The Core Four Skincare Essentials-The only products you need for radiant skin
Walk into any salon, clinic or skincare store and you will see shelves filled with creams, serums, and toners, each claiming to be the missing step in your skincare routine.
It is no wonder so many women end up with bathroom cabinets crowded with half-used bottles they do not know what to do with.
The truth is simple. You do not need multiple products to have beautiful skin.
In fact, you only ever need four.
Why most products stay on the surface
Your skin is designed to protect you. Its outer layer is like a strong wall that keeps water in and irritants out.
This means that most creams and serums advertised never get further than the surface. They may feel good or leave a temporary glow, but they do not change how the skin functions.
That is why I do not believe in long, complicated skincare routines.
I believe in focusing on the products that truly matter.
The one product that changes the skin: Tretinoin
Tretinoin (Retin-A) is different.
- Its molecules are small enough to slip through the skin’s outer wall.
- It is fat-loving, so it moves easily through the skin’s natural oils.
- Most importantly, the skin has a receptor waiting for it. Think of it like a lock and key. The receptor is the lock, and tretinoin is the key that fits.
This is why I call tretinoin the medicine for the skin.
It does not just sit on the surface. It re-educates your skin cells to renew faster, produce more collagen, and regulate pigment.
Over time, this means smoother texture, firmer skin, and a more even tone.
The three products that support the skin
The other three products are there to support Tretinoin. They do not need to penetrate deeply. They do not need to change the way your cells behave.
They have simpler but equally important roles.
- Cleanser removes impurities so the skin is fresh and balanced.
- Moisturiser fills tiny gaps on the surface so the skin feels soft and comfortable.
- Sun Protection shields the skin from daily UV damage, which is the biggest cause of premature ageing.
Together, these three products support your skin alongside Tretinoin keeping it balanced, hydrated and protected.
The core four explained
When you bring these four essentials together, you give your skin everything it needs to stay healthy, radiant, and resilient.
- Cleanser for skin that feels fresh, clear, and ready to absorb the benefits of your routine.
- Moisturiser for comfort, hydration, and that smooth, cared-for feeling every day.
- Sun Protection for powerful daily protection against the sun, the number one cause of premature ageing.
- Tretinoin (Retin-A) to re-educate your skin at a deeper level, teaching it to renew, repair, and strengthen itself over time.
These are not just products. They are the foundation of a routine that works: simple, science-backed, and transformative.
The freedom of simplicity
For many of my clients this realisation is a relief. You do not need to spend hours layering products or spend thousands of rands on the latest trends. You do not need to open a cupboard crammed with products you never use.
With just four products you can achieve the healthiest skin of your life.
- One that truly changes the way your skin behaves.
- Three that protect, comfort, and support.
That is it.
What to Expect
Because tretinoin is active, your skin needs time to adjust. In the first few weeks you may notice dryness, flaking, or mild redness. This is temporary and is a part of the re-education of your skin. With steady use, your skin adapts, becomes more resilient, and the long-term benefits become clear.
The Takeaway
Skincare does not have to be complicated. In fact, it works best when it is simple.
With the Core Four, Tretinoin, Cleanser, Moisturiser, and SPF, you cover everything your skin needs for renewal, comfort, and protection.
The shelves may be full of products promising miracles, but science tells a different story.
Four products, used consistently, are enough to give you the healthiest skin of your life.
When you book a treatment at SKIN by Natalie H, your first visit includes a complimentary personalised consultation. During this time, we will explore your skin history, your goals, and the Core Four essentials — cleanser, moisturiser, SPF, and tretinoin — so you leave with both an in-clinic treatment and a clear understanding of how these products support your skin long term.
*Tretinoin (Retin-A) is prescription-only. I provide guidance during your consultation, and your doctor will supply the script if needed.
