Basics: Gentle Cleansing, Moisturizing and Sun Protection
What this goal means
A simple skin-care routine is the small set of habits that cover what skin needs day to day: cleaning it without stripping it, keeping it moisturized, and protecting it from ultraviolet (UV) light. It is about keeping skin comfortable and lowering long-term sun damage, not about perfect skin.
This page uses plain labels for evidence: established recommendation (stated by a health agency), promising but limited, mixed, and insufficient evidence.
1,2Common experiences
People often start a routine because skin feels tight or flaky after washing, stings with certain products, breaks out, or burns easily in the sun. Many also feel overwhelmed by the number of products on offer.
What can get in the way
The NHS says everyday soaps, shampoos and shower gels usually dry out skin, and that regular contact with water, soaps and detergents are irritants that can damage the skin's outer layer. Perfumed soaps, deodorants and moisturizers and long hot baths can add to itch. Using too little sunscreen is common: the NHS says most people apply too little, which greatly reduces protection.
Some people react to ingredients in cosmetics or to metals such as nickel (allergic contact dermatitis).
3,4,5,1Related conditions
Dry, itchy, red or breakout-prone skin can be a sign of a skin condition rather than just a routine problem. See the linked pages on acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and contact dermatitis. This page does not diagnose skin conditions.
Realistic expectations
Gentle cleansing and moisturizing make skin more comfortable; they do not cure a skin condition. Daily sunscreen is the one step with trial evidence for slowing visible skin aging, and agencies recommend sun protection to lower skin-cancer risk. Serums, supplements and "natural" extras are optional and their evidence is uneven.
6,7Who it applies to
Almost everyone, with adjustments: babies under 6 months should be kept out of strong direct sun, children need more care with sun exposure, people with brown or black skin still need to avoid burning, and people with a diagnosed skin condition should follow their clinician's plan.
1,2Related conditions and symptoms
Acne → Eczema → Rosacea → Psoriasis → Contact Dermatitis and Skin Allergy →
A manageable starting plan
An educational starting point, not a personal prescription. Adjust it to your own situation and any advice from your clinician.
Your first actions
- Switch to a gentle wash (or a leave-on moisturizer as a soap substitute), lukewarm water, no scrubbing.
- Moisturize right after washing; choose unperfumed if skin is dry or itchy.
- Pick one sunscreen you will actually use and put it by the door; wear a hat and seek shade at midday.
- Book a check for any mole or mark that is changing.
Optional additions
- Add non-comedogenic products if you break out.
- Look at ingredient lists and change one product at a time if skin reacts.
- Take a monthly look at your skin, so you know what is normal for you.
What to track
- How your skin feels after washing (tight, stinging, comfortable).
- Any new product and any reaction in the days after it.
- How often you reapplied sunscreen on sunny days, and whether you burned.
- Any mole or mark that changes.
When to reassess
Give a change a few weeks. If a reaction does not settle after a few days, or skin is not improving, speak to a pharmacist or GP. Review your sunscreen each season and check its expiry date.
When to seek professional support
- Ask a pharmacist about products if your skin stings or reacts.
- See a GP for a changing mole, an unusual mark lasting more than a few weeks, itch that is severe or whole-body, or acne that is deep, painful or scarring.
- If lips, mouth or throat swell, or you have trouble breathing after a product, food, medicine or sting, the NHS says call 999 (UK); elsewhere use your local emergency number.
What helps
Ordered by how well the research supports each step. Evidence strength is shown on every card; precautions sit next to the advice.
Start here
Wash gently, and do not scrub
Low certaintyAddresses: Less irritation and dryness
Why it may help: The NHS suggests washing acne-prone skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser, removing make-up at the end of the day and not scrubbing, because scrubbing can irritate skin and make acne worse. It also notes everyday soaps, shampoos and shower gels usually dry the skin.
How to apply it: Use a mild cleanser, lukewarm water and a soft pat dry. Remove make-up before bed. If skin is dry or itchy, a leave-on moisturizer can replace soap.
Who it may suit: Most people, especially those with dry, itchy or breakout-prone skin.
Precautions: This is expert agency advice rather than the result of one trial. If skin stings or burns after a wash product, a pharmacist can suggest another.
8,3Use a leave-on moisturizer as a soap substitute
Low certaintyAddresses: Cleans without drying
Why it may help: The NHS describes mixing about a teaspoon of a leave-on emollient with warm water, spreading it on the skin, rinsing and patting dry. These products do not foam but clean effectively, and ordinary soaps can worsen conditions such as eczema.
How to apply it: Follow the NHS method above. Aqueous cream is no longer recommended by the NHS because its sodium lauryl sulphate can irritate skin.
Who it may suit: People with dry, itchy or eczema-prone skin.
Precautions: Take product from a pot with a clean spoon to avoid contamination. Use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower, because emollients make surfaces slippery.
3Moisturize right after washing
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Softer, more comfortable skin
Why it may help: Moisturizers used for dry skin are called emollients and coat the skin with a protective film that traps moisture. The NHS says to apply them as soon as you have patted skin dry after washing, bathing or showering, to smooth them on in the direction of hair growth rather than rub, and that they are very safe and cannot be overused. In eczema, a Cochrane review of 77 trials found moisturizers reduced flares and lengthened the time to a flare, though the evidence was low quality.
How to apply it: Apply to hands and face as often as needed, then body after bathing. Creams absorb quickly and suit daytime; ointments are thicker and suit night-time.
Who it may suit: People with dry skin, and people with eczema (for eczema, as part of a clinician's plan).
Precautions: The trial evidence applies to eczema; it should not be stretched to other conditions. Emollients can occasionally cause stinging, burning, or blocked or inflamed hair follicles, and can make acne on the face worse. If a reaction does not settle after a few days, speak to a pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
3,9Use shade, clothing and a hat first
High certaintyAddresses: Lower sunburn and skin-cancer risk
Why it may help: The CDC lists shade, clothing that covers arms and legs, a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses, and says UV rays reach you on cloudy and cool days. The NHS says sunscreen should be used alongside shade and clothing, not instead of them, and that you can burn even on cloudy days.
How to apply it: Check the UV index and protect your skin when it is 3 or higher. Seek shade around midday: the NHS gives 11am to 3pm from March to October in the UK; the CDC gives about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time in the continental US.
Who it may suit: Everyone, with extra care for children and people who burn easily.
Precautions: Balance sun protection with vitamin D: the NHS notes people with naturally brown or black skin need more sun time for the same vitamin D, but should still avoid burning.
1,7Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on skin that is exposed
Moderate certaintyAddresses: Less sunburn and less visible skin aging
Why it may help: The FDA recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, reapplied at least every two hours and more often if swimming or sweating. The NHS advises at least SPF 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection. Agencies differ on the minimum number; using more is in line with both. A randomized trial of 903 Australian adults under 55 found skin aging after 4.5 years was 24% less in daily sunscreen users than in people who used it at their own discretion.
How to apply it: The FDA says an average adult needs about one ounce (a shot glass) for the body; the NHS says 6 to 8 teaspoons. Apply about 15 to 30 minutes before going out, reapply after swimming, towel drying, sweating or rubbing, and cover often-missed spots: ears, nose, lips (use an SPF lip balm), back of the neck, hands, tops of the feet, hairline and exposed scalp.
Who it may suit: Almost everyone over 6 months old.
Precautions: No sunscreen is truly waterproof, according to the FDA. Do not spray sunscreen directly onto the face. Some sprays are flammable. Do not use sunscreen past its expiry date, or if you cannot confirm it is in date. Do not stay in the sun longer because you have applied it.
2,1,6Additional options
Cool or lukewarm baths and showers, kept short
Low certaintyAddresses: Less itch and dryness
Why it may help: For itchy skin the NHS advises cool or lukewarm (not hot) baths and showers, not spending a long time in them, and avoiding perfumed soaps, deodorants and moisturizers.
How to apply it: Keep it brief, pat dry, moisturize straight away. Wear loose cotton or silk if you are itchy, and use a laundry product made for sensitive skin.
Who it may suit: People with itchy or dry skin.
Precautions: Itching that is severe, whole-body, lasting or during pregnancy needs a clinician.
4Choose non-comedogenic products if you break out
Low certaintyAddresses: Fewer clogged pores
Why it may help: The NHS suggests skincare and make-up labelled non-comedogenic, meaning they will not clog pores, and loose breathable clothing if acne is on the body.
How to apply it: Check labels, remove make-up each evening, and do not pick or squeeze spots, which can cause scars.
Who it may suit: People with acne-prone skin.
Precautions: See a GP for many spots, deep or painful spots, scarring or signs of infection. We did not read trial data on the "non-comedogenic" label itself.
