If you told me last year that I’d be obsessed with a minimalist skincare routine, I’d have laughed. As someone who loves experimenting with beauty products, I once believed the more steps, the better. My bathroom shelves looked like a mini Sephora, and my nightly ritual had grown into a 22-step process.
For a while, this elaborate regimen felt luxurious—a self-care ritual that allowed me to test new serums, oils, and treatments. But over time, it became exhausting. My skin started reacting badly: breakouts, excessive oil, and sensitivity became my new normal. Ironically, all the products I was using to fix my skin were actually making it worse.
The Turning Point
The realization hit me after hearing yet another dermatologist emphasize how crucial it is to protect the skin barrier. That’s when it clicked: my skin didn’t need more—it needed less. I decided to simplify everything and stick to only the essentials.
The New Simple Skincare Routine
I remembered a piece of dermatologist advice I once read: your skincare routine only needs four key products—a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. To add a touch of hydration and follow a bit of the K-beauty philosophy I love, I kept a gentle toner or essence too.
Within just one week, I noticed a dramatic change. My skin felt smoother, plumper, and more balanced. The excess oil disappeared, and the breakouts nearly stopped altogether.
Why It Works
According to Dr. Divya Shokeen, a California-based board-certified dermatologist, “Reducing the number of potentially irritating products allows your skin to balance its natural oil production, which improves hydration and texture.”
Dr. Brendan Camp, a New York City dermatologist, adds that “giving your skin time to breathe and recover between products” helps maintain a healthy skin barrier—leading to clearer, softer, and more radiant skin.
Final Thoughts
Simplifying my skincare routine has truly been life-changing. Not only is my skin healthier and happier, but my mornings and nights feel calmer and more intentional. Sometimes, less really is more—especially when it comes to achieving healthy, glowing skin