The 3 steps you need in your skincare routine

I think over the last few years we- as a community- have gone above and beyond what is essentially necessary for our skin when it comes to our routine.

About a week ago, I was talking to a friend of mine. They did not understand why cared about my skin so much, why I kept bringing sunscreen with me, and etc. They said “Tess, I just feel like there are so products out on the market, so many things you have remember, and it feels like there should be 15 steps in your routine. I just get overwhelmed”.

And that’s when it hit me, I think because I am so used to seeing others do the 10 or 15 step skincare routine, it feels almost normal. But to people who may not be so obsessed with skincare like myself, it might feel like a lot at once.

Now, I want to preface this by saying- I don’t even do a 10 or 15 step routine. I use 5 products in the morning, and a 7 step routine in the evening.

Why does social media only show those long routines?

Often it can be for advertising and I think psychologically seeing someone (stereotypically beautiful) with a lot of products, it makes you want to do the same, as you might think you will look the same.

I have definitely been sucked into this type of routine before, and I notice that my skin is just over moisturized to a point that it just starts producing oils because if feels too heavy with so many products laying on it.

Why too much- is too much

The phrase less is more, is actually very practical when it comes to our skin. I think we get it in our head, that the more we use, better moisturized our skin will be, and to a certain extent, yes it will be. But often we do too much, and our skin can’t absorb all the products and overtime we just waste our money.

The science behind the skin

Just like when you go swimming in a pool, lake or ocean for long amounts of time, your fingers take awhile to stop looking all pruny. That is just like out skin when we put too many products on it at once.

Applying too many products, even if you are waiting between each application for the last one to settle into the skin, the skin can only absorb a certain amount.

Our skin is made to take care of itself, that’s why it creates sebum, and gets red to let us know we may be allergic or reacted to something. Giving our skin a helping hand, is great, but taking over its job is gonna make it way harder to do its job efficiently.

Basic routine

The simplest and the routine that I fall back on when my skin is feeling irritated or mad at me. The three steps that I feel, and many dermatologist would agree would be cleanse, moisturize, and protect.

The cleansing step is to help clean the skin, wash away any dirt, sweat, and any makeup. The moisturizing step is to hydrate and replenish the skin. I always recommend a cream at night, and a lightweight gel in the morning. Protection from the sun is so important, and applying sunscreen as your last step is the best way to keep an even layer protection from the sun.

What if I want to add more?

You can! If you want to add an exfoliant, or maybe a serum, nothing is wrong with adding more. Remembering that adding in products into your routine can good, as they could help target certain skin concerns that you may have.

Cleanse, moisturize, and protect

Taking care of your skin can be simple, and can overall help you feel your bests self!

Do you do a 10 step routine? Or do you do a basic 3 step routine?

Let me know on my social!