8Check ingredient lists and change what irritates you
Low certaintyAddresses: Fewer reactions
Why it may help: The NHS names soaps and detergents, solvents and regular contact with water as irritants, and substances in cosmetics and some metals as allergens. Its advice is to avoid triggers, check ingredients on make-up and soap, and switch products that irritate.
How to apply it: Introduce one new product at a time. If you touch something that reacts, rinse with warm water and an emollient as soon as possible.
Who it may suit: People whose skin stings, reddens or itches after products.
Precautions: A persistent, recurrent or severe rash needs a GP, who may refer to a dermatologist to find the cause.
5Contact Dermatitis and Skin Allergy → Reduce Skin Irritation →
Know your skin and look for changes
Low certaintyAddresses: Earlier checking of worrying spots
Why it may help: The NHS says finding a melanoma early can make it easier to treat and says people with many moles or freckles have higher than average skin cancer risk.
How to apply it: Notice what your moles normally look like so you spot a change. Take any new or changing mark to a doctor rather than waiting.
Who it may suit: Everyone, particularly people with many moles or freckles.
Precautions: A routine does not replace a clinician's check; do not diagnose a mole yourself.
10,1Still being studied
Beta-carotene supplements for skin aging
Very low certaintyAddresses: No overall effect found in one trial
Why it may help: The same Australian randomized trial also tested beta-carotene supplements against placebo and found no overall effect on skin aging, though it said further study is needed to exclude benefit or harm.
How to apply it: We do not suggest taking it for this purpose.
Who it may suit: Not shown to suit anyone for skin aging.
Precautions: One trial; some outcome data were missing and power to detect moderate effects was modest. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before any supplement, especially if you take medicines or are pregnant.
6Zinc, niacinamide and vitamin A tablets for acne-prone skin
Not enough evidenceAddresses: Mentioned by the NHS; trial data not read
Why it may help: The NHS acne page says a pharmacist can recommend tablets such as zinc, niacinamide and vitamin A. We did not read trials for them, so we do not rate how well they work.
How to apply it: Ask a pharmacist, who can advise on suitability.
Who it may suit: Unknown from the sources read.
Precautions: High amounts of some vitamins and minerals can cause harm and vitamin A is a concern in pregnancy; we did not read a source here, so ask a pharmacist or doctor first.
8Food & nutrition
Food and basic skin care
We did not read trial evidence in preparing this page that a particular food or diet is part of a basic skin-care routine, so we make no food claims here. For skin and hair nutrients (such as iron, zinc and protein, and testing first) see the linked nutrition guide.
The NHS notes that handling raw, uncooked fruit and vegetables may trigger allergic contact dermatitis in some people; this is about contact with skin, not eating them.
5Sun, skin and vitamin D
The NHS advises balancing sun protection with getting enough vitamin D from sunlight, notes that people with naturally brown or black skin need more sun time for the same vitamin D but should still avoid burning, and advises that all children under 5 take vitamin D supplements. Ask a clinician about your own vitamin D needs rather than seeking sun exposure to produce it.
1Remedies & supplements
Traditional use, laboratory findings and human trials are kept apart. "Natural" does not mean safe.
Beta-carotene supplements
Very low certaintyStudied form and route: Oral supplement studied in adults under 55 in Australia
Intended outcome: No overall effect on skin aging in one trial
Human evidence: In a randomized, community-based trial of 903 adults, beta-carotene supplementation had no overall effect on skin aging over 4.5 years compared with placebo.
Traditional use: We did not read a source on traditional use for skin.
Laboratory findings: We did not read laboratory data.
Limits: One trial; some outcome data were missing and power to detect moderate effects was modest, so benefit or harm was not definitively excluded.
Interactions and precautions: Ask a pharmacist or doctor before taking supplements, especially if you take medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or smoke. We did not read a safety source here.
6Zinc, niacinamide and vitamin A tablets (acne-prone skin)
Not enough evidenceStudied form and route: Tablets a pharmacist may recommend
Intended outcome: Not rated: named by the NHS, trials not read
Human evidence: We did not read trials for these, so we cannot say how well they work.
Traditional use: We did not read a source on traditional use.
Laboratory findings: We did not read laboratory data.
Limits: The NHS page is a self-care overview, not a review of the evidence for each nutrient.
Interactions and precautions: Speak to a pharmacist first. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, other medicines and long-term use need professional advice; we did not read safety data here.
8Aloe, oatmeal, plant oils and essential oils
Not enough evidenceStudied form and route: Topical plant ingredients in skin-care products
Intended outcome: Not rated on this page
Human evidence: We did not review human trials of these ingredients for this page; the linked ingredient guide covers them in more detail.
