I Quit My 10-Step Skincare Routine for 30 Days. Here’s What My Skin Did
My Skin Went on a Diet, and It Was Glorious
My bathroom shelf looked like a science lab, and my ten-step routine was my nightly ritual. Yet my skin was constantly a little red and irritated. On a whim, I quit. For 30 days, I committed to using only three things: a gentle cleanser, a simple moisturizer, and sunscreen. The first week, my skin felt naked. But by week three, the constant, low-grade redness was gone. My skin was calmer and clearer than it had been in years. It turned out my complex routine wasn’t a solution; it was the problem.
The “Caveman Regimen”: I Stopped Washing My Face for a Week
My Unwashed Grand Experiment in the Name of Science
After reading about the “caveman regimen” online, my curiosity got the best of me. The theory is that by not washing your face, you allow your skin’s natural protective barrier, the acid mantle, to heal and rebalance itself. For seven days, I did nothing but rinse my face with lukewarm water. The first two days felt greasy and gross. But then something shifted. My skin started to feel less oily and more balanced. While I wouldn’t do it forever, it taught me that my aggressive, twice-daily cleansing was stripping my skin.
How a 3-Product Routine Healed My Damaged Skin Barrier
My Journey Back from Red, Angry Skin
I got a little too excited about acids and retinol, using them all at once. I effectively gave myself a chemical burn. My skin was red, peeling, and so sensitive that even water stung. In desperation, I stripped my routine down to the absolute basics. I used a gentle cream cleanser, a thick ceramide-rich balm that cost $15, and a mineral sunscreen. That’s it. Within two weeks, the stinging stopped. Within a month, the redness was gone. My simple, three-product routine didn’t just stop the damage; it allowed my skin to finally heal itself.
The “Skin Fast”: Giving Your Skin a Complete Break from Everything
I Starved My Skin of Products for 72 Hours
My skin felt dull and reactive, like nothing was working anymore. I decided to try a weekend “skin fast.” From Friday night to Monday morning, I put absolutely nothing on my face—no cleanser, no moisturizer, no makeup. I only rinsed with water. The first day, my skin felt uncomfortably tight. By the second day, my natural oils started to surface, and it felt surprisingly soft. The fast acted as a reset button, helping my skin rebalance on its own and making my regular products work better when I returned to them.
My “Desert Island” Skincare: If I Could Only Use 3 Products for Life
The Holy Trinity of My Skincare Shelf
It’s a fun game to play: if you were stranded on a desert island, what three skincare products would you bring? For me, the answer is instant and reveals the core of any good routine. First, a gentle cleanser to wash away salt and grime. Second, a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen because island sun is no joke. Third, a versatile, heavy-duty healing balm like Aquaphor or CeraVe ointment, which can be used on my face, lips, and any cuts or scrapes. Everything else is just a bonus.
How I Cured My Perioral Dermatitis by Doing (Almost) Nothing
The Annoying Red Rash That Hated My Expensive Serums
I developed an angry, bumpy red rash around my mouth and nose that would not go away. I threw every serum and cream I owned at it, which only made it angrier. My dermatologist diagnosed it as perioral dermatitis and gave me the worst advice ever: stop everything. No cleansers, no moisturizers, no makeup. For weeks, I did almost nothing, and it was torture. But slowly, the rash began to recede. The “cure” wasn’t a product; it was the absence of them. My skin just needed to be left alone.
The Case for a “Water-Only” Cleanse in the Morning
Why I Broke Up with My Morning Face Wash
I have dry, sensitive skin, and I always felt that my face was tight after my morning cleanse, no matter how gentle the product. I decided to experiment. I stopped using cleanser in the morning and just splashed my face with lukewarm water for 30 seconds before applying my sunscreen. The difference was immediate. My skin felt more hydrated and balanced throughout the day. I still do a thorough cleanse at night to remove makeup and grime, but skipping that morning wash was a game-changer for my dry skin.
I Replaced My Entire Routine with One “Do-It-All” Balm
The Ultimate Test of a Multi-Tasking Hero
Tired of my cluttered shelf, I decided to try using just one product for a week: a simple, all-purpose healing balm that cost about $14. I used it as a cleanser (massaging it in and wiping with a warm cloth), a moisturizer for my face and under-eyes, and a lip balm. I was shocked. My skin felt comfortable, hydrated, and calm. While I wouldn’t give up my sunscreen, it proved that you don’t need a separate, specially marketed cream for every single part of your face.
The “Skin-imalist” Manifesto: More Results with Fewer Products
Quality Over Quantity for Your Face
I used to be a skincare maximalist, with a 12-step routine full of trendy ingredients. My skin was fine, but never great. I decided to adopt a “skin-imalist” manifesto. I believe in using fewer, better products that are targeted to my goals. My routine is now four products: a gentle cleanser, a potent Vitamin C serum, a prescription retinoid at night, and a daily sunscreen. My skin has never looked better. The lesson: a few well-chosen workhorses will always outperform a shelf full of clutter.
How Overusing “Actives” Ruined My Skin (And How I Fixed It with Simplicity)
I Followed the Hype and Burned My Face Off
I fell down the rabbit hole of “actives.” I was using a glycolic acid toner, a salicylic acid serum, and a retinol cream all in the same week. I thought more was more. Instead, my skin freaked out. It was constantly red, sensitive, and flaky. I had destroyed my moisture barrier. To fix it, I stopped everything. For a month, I used only a creamy cleanser and a thick ceramide moisturizer. It was a slow, boring process, but it was the only way to heal the damage I had caused.
My $30, 3-Step Skincare Routine That Outperforms My Old $300 One
I Swapped Luxury Labels for Drugstore Staples and My Skin Transformed
I used to believe that a high price tag meant high quality. My routine was full of fancy serums and creams in heavy glass jars, costing over $300. But my skin was just so-so. Frustrated, I did a hard reset. I bought a $12 CeraVe cleanser, a $10 bottle of The Ordinary’s Niacinamide, and a $13 e.l.f. moisturizer. The total was under $35. Within a month, my skin was clearer, calmer, and more balanced than it had ever been. It proved that good formulation, not a brand name, is what truly matters.
The Financial Freedom of a Minimalist Skincare Routine
I Reallocated My “Sephora Budget” to My Roth IRA
I did a financial audit and was horrified to discover I was spending close to $1,200 a year on skincare products, many of which I didn’t finish. I decided to go minimalist. I now use a simple, three-step routine of drugstore favorites that costs me less than $200 a year. That extra $1,000 now goes directly into my Roth IRA. The peace of mind I’ve gained from saving for my future and rejecