Lots of people are making the same mistakes and spending their money in the wrong places when they could be skipping some of their skincare steps, says Dr Catriona Maybury, a consultant dermatologist and medical director for Dermatica.

Because of her skin type and the hydrating products she uses in other skincare steps, Dr Maybury typically skips moisturising, saying: “I am prone to acne so don’t typically use a moisturiser.” The news that an expert in the field is skipping a skincare step that’s largely considered fundamental is quite controversial, but if you break down the consultant dermatologist’s routine, it’s not all that surprising.

She explains: “I use the Dermatica Squalane Cleanser. If I’m wearing make-up I will do a double cleanse at night. Then I put on vitamin C and SPF. I’m prone to acne so that’s enough for me; I don’t need a moisturiser. I also don’t use a moisturiser most nights unless I notice my skin is a bit dry.” She acknowledges, however, that in terms of a skincare regime, she doesn’t believe one thing works for everyone.

Is moisturising the skincare step you should be skipping?