Traditional use: Widely used traditionally on skin; we did not read a specific source for this page.
Laboratory findings: We did not read laboratory data for this page.
Limits: Because we did not read trials here, we do not recommend any of them as part of a basic routine.
Interactions and precautions: "Natural" is not the same as safe. The NHS lists substances in cosmetics among allergens that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Try a small amount on a small area first, stop if skin reddens, itches or stings, and avoid use on broken skin or near the eyes.
5Therapies & care
Established professional care starts with a pharmacist, nurse or GP for persistent skin problems, and a skin specialist (dermatologist) if the cause is unclear or treatment is not working. Prescription skin treatments are decided by a clinician; this page does not recommend medicines or doses, and you should never stop a prescribed treatment on your own.
Pharmacist advice on products
Low certaintyProfessional care The NHS suggests speaking to a pharmacist if a wash product still stings after rinsing, if a skin reaction persists, or for suitable emollients and products for itch or acne.
Who it may suit: Anyone unsure which product suits their skin or reacting to one.
Precautions: A pharmacist cannot diagnose a changing mole; see a GP for that.
3,4,8GP assessment and dermatologist referral
Moderate certaintyProfessional care The NHS says to see a GP for persistent, recurrent or severe skin symptoms, who may refer you to a dermatologist if the cause is unknown or treatment is not working. If a GP suspects melanoma, the NHS says you will be referred to a hospital specialist with an appointment within 2 weeks, and treatment is mainly surgery to remove the mole.
Who it may suit: People with persistent rashes, scarring acne, itch that affects daily life, or a worrying mole.
Precautions: Do not wait for changing moles to settle by themselves.
5,10,8Emergency care for a severe allergic reaction
High certaintyEmergency care The NHS lists swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, fast or noisy breathing, a tight throat, and feeling faint or confused as signs of anaphylaxis, usually starting within minutes of contact with a trigger such as a food, medicine or insect sting. It says to call 999 (UK), use an adrenaline auto-injector if you have one, and lie down with legs raised.
Who it may suit: Anyone who develops these symptoms; rare after a skin product but needs immediate care.
Precautions: Do not wait to see if it settles. Outside the UK, use your local emergency number.
11What to avoid
Habits, products and claims that can get in the way. Never stop a prescribed medicine without talking to the professional who prescribed it.
Risks that apply to most people
Scrubbing or harsh cleansing
Low certaintyWhy: The NHS says scrubbing can irritate skin and make acne worse.
Who it applies to: Everyone, especially acne-prone, dry or sensitive skin.
Try instead: Use a gentle cleanser with your fingertips and pat dry.
8Long hot baths and showers
Low certaintyWhy: The NHS advises cool or lukewarm water and not spending a long time in the bath or shower when skin is itchy.
Who it applies to: People with itchy or dry skin.
Try instead: Keep washing short and lukewarm, then moisturize.
4Trying to get a tan
High certaintyWhy: The NHS says there is no safe or healthy way to get a tan, a tan does not protect against sun damage, and you can burn on cloudy days. The CDC says a base tan is a sign of skin damage.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
Try instead: Use shade, clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
1,7Personal triggers to check
Perfumed soaps, deodorants and moisturizers when skin is itchy
Low certaintyWhy: The NHS advises avoiding perfumed soaps, deodorants and moisturizers when skin itches.
Who it applies to: People with itchy, dry or reactive skin.
Try instead: Choose unperfumed products.
4Known irritants and allergens
Low certaintyWhy: The NHS names soaps and detergents, solvents, regular contact with water, substances in cosmetics and some metals such as nickel as possible triggers of contact dermatitis.
Who it applies to: People with recurring rashes after contact with products or materials.
Try instead: Avoid the trigger, check ingredient lists and see a GP if rashes persist.
5Tight clothing and wool or synthetic fabrics on itchy skin
Low certaintyWhy: The NHS lists tight clothing and wool or synthetic fabrics as things to avoid when itchy.
Who it applies to: People with itchy skin.
Try instead: Wear loose cotton or silk.
4Products that need caution
Sunbeds and sunlamps
High certaintyWhy: The NHS says they are not advised and can be more dangerous than natural sunlight; using sunbeds is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK. The CDC says indoor tanning exposes users to high UV levels, a known cause of cancer, and does not protect against sunburn.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
Try instead: Skip tanning devices. If you want colour, ask a pharmacist about other options.
