Why I Avoid A 10 Step Skincare Routine (& Why You Should To)
How often are you scrolling TikTok or Instagram and see someone walking through their 10+ step skincare routine? It’s easy to start thinking that this is the standard for
healthy, glowing skin” — and that if you’re not using a long lineup of products, you’re doing something wrong.
The truth? This is one of the biggest skincare red flags I see.
While elaborate skincare routines are everywhere online, more steps don’t automatically mean better results. I will also just say it, I think the negatives to them farrrr outweigh any positives. Without further ado, here’s why I personally avoid 10-step skincare routines, and what I recommend instead.
Why I Don’t Recommend 10-Step Skincare Routines
1. More Products = Higher Risk of Irritation
One of the biggest issues I see with long, multi-step skincare routines is that they dramatically increase the likelihood of irritation (even when each individual product seems “gentle” on its own).
Every product you apply has the potential to interact with your skin barrier. When you layer multiple cleansers, toners, serums, exfoliants, and actives, with the intent of “adding benefits,” you’re also increasing cumulative exposure to things like acids, retinoids, fragrance, preservatives, and penetration enhancers. Over time, that can quietly stress the skin barrier.
Another important piece people don’t always realize is what happens when you start mixing actives across multiple products. Not within a single, well-formulated product, but across your cleanser, toner, serum, treatment, mask etc.. Even if each product contains a low percentage of an active, the combined effect can create ongoing, low-grade inflammation in the skin.
This inflammation isn’t always obvious right away. It can happen at a micro level, showing up subtly over time as increased redness, breakouts, sensitivity, flare-ups of pre-existing conditions like rosacea or eczema, and skin that just feels more reactive than it used to. It’s quite literally making your skin age faster.
2. I’ll Be Blunt, They’re Stupidly Expensive
I don’t care if you’re using 95% of drugstore products, skincare still adds up quickly. So if you’re working with a 10-step routine, I can’t even fathom what your Sephora bill is. Hypothetically, let’s say you are initially ok with spending thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on your skincare routine. But, as we covered in the first point, you’re probably not going to get the results you thought you would with a big investment.
Unfortunately, in a ton of these cases, I find that people who go down this route, end up with the question of "what's even the point?” And then ditch any skincare routine all together.
3. You Are Way Too Busy For 10 Steps
If you’re a mom, a student, an employee, and entrepreneur, you have hobbies, you’re dating, you’re married…(I could keep going), nobody has time to consistently do a 10 step skin routine. Once or twice a week? Probably, but then what? If you’re like me, and you’re sometimes guilty of an all or nothing mentality, there’s a good chance you ditch any routine altogether on the other nights.
After being in the dermatology world for a long time, I am constantly reminded that the longer and more complicated a routine is, the less likely people are to stick with it consistently. And consistency is one of the most important factors for real skin improvement.
Ok now that I have convinced you (hopefully) to ditch a 10 step skin routine, let’s cover the benefits of a 3–4 step skincare routine…
You might have noticed on my TikTok or Instagram that I’m a huge fan of simplified, science-backed, and intentional skincare routines. In my experience, most people see their skin make the most improvements when they strip things back and focus on supporting the skin barrier, using clinically proven ingredients, staying consistent, and avoiding unnecessary irritation.
My Personal 3–4 Step Skincare Routine
AM Routine
Cleanser (optional: many mornings I just splash with water)
PM Routine
What I do want to mention is that although I personally prefer, and, especially as a mom of two, can only commit to 3–4 steps, that doesn’t mean you can’t ever add a device, serum, oil, or eye cream. Just know that these are add-ons, not requirements. The basics work for a reason, and you shouldn’t feel pressure to complicate them. If you want to know how to add on safely, I highly recommend snagging my Skincare Guide. It will break down every step and suggest specifics for your skin type.
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!
***This post contains affiliate links.***
