Key Takeaways
- A gentle routine of cleansing, moisturising and sun protection suits most people.
- Use SPF 30 or higher with at least 4-star UVA protection, and seek shade from 11am to 3pm, March to October.
- Acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can usually be controlled with self-care and treatment from a pharmacist or GP; severe cases may need a dermatologist.
- Check your moles with the ABCDE checklist and see a GP about any change.
- Call 999 for sudden lip, tongue or throat swelling, struggling to breathe, or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.
This Voddler.co.uk skin care guide shares simple, practical ways to look after your skin every day, from a basic routine to checking your moles.
Our editorial team covers UK sun safety, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, everyday habits and when to see a pharmacist or GP or get urgent care.
Like all Voddler.co.uk guides, it is written in plain English and based on NHS and NICE guidance and peer-reviewed sources.
The Voddler.co.uk Daily Skin Care Routine: Cleanse, Moisturise, Protect
Three simple steps suit most people:
- Cleanse: use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, and remove make-up before bed. Avoid harsh scrubs.
- Moisturise: choose a richer cream for dry skin, or a light non-comedogenic lotion (less likely to block pores) if you get spots.
- Protect: use sunscreen when you are out in strong sun.
Add new products one at a time so you can spot anything that irritates. Skin often gets drier with age; our guide to healthy ageing has more on later life. Considering cosmetic options? Read our overview of popular anti-ageing treatments first.
Sun Safety in the UK: SPF, UVA Stars and Shade
You can burn in the UK even when it is cloudy, and sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. The NHS sun safety advice is to:
- use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars
- apply it generously, and reapply every 2 hours and straight after swimming, towel drying or sweating
- spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm from March to October
- cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, clothing and sunglasses, and avoid sunbeds
Take extra care if you have fair skin, freckles, lots of moles or a family history of skin cancer, though people of all skin tones can get it.
Common Skin Conditions: Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis and Rosacea
These conditions are common and usually manageable. Redness can be harder to see on brown or black skin. Browse our Dermatology section for more.
Acne
Acne causes spots, oily skin and sometimes painful lumps. Wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser and do not pick or squeeze spots, as this can scar. A pharmacist can suggest treatments, and a GP can prescribe stronger ones. See the NHS guide to acne.
Eczema
Atopic eczema makes skin itchy, dry and cracked, and tends to flare up. Apply emollients (medical moisturisers) at least twice a day, use one instead of soap and avoid triggers such as heat and stress. Emollient that soaks into clothes or bedding makes them burn more easily, so do not smoke or go near naked flames. Read the NHS atopic eczema advice.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis causes dry, itchy, flaky patches, often on the elbows, knees, scalp and back. It is not contagious. Stress, alcohol, smoking and skin injuries can trigger flare-ups. It cannot be cured, but creams and, for more severe psoriasis, light therapy and medicines can help, as the NHS psoriasis page explains.
Rosacea
Rosacea causes flushing and redness across the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It cannot be cured, but a GP can help control it. Avoid triggers such as alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks and strong sun. Thread veins can have other causes; see our article on telling spider veins apart from other skin conditions.
How to Check Your Moles: The ABCDE Checklist
Most moles are harmless, but regular checks help you spot changes early, when skin cancer is easier to treat. Use a mirror, ask someone to check your back and take photos to compare. The widely used ABCDE checklist can help:
- A – Asymmetry: the two halves look different.
- B – Border: uneven or blurred edges.
- C – Colour: a mix of 2 or more colours.
- D – Diameter: melanomas are often more than 6mm wide.
- E – Evolving: changing in size, shape, colour or height, or starting to itch, bleed or crust.
Also see a GP about a sore that will not heal or a dark area under a nail not caused by injury. The NHS guide to melanoma symptoms explains more. If skin cancer is found, surgery is the main treatment for melanoma; our article on the role of Mohs surgery in treating melanoma looks at one specialist technique.
Everyday Habits for Healthy Skin: Sleep, Stress, Diet and Smoking
- Sleep and stress: stress can trigger eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, and itchy skin can disturb sleep. Regular bedtimes and time to unwind help.
- Diet: no single food gives perfect skin, but a balanced diet supports overall health. Ask a GP before cutting out whole food groups.
- Smoking: it can worsen psoriasis. Quitting lets more oxygen reach your skin and stops tar staining your teeth (see our guide to dental health). Free NHS stop smoking support is available.
- Alcohol: cutting down may reduce psoriasis and rosacea flare-ups.
For more practical advice, browse the Voddler.co.uk health guides.
Pharmacist, GP or Dermatologist: Who Can Help?
| Who | Best for | How to get help |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | Mild acne, dry skin, mild eczema, bites and minor rashes. In England, Pharmacy First also treats impetigo, infected insect bites and shingles (age limits apply). | Visit or call, no appointment needed |
| GP | Changing moles, sores that will not heal, and conditions not improving | Contact your GP surgery |
| Dermatologist | Severe or complex conditions and suspected skin cancer | Usually by GP referral on the NHS |
When to See a GP or Get Urgent Help
See a GP if
- a mole changes size, shape or colour, or becomes painful, itchy, bleeding or crusty
- a new mark or sore has not gone away after a few weeks
- you have psoriasis and joint pain, stiffness or swelling that does not go away
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if
- your skin is painful, hot and swollen, which may be an infection such as cellulitis
- eczema is blistered, crusty, weeping or suddenly worse, or you have a high temperature or feel unwell
- you have rosacea with a painful or red eye, blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Call 999 or go to A&E if
- your lips, mouth, tongue or throat suddenly swell, or you are struggling to breathe (use an adrenaline auto-injector if you have one and call 999)
- someone has a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed on it (on brown or black skin, check paler areas such as the palms)
- a rash spreads across the body, or skin blisters or peels, after starting a new medicine or having an infection, especially with a sore mouth, lips or eyes
- red, swollen skin comes with a very high temperature or shivering, a fast heartbeat, dizziness or confusion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the simplest skin care routine Voddler.co.uk suggests?
Cleanse with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, then use a moisturiser that suits your skin. Add sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4-star UVA protection when you are out in the sun.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. Psoriasis is not contagious, so you cannot catch it or pass it on by touch. It is a long-term condition that tends to flare up and settle, and a GP can suggest treatments to help control it.
Is it safe to squeeze spots?
It is best not to, because picking or squeezing spots can cause scars. Ask a pharmacist about treatments, and see a GP if spots are deep, painful or scarring, or if acne is affecting your mood.
When should I worry about a mole?
See a GP if a mole changes size, shape or colour, or becomes painful, itchy, bleeding or crusty, or if a new mark has not gone away after a few weeks. Most moles are harmless, but early checks matter.
Final Thoughts
Healthy skin rarely needs a complicated routine. Gentle cleansing, regular moisturising, sensible sun protection and regular mole checks cover most needs, and a pharmacist or GP can help when problems do not settle.
Voddler.co.uk will keep this guide up to date as NHS advice changes. For more clear, UK-focused health information, visit the Voddler.co.uk homepage.
This guide is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional. If you are worried about your skin, speak to a pharmacist or GP, call NHS 111 or, in an emergency, call 999.
