Why I Avoid A 10 Step Skincare Routine (& Why You Should To)
How often are you scrolling through tiktok and you see someone talking about their 10+ step skincare routine? It can be so easy seeing influencers with these 10 step skincare routines and convincing yourself that this is the standard for glowing and healthy skin. The truth is this is absolutely not the case. An extensive skincare routine is frankly overpriced and extremely overhyped. Why, you might ask? Keep reading for why I suggest avoiding a 10 step skincare routine!
Why You Should Avoid The Trend
While the allure of a 10-step skincare routine has become almost inescapable, it's crucial to approach these trends with extreme caution. Social media is a fantastic place for sharing and discovering trends (tbh this is where I get most of my makeup tips), but not all advice is created equal. I always encourage you to do your own research and be mindful of the people you are taking skincare advice from. They might have great skin, but that doesn’t mean they are qualified to tell you what routine is going to support your dry or sensitive skin (there’s also a good chance that they just have good genes, rather than the “perfect” routine). Because the truth is adding numerous products to our daily regimen can likely lead to irritation and/or diminish the skin barrier's integrity. This excessive layering can disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier, leading to increased sensitivity, dryness, and susceptibility to pollutants and bacteria. Such disruptions can exacerbate skin issues (TLDR: more is not better).
Beyond just irritating your skin, let’s be honest, skincare can be extremely pricey! If you are committed to a 10-step routine, you're likely spending more than necessary on your skincare, or you're compromising on the quality of some products just to increase the quantity.
Benefits Of A 3-4 Step Skincare Routine
You might have noticed on my tiktok or Instagram that I am constantly singing the praises of a simplified and intentional skincare routine. Beyond the obvious of being more affordable, it can also be extremely effective (as long as you are choosing the proper steps. Spoiler alert: I will cover that in the next section). I often think my skin looks best when I keep it simple. I also find that when my patients try a longer, more extensive routine, they are far less likely to be consistent with it. I would so much rather you pick a simplified routine that you can do every single day, than a convoluted one that only happens most of the time. Focus on the basics, and then maybe add in from there!
My Personal 3-4 Step Skincare Routines:
AM:
Cleanser (this step is even optional! Most days I will just splash water for my first step or go straight to Vitamin C)
PM:
Double Cleanse (we can count this as two steps. I will typically go in with a cleansing oil or balm, and then follow up with a gel cleanser)
For the great majority, sticking to this basic but clinically- proven routine is the key to glowing skin. That’s not to say you can’t add a serum to your AM routine or an oil to your PM routine or a weekly exfoliant. Just know that the basics are fundamental for a reason, and don’t feel pressure to complicate them! Have any questions about my simplified skincare routine? DM me any questions !
Hungry for more? Check out my Comprehensive Skincare Guide in the Skinthusiast Shop!
**Disclaimer: This post does not constitute medical advice. Please speak to your Dermatology provider before adding any at home procedures or products into your routine!
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