Casablanca – Summer is slowly fading away, autumn is knocking on the door, and the school season is back. Along with the books and early mornings comes the perfect excuse to reset your skincare routine.

Taking care of your skin does not require a 12-step routine or a bathroom shelf packed with products. Sometimes, your skin simply needs a few good habits, a little consistency, and a gentler touch.

It all starts with cleansing

According to APDerm, good skincare routine begins with proper cleansing, especially for teenagers dealing with hormonal changes that can affect the skin.

Before you even touch your face, make sure your hands are clean. The dirt and oils on them can easily transfer to your skin.

Now, choose your cleanser according to your skin type.

For oily skin, a gentle foaming or gel cleanser can help remove excess oil without being too harsh. Once a day may be enough for some people, while those with very oily skin may prefer cleansing twice daily.

If you wear makeup, start by cleansing your face before removing your eye make up.

Leaving makeup on overnight can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts, especially if your skin already tends to be oily or acne-prone.

For dry skin, avoid harsh cleansers that can strip away natural oils. A gentle, creamy cleanser can be a better choice, followed by a moisturizer that suits your skin.

Exfoliate, but not every day

Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and leave the skin feeling smoother. But more is not always better.

Exfoliating too often or using harsh scrubs can irritate the skin and damage its protective barrier. For many people, once or twice a week is enough.

And please, be gentle. Your skin has feelings too, so there is no need to scrub it like you are trying to remove a stain.

Choose a gentle exfoliating product and follow its instructions instead of rubbing aggressively. If your skin feels irritated, take a break.

Sun protection is not just for Summer

September arrives, clouds appear, and suddenly sunscreen disappears from the routine. Please do not fall for it.

UV rays can still reach your skin even when the sun doesn’t feel particularly strong.  

Harvard Health Publishing recommends choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

If you have a day packed with outdoor activities, a higher SPF can offer more protection. But if you’ll spend less time outdoors and more time at home or at school, SPF 30 can be a suitable choice.

And remember, we don’t randomly buy skincare products. Make sure to choose something that suits your skin type and its specific needs. When in doubt, your dermatologist is always there to help.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends applying sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapplying every two hours when you remain outside.

The amount matters too. For the face, neck, and other exposed areas, the AAD recommends roughly one teaspoon for the entire face and neck area, depending on the product and application area.

Adjust the routine to your skin

There is no single routine that works perfectly for everyone.

Acne, clogged pores, redness, or persistent irritation may need more specific care. That does not mean adding every trending ingredient you see online.

Instead, identify what your skin actually needs before introducing new products. If you are dealing with a persistent skin concern, a dermatologist can help you find the right ingredients and routine.

Sometimes, the best skincare decision is knowing when to stop experimenting.

Add a little Moroccan luxury

And because a skincare reset does not have to feel boring, why not bring a little Moroccan tradition into it?

Argan oil is an easy place to start. Rich in fatty acids and widely used in Moroccan beauty rituals, it can add moisture to dry areas of the skin.

Then there is “ghassoul,” the Moroccan clay traditionally sourced from the Middle Atlas. Used as a cleansing and beauty treatment, it can be a lovely addition to an occasional self-care ritual, especially for those who enjoy clay-based masks.

And if you have ever heard of “Nila,” the famous Moroccan blue powder used in traditional beauty care, you already know that Moroccan skincare has plenty of secrets worth exploring.

Just remember, traditional does not automatically mean suitable for every skin type. Patch-test new products, avoid anything that irritates your skin, and let your dermatologist have the final word when you are unsure.

A new school year calls for new notebooks, new routines, and maybe a little more love for the skin you are taking with you.