Functional Skincare 101: The Role of Each Step
In clinic, one of the most common things we see is skin that’s overwhelmed, not under treated.
With endless trends and multi step routines, it’s easy to lose sight of what each product is actually meant to do. When the foundations aren’t right, even the best treatments and actives struggle to deliver results.
By understanding the purpose of each step in your home routine, you can create a simplified approach that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and allows the skin to function at its best.
Let’s break down the essential steps of skincare at home, and what each one truly offers your skin.
1. Cleanse - Reset, Not Strip
What it does:
Removes debris, excess oil, pollution
Prepares the skin to receive products
When it goes wrong:
Over cleansing
Harsh surfactants
Disrupted barrier
Functional take:
Cleansing should support the barrier, not fight it.
2. Serums - Hydration & Targeted Support
What serums do:
Deliver hydration (water-binding ingredients)
Carry active or supportive ingredients into the skin
Address specific skin needs (dehydration, inflammation, barrier support)
Functional truth:
Hydration in skincare comes from water-based products, not oils or creams.
3. Treatment / Actives - Direction, Not Force
What they do:
Target specific concerns
Support correction when skin is ready
Functional rule:
Actives work best on calm, stable skin.
4. Moisturise - Barrier Protection
What it does:
Seals hydration
Strengthens the barrier
Reduces TEWL (water loss)
Why this matters:
A strong barrier = better results from everything else.
5. Oil - Seal, Soothe & Support (Optional, Intentional)
What oil does:
Seals in hydration (occlusive/emollient role)
Supports the lipid barrier
Helps calm inflammation when used correctly
Adds slip and protection to compromised skin
What oil does not do:
It does not hydrate the skin
It does not fix dehydration on its own
It does not suit every skin, every day
6. SPF - Daily Skin Protection
What it does:
Prevents inflammation
Protects collagen
Supports long-term skin health
Where Mists Fit
Mists - Hydration, Regulation & Support
What mists do:
Deliver light, bioavailable hydration
Support skin function and enzyme activity
Help calm inflammation and heat in the skin
Prepare the skin for serums, moisturisers, or oils
What mists don’t do:
Replace moisturiser
Seal hydration on their own
Healthy skin starts with strong foundations. When skincare is simplified and intentional, the skin is better supported to heal, strengthen, and respond. The basics, done well, will always matter more than trends.
TFS x