How Many Skincare Products Do You Actually Need?
Do we really need a shelf full of skincare products? Discover why a simpler, more thoughtful routine may be all your skin needs.
When did skincare become so complicated?
Skincare used to be relatively simple: cleanse, moisturise and protect the skin.
Today, we're surrounded by advertising, beauty trends and social media routines that can make us feel as though we're missing something if we aren't using multiple products every morning and evening.
A new serum promises brighter skin. Another targets texture. Another is marketed for pores. Then comes an eye cream, an exfoliating treatment and a night mask.
Before long, skincare can start to feel less like caring for our skin and more like continuously trying to fix it.
The truth is that our skin already does a remarkable amount of work on its own.
Your skin is designed to protect you
The skin isn't simply something we need to make look good. It's a living organ with an important protective barrier.
The outermost part of the skin helps reduce water loss and protects us from the outside environment. Supporting that barrier is an important part of maintaining healthy skin.
Ironically, doing too much can sometimes work against this goal.
Frequently introducing new products or overusing strong exfoliating acids, retinoids and other active ingredients can cause irritation, dryness or sensitivity in some people.
Sometimes the answer isn't another product.
It may be using less.
So, what does your skin actually need?
There isn't one perfect routine for everyone. Your skin type, age, environment and individual concerns all matter.
But a basic routine can be surprisingly simple.
For many people, the foundations are two simple steps:
1. Gentle cleansing
Cleansing helps remove sweat, excess oil, dirt, makeup and sunscreen. Your cleanser doesn't need to leave your face feeling extremely tight or "squeaky clean" to be effective.
2. Moisturising when your skin needs it
A moisturiser can help support the skin barrier and reduce water loss, particularly if your skin tends to be dry.