Most people stop at cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. These basics are important, but they may not address every skin concern. If your skin has reached a plateau, a few carefully chosen additions can help support a more complete routine.
The goal isn't to build a complicated 10-step regimen. Instead, focus on two or three targeted additions that complement your existing routine and use them consistently. From antioxidant protection in the morning to gentle exfoliation and hydration, small changes can make your routine more effective over time.
What Should You Add to Your Skincare Routine?
1. Add Vitamin C for Antioxidant Protection
Vitamin C is one of the most useful additions to a morning skincare routine. As an antioxidant, it helps neutralise free radicals generated by environmental stressors such as UV exposure and pollution.
With consistent use, vitamin C can also support a more even-looking complexion and brighter skin. It works particularly well in the morning because it complements your sunscreen routine.
Vitamin C doesn't have to come exclusively from a topical serum. Getting vitamin C through your diet is another way to support your overall nutritional needs. For those who prefer a convenient addition to their wellness routine, some collagen supplements also combine collagen with vitamin C.
How to use it: If you're using a topical vitamin C serum, apply it after cleansing and before moisturiser and sunscreen. If you're getting vitamin C through food or a supplement, follow the product's recommended serving instructions.
Tip: Vitamin C is not a replacement for sunscreen. Think of it as an additional layer of antioxidant support alongside broad-spectrum sun protection.
2. Use a Chemical Exfoliant a Few Times a Week
Dead skin cells can accumulate on the skin's surface, leaving it looking dull or uneven. Chemical exfoliants can help loosen these dead cells without the physical friction associated with traditional scrubs.
Two common types are AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), such as glycolic acid, and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), such as salicylic acid. They work differently and may suit different skin needs.
Rather than exfoliating every day, start with two to three times a week and adjust according to how your skin responds. Over-exfoliation can irritate and compromise the skin barrier, so more isn't necessarily better.
How to use it: Introduce one exfoliating product at a time and avoid combining several strong exfoliating products in the same routine unless your skincare professional recommends it.
3. Add a Hydrating Serum for Plumper-Looking Skin
Moisturiser helps support the skin barrier, but a hydrating serum can provide an additional layer of moisture before you apply it.
Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid are commonly used in hydrating serums because they help attract and retain water. This can be particularly useful when your skin is exposed to dry environments, air conditioning, or changing weather conditions.
A simple routine can be:
Cleanser → Hydrating serum → Moisturiser → Sunscreen (morning)
Applying your hydrating serum before moisturiser allows you to layer hydration without adding unnecessary steps to your routine.
4. Support Skin From Within With Collagen
Skincare doesn't only happen at the surface. Collagen is a structural protein naturally found in the body and plays an important role in skin structure.
Natural collagen production gradually declines with age. Research published in the American Journal of Pathology found that collagen production decreases with age, with commonly cited research indicating an approximate decline of 1% per year after the mid-twenties.
This is why some people choose to add a daily collagen supplement to their wellness routine. Options include marine collagen powder and plant-based collagen powder, depending on individual preferences and dietary requirements.
INJA Wellness offers collagen supplements in convenient powder and ready-to-drink formats, making collagen easy to incorporate into an everyday routine.
However, collagen supplements should be viewed as a complement to a balanced diet and skincare routine, not a replacement for topical skincare, healthy nutrition, or sun protection.
5. Don't Skip Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
No skincare routine is complete without sun protection.
When choosing sunscreen, look for broad-spectrum protection, which protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVA exposure is associated with photoageing, while UVB is a major contributor to sunburn. Protecting your skin from both is therefore an important part of maintaining healthy-looking skin over time.
Apply sunscreen as the final step of your morning skincare routine and reapply when appropriate based on your exposure and the product's instructions.
A Simple Routine Is Often Better Than a Complicated One
You don't need to add every skincare ingredient at once. The most effective routine is one you can use consistently, and that suits your skin's needs.
A simple approach could look like this:
Morning:
Cleanser → Vitamin C serum → Hydrating serum → Moisturiser → Broad-spectrum sunscreen
Evening:
Cleanser → Hydrating serum → Moisturiser
2–3 times a week:
Introduce a suitable chemical exfoliant into your routine, while avoiding over-exfoliation.
Daily wellness support:
If appropriate for you, consider a collagen supplement as part of your broader nutrition and wellness routine.
The key is not having more products. It's choosing the right additions, introducing them gradually, and using them consistently.
Key Takeaways
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Vitamin C can provide antioxidant support and complement your morning skincare routine.
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Chemical exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells when used a few times a week without over-exfoliating.
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Hydrating serums can add moisture and support plumper-looking skin.
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Collagen supplements can complement a balanced diet and regular skincare routine.
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Broad-spectrum sunscreen remains essential for daily protection against UVA and UVB exposure.
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A simple, consistent routine is often more practical than a complicated one.
Conclusion
A good skincare routine doesn't need to be complicated to be effective. The basics cleansing, moisturising, and protecting your skin from the sun remain important, while targeted additions such as vitamin C, gentle exfoliation, hydration, and collagen supplementation can complement those foundations. The key is to choose products that suit your individual needs, introduce new ingredients gradually, and stay consistent. Whether you prefer topical skincare, nutrition-focused support, or a combination of both, a simple routine that you can maintain over time is more valuable than a crowded shelf of products.
FAQs
Can I use vitamin C and exfoliants together?
Yes, but not in the same session. Use vitamin C in the morning and exfoliants at night.
How long before I see results?
Most additions need four to eight weeks of consistent use. Skin cell turnover takes about a month.
What is the difference between chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation?
Chemical exfoliation uses ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs to loosen and remove dead skin cells, while physical exfoliation relies on friction to remove them from the skin's surface. Chemical exfoliants can include glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which work differently depending on the ingredient.
How does hyaluronic acid support skin hydration?
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient commonly used in skincare because it helps attract and retain water, supporting the skin’s moisture levels and a plumper-looking appearance.
Is a collagen supplement necessary if my topicals are already good?
Topicals work on the surface. A collagen supplement supports the structural layer underneath, which is why the two work best together. Choosing between collagen powder vs collagen tablets often comes down to how consistently you’ll actually take it, since which collagen form absorbs better depends partly on personal habit as much as science.