A three-step routine, and when to add a fourth

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A routine does not need to be long to work. Cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen cover what most skin needs every day. Extra steps earn their place only when you have a specific goal and the basic three are already a habit.

The three steps

That is six products for a full day, and about four minutes in total.

When to add a fourth step

Add a serum when you can name what you want it to do. Four common reasons:

• Shine and visible pores: Niacinamide 10 Serum
• Dull tone or marks after breakouts: Vitamin C 15 Serum
• Texture and fine lines: Retinal 0.1 Night Serum
• Redness and reactive days: Centella Calm Serum

Add one at a time and wait two weeks before adding the next, so you know which product changed what.

Signs you are doing too much

• Products that never stung before now sting
• Skin feels tight within minutes of washing
• You are going through a serum in less than six weeks

If two of these sound familiar, go back to the three steps for two weeks. Our two-week barrier reset explains how.

Frequently asked questions

Is three steps really enough?
For many people, yes. Add a serum only when you have a clear goal.

How long before a simpler routine shows results?
Skin often feels calmer within two weeks. Give it a month before judging.

Do SÉRA products have a scent?
Nothing is added for fragrance. Any scent comes from the ingredients themselves.