1,7Aqueous cream as a wash or moisturizer
Low certaintyWhy: The NHS says it is no longer recommended because its sodium lauryl sulphate can irritate skin.
Who it applies to: People with dry skin or eczema.
Try instead: Ask a pharmacist for a suitable emollient.
3Out-of-date sunscreen
Low certaintyWhy: The FDA says not to use sunscreen past its expiration date; if no date is shown and it was bought more than three years ago, consider it expired.
Who it applies to: Everyone who uses sunscreen.
Try instead: Replace old tubes; the NHS suggests checking the open-jar expiry symbol.
2,1Spray sunscreen on the face or near flames
Low certaintyWhy: The FDA says not to apply spray sunscreen directly to the face and notes some sprays are flammable.
Who it applies to: Everyone using spray sunscreen.
Try instead: Spray onto hands, then apply to the face, away from flames and cigarettes.
2Unsupported claims
"Waterproof" sunscreen
High certaintyWhy: The FDA says no sunscreen is truly waterproof; "water resistant" labels must state whether protection lasts 40 or 80 minutes. The NHS says to reapply after swimming even with water-resistant sunscreen.
Who it applies to: Swimmers, sweaty activity.
Try instead: Reapply on schedule.
2,1"Sunscreen means I can stay out longer"
High certaintyWhy: The FDA says SPF does not multiply your safe time in the sun, and the NHS says not to stay in the sun longer than you would without sunscreen.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
Try instead: Use sunscreen as one layer alongside shade and clothing.
2,1"Natural" or serum add-ons are essential
Not enough evidenceWhy: We did not find trial evidence in the sources read that extras are needed for basic skin care; their evidence is uneven. "Natural" does not mean safe, and plant ingredients can cause allergic reactions.
Who it applies to: Anyone choosing products.
Try instead: Start with the three basics. See the ingredient guide before adding extras.
5Common mistakes
Using too little sunscreen
Moderate certaintyWhy: The NHS says most people apply too little and that a thin layer greatly reduces protection.
Who it applies to: Most sunscreen users.
Try instead: Measure generously (about a shot glass for the body per the FDA; 6 to 8 teaspoons per the NHS) and do not forget ears, neck, hands, feet and scalp.
1,2Picking or squeezing spots
Low certaintyWhy: The NHS says this can cause scars.
Who it applies to: People with breakouts.
Try instead: Leave spots alone; see a GP if acne is deep, painful or scarring.
8Waiting on a changing mole
Moderate certaintyWhy: The NHS advises seeing a GP about a mole that changes, bleeds, itches or crusts, because finding melanoma early can make it easier to treat.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
Try instead: Book a visit rather than watching it for months.
10Using moisturizer near flames
Moderate certaintyWhy: The NHS says dressings, clothing and bedding with emollient residue can catch fire more easily, and hot washing reduces but does not remove the build-up.
Who it applies to: Anyone using large amounts of emollient.
Try instead: Keep away from fire, flames and cigarettes.
3Evidence & safety
What the research shows
Most basic skin-care advice is expert and agency guidance rather than trial results. Sun protection is the strongest area: the NHS, FDA and CDC all advise shade, clothing and sunscreen, and one randomized trial of 903 adults found daily sunscreen led to 24% less skin aging over 4.5 years. For moisturizers, a Cochrane review of 77 trials in eczema found fewer flares, although evidence quality was low. Evidence for supplements and "natural" extras is thin or was not read.
Limits of the evidence
- Cleansing and moisturizing advice comes from NHS guidance rather than trials in healthy skin.
- The moisturizer review is in people with eczema, with a mean study duration of about 6.7 weeks, and many studies were at high risk of bias.
- The sunscreen trial was in Australian adults under 55 and had some missing outcome data.
- Agencies differ on the minimum SPF (FDA 15, NHS 30) and on the amount to apply, so we give both.
- We did not read trials of natural ingredients, vitamins or minerals for basic skin care, so we do not rate them.
- We did not find a source on sunscreen in pregnancy or on sunscreen ingredient safety to quote here.
Precautions and interactions
- Check products with a pharmacist if you take medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a skin condition.
- Never stop a prescribed skin treatment without speaking to your prescriber.
- Keep emollient-soaked fabric away from flames.
- Patch test new products on a small area, and stop if irritated.
