Cleanse, moisturise, protect. The at-home routine we recommend to every client after a facial.
The short answer
A basic professional facial routine has three steps: cleanse, moisturise and protect. At MAIÈ, an intimate salon in Weltevredenpark, Roodepoort (Johannesburg), the routine we recommend to every client after a facial is the Facial Cleanser (a soap-free gel cleanser with rooibos and kigelia), the Hydralite Moisturiser (an ultra-light, non-clogging moisturiser with Abyssinian oil) and the Solar Defence Fluid 50 (a broad-spectrum SPF 50 that protects against UVA, UVB, blue light and infrared). Use all three every morning, and the cleanser and moisturiser every evening.
✦ Morning: Facial Cleanser, then Hydralite Moisturiser, then Solar Defence Fluid 50.
✦ Evening: Facial Cleanser, then Hydralite Moisturiser.
✦ About three minutes a day, and R1,300 for all three products.
The three steps
Step 1 · Cleanse · Morning & evening
Cleanse: Facial Cleanser
Why this step matters. Removes oil, sunscreen, makeup and pollution without stripping the skin, so everything after it works properly.
Why we chose the Facial Cleanser. Soap-free, so it cleans thoroughly without stripping your skin's natural oils or upsetting its barrier. Gentle enough for twice-daily use on every skin type we see in the salon, from oily to sensitised.
How to use it. Wet your face with lukewarm water. Massage a small amount over your face and neck, adding a little water as you go to build a light lather.
Why this step matters. Replaces lost water and supports the skin barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out.
Why we chose the Hydralite Moisturiser. Ultra-light and fast to absorb, so even oily and breakout-prone skin is happy to wear it. Non-clogging: hydration without the congestion heavier creams can cause.
How to use it. After cleansing, smooth a small amount over clean, dry skin on your face and neck. Use morning and evening. If you use a serum recommended in the salon, apply it first and Hydralite over it.
Why this step matters. Shields the skin from the UV, blue light and infrared behind pigmentation, fine lines and loss of firmness.
Why we chose the Solar Defence Fluid 50. Protection beyond UVA and UVB: it also defends against HEV (blue) light and IR-A infrared, both linked to premature ageing. Antioxidant vitamins C and E, plus anti-pollution benefits, for a second line of defence.
How to use it. Make it the last step of your morning routine, over the Hydralite Moisturiser. Apply generously: about a quarter of a teaspoon (two finger-lengths) for your face, and more for your neck, ears and the backs of your hands. Avoid the delicate eye area.
Your facial does its work in the treatment room. These three steps protect it every day in between, and they are the base we build every client’s routine on.
A basic professional facial routine has three steps: cleanse, moisturise and protect. At MAIÈ, an intimate salon in Weltevredenpark, Roodepoort (Johannesburg), the routine we recommend to every client after a facial is the Facial Cleanser (a soap-free gel cleanser with rooibos and kigelia), the Hydralite Moisturiser (an ultra-light, non-clogging moisturiser with Abyssinian oil) and the Solar Defence Fluid 50 (a broad-spectrum SPF 50 that protects against UVA, UVB, blue light and infrared). Use all three every morning, and the cleanser and moisturiser every evening.
What skincare routine do aestheticians recommend after a facial?
Keep it simple and gentle: cleanse, moisturise and protect. After every facial at MAIÈ we recommend the Facial Cleanser, the Hydralite Moisturiser and the Solar Defence Fluid 50. Skip scrubs, strong acids and retinol for a few days, and never skip the SPF 50, because freshly treated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
What are the three essential steps of a skincare routine?
Cleanse to remove oil, sunscreen and grime without stripping the skin; moisturise to support the skin barrier; and protect with a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning. At MAIÈ those three steps are the Facial Cleanser, Hydralite Moisturiser and Solar Defence Fluid 50.
What is a good simple skincare routine for South African skin?
A gentle cleanser, a light moisturiser and a high-protection sunscreen every day, because South Africa's UV is strong all year. The MAIÈ routine is the Facial Cleanser (with South African rooibos), the Hydralite Moisturiser and the Solar Defence Fluid 50, a broad-spectrum SPF 50 that also covers blue light and infrared.
Do I need serums, toners or masks as well?
Not to have healthy skin. Cleansing, moisturising and daily SPF are the foundation; everything else is optional. If you have a specific concern, such as pigmentation or breakouts, we treat it in the salon and will tell you if one extra product would help.
Are the three products enough on their own?
For most people, yes. Cleansing, moisturising and daily sun protection cover what healthy skin needs every day. If you have a specific concern, such as pigmentation, breakouts or signs of ageing, your facial or consultation is where we treat it, and we will tell you if anything extra would help.
Which order do I use them in?
Morning: Facial Cleanser, then Hydralite Moisturiser, then Solar Defence Fluid 50. Evening: Facial Cleanser, then Hydralite Moisturiser. Sunscreen is always the last step in the morning.
Can I use them after a peel or microneedling?
Yes, they are exactly what we want you using between treatments. Follow the aftercare you are given on the day, keep your routine gentle and never skip the Solar Defence Fluid 50, because treated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
