For years now, I have noticed the trend of sharing personal skin care routines with 10+ products or steps, among many celebrities, influencers, and content creators.
This was especially made popular by the rising fame of K-beauty in Korea and their particular multi-step skin regimen.
Madelaine Petsch, I love you in Riverdale and your YouTube channel, but but girl, do you really need a 38-step skin care routine?!
And Lucy Hale, I’ve had a girl crush on you since Pretty Little Liars, but a 25-step skin care routine?!
I don’t know about you, but if I had to put 10 or more products on my face every day, AND lug it around every time I traveled, I would not be a happy camper.
I’m an esthetician that’s all about results-driven, practical skin care.
The number of skin care products you use does not equate to healthy, beautiful skin. Too much product can actually overload the skin and cause adverse reactions.
Less is more in skin care.
There are the essential skin care products, and then there are the “superfluous” skin care products. These nonessential products are often popularized by marketing ploys and created only to make a buck.
Think anti-aging eye creams, neck-lifting moisturizers, makeup remover/wipes, sheet masks, pore strips, toners, lip scrubs, products with unbelievable claims, etc.
We have all been there though. You see the before and after of an eye cream for dark circles and are impressed enough to try it for yourself.
After a couple uses, the dark circles look a little lighter…you think? Maybe?
You question its efficacy and justify its credibility because of the money spent.
Still seeking an answer to your problem, you fall trap to the next product and the cycle continues.
This cycle can easily be broken, if you so desire.
The only skin care products you really need to maintain good skin is 1) a sulfate-free cleanser, 2) a moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF, 3) a serum specific to your skin care concern/type, and 3) a chemical or physical exfoliant.
What about a night cream for the evenings, or a toner? How about an eye cream?
Nope, nope, and nope!
Superfluous products are not bad for you, nor are they worthless, but if you are wanting to put less on your face and save time + money, they aren’t necessary.
Add-ons are simply extra, bonus-like products only used to enhance your skin care routine, especially if you are targeting a specific skin care concern. Their use alone will not dramatically affect your skin.
However, consistency with a basic, effective skin care routine and devotion to taking care of yourself will dramatically affect your skin.
Sales professionals in the beauty industry do not advertise this information because their livelihood depends upon sales, but knowledge is power.
I am beyond sick of witnessing scoundrels in the beauty industry rip-off innocent consumers. We must remain informed and stay on top of our research!
I am only speaking of the physical aspect of skin care, relative to which products are needed for your skin, but your individual relationship with your skin runs deeper than the physical level.
There is only so much you can put on your skin that will impact it. You must continually work on your energetic state and practice a whole lot of self-love to fully maximize your skin’s health.
The choice is yours whether to lavish in the luxuries of skin care, or stick to the bare minimum.
Just remember, you don't need a 10-step skin care routine!
Each skin care journey is led by a bad bitch who intuitively knows what she’s doing— follow those hunches!