Weekly self-care checklist

Small habits done consistently matter more than any single product. Tick items as you go; your progress is saved in this browser, so you can reset it each week.

Every day

• Gentle cleanse in the evening, and in the morning if you need it (cleansers)
• Moisturizer suited to your skin type (moisturizers)
• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher in the morning, reapplied when outdoors (sunscreen)
• Remove all makeup before bed, especially mascara and liner (eyeliner)
• Lip balm with SPF when outside (lips)
• Drink water and get to bed at a reasonable hour

Actives on schedule

• Use your retinoid on its planned nights, not every night if you are still building tolerance (retinoids)
• Exfoliating acid no more than your skin tolerates, often 1 to 3 times a week (AHA and BHA)
• Check you are not layering clashing actives on the same night (mixing actives)
• Patch-test any new product for a few days before using it on your face

Hair

• Wash on your schedule for your hair type (washing and conditioning)
• One deep conditioning treatment if your hair is dry or textured
• Heat-free day or two to give hair a break (heat styling)
• Sleep on satin or silk, or in a bonnet (silk pillowcases)
• Check edges and scalp if wearing a protective style (protective styles)

Tools and hygiene

• Wash foundation and concealer brushes and sponges (brush guide)
• Clean gua sha stone and rollers after each use (caring for tools)
• Change pillowcases
• Wash hair ties, headbands and makeup bag
• Wipe your phone screen, which touches your face many times a day

Rituals

• One relaxing facial massage or gua sha session (gua sha how-to)
• Ten minutes of something just for you: a walk, a bath, a book

Monthly

• Check expiry dates and the open-jar symbol on products; replace mascara about every three months
• Check moles and skin for changes, and see a dermatologist for anything new or changing
• Plan next month's outfits around your capsule wardrobe
• Trim ends if they are splitting