Life-stage considerations
- Babies: the FDA does not recommend sunscreen for infants under six months and says to keep them out of the sun and in protective clothing; the NHS says keep babies under 6 months out of direct strong sunlight. Ask a doctor before using sunscreen on a child this young.
- Children: the NHS advises cover-up clothing, shade, and at least SPF 30 on exposed areas; repeated sun damage raises later skin cancer risk.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: itching during pregnancy needs a GP (NHS). We did not read data on specific ingredients such as retinoids or essential oils, so ask a midwife, pharmacist or doctor before using them.
- Older adults: new or changing marks need checking; thinner skin can react to products.
- Brown and black skin: you can still burn and get skin cancer, and redness of infection can be harder to see.
Warning signs
- A mole or spot that changes size, shape or colour, has uneven edges or more than two colours, or is painful, itchy, inflamed, bleeding or crusty.
- A new or unusual mark that has not gone away after a few weeks.
- Hot, swollen, red skin, which can be a sign of infection.
- A rash, stinging or burning from a product that does not settle after a few days.
- Swelling of lips, mouth, tongue or throat, noisy or fast breathing, or feeling faint: call 999 (UK) or your local emergency number.
Claim checks
You can overuse a moisturizer.
Not supported
3A base tan protects your skin.
Not supported
1,7Daily sunscreen slows visible skin aging.
Supported by one trial
6Sunscreen labelled waterproof lasts all day in water.
Not supported
2,1Beta-carotene supplements prevent skin aging.
Not supported by the trial read
6Questions people ask
Should I use a different cleanser if my skin is dry?
The NHS notes that regular soaps and shower gels usually dry out skin and suggests leave-on moisturizers as a soap substitute for dry or itchy skin.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
The FDA says at least every two hours, and more often if you are swimming or sweating. The NHS also says to reapply after towel drying or rubbing.
Can I overuse a moisturizer?
The NHS says emollients are very safe and cannot be overused, but if stinging or burning does not settle after a few days, talk to a pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
Does sunscreen really slow skin aging?
In one randomized trial of adults under 55, daily sunscreen users showed 24% less aging change over 4.5 years than people who used it at their own discretion.
Which SPF should I choose?
The FDA recommends broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher; the NHS advises SPF 30 or higher with at least 4-star UVA protection. Agencies differ on the minimum; using more is in line with both.
How much sunscreen is enough?
The FDA says an average adult needs about one ounce (a shot glass) for the body; the NHS says about 6 to 8 teaspoons. Most people apply too little.
Can babies wear sunscreen?
The FDA does not recommend sunscreen for infants under six months and advises shade and protective clothing; ask a doctor first. The NHS says to keep babies under 6 months out of direct strong sun.
Do I need more than the three basics?
Serums, supplements and natural extras are optional and we did not find strong evidence for them in the sources read. See the ingredient guide for more detail.
When should I see a doctor about my skin?
See a clinician for a mole that changes size, shape or colour, or is painful, itchy, inflamed, bleeding or crusty, or a new or unusual mark that has not gone away after a few weeks. Also seek help for signs of infection, severe or scarring acne, or a reaction that does not settle.
Is it safe to stay in the sun without sunscreen to get vitamin D?
The NHS advises balancing sun protection with getting enough vitamin D, and notes people with brown or black skin need more sun time for the same amount of vitamin D but should still avoid burning. Ask a clinician about your own needs.
References
- NHS. Sunscreen and sun safety. Read 2026-10-31. source
- US Food and Drug Administration. Sunscreen: how to help protect your skin from the sun. Read 2026-10-31. source
- NHS. Emollients. Read 2026-10-31. source
- NHS. Itchy skin. Read 2026-10-31. source
- NHS. Contact dermatitis. Read 2026-10-31. source
- Hughes MC, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2013;158:781-790. PMID 23732711. Read 2026-10-31. source
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Skin cancer prevention. Read 2026-10-31. source
- NHS. Acne. Read 2026-10-31. source
- van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Christensen R, Lavrijsen A, Arents BWM. Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017;2:CD012119. PMID 28166390. Read 2026-10-31. source
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Related goals
Relieve Dry Skin → Support Your Skin Barrier → Care for Sensitive Skin → Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage → Support Skin as It Ages → Manage Breakouts & Support Clearer Skin →
Ingredients, foods and supplements
Natural skin-care ingredients → Skin moisturizing and barrier care → Collagen, biotin and beauty supplement claims →
Research, safety and claim-check resources
Skin and hair safety: when to see a doctor → Skin and hair research and evidence → Nutrition for Skin and Hair →