The industry proposes twelve steps and a ring light. A working morning proposes a face one recognises, and a door, and the time. I have taken the morning's side.

CeraVe hydrating cleanser for the dry, easily offended morning. Little foam. No tightness left behind.

the cream-to-foam when the day must be taken off. Foam, a clean rinse, nothing squeaky.

micellar water takes the colour off and leaves the skin. No ceremony, which is the recommendation.

The tub, the big CeraVe tub. Nightly, and occasionally on winter shins. Sleeves suffer. The face does not.

Niacinamide before the afternoon shine begins its introductions. The bottle, nearly empty, is the praise.

Hyaluronic on skin already damp. Applied to a dry face, it is only a gesture. Two drops.

Glycolic, once or twice a week, far from the eyes. Enthusiasm pinked me once. Sunscreen is the morning's answer.

lactic when brightness is wanted and a scalded look is not. Still an acid. Still a screen the next day.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios disappears under makeup and does not return at noon as a ghost.

The closer product notes, should you want them: here, here, here, here.

A step that bores me is a step I drop. The face has not lodged a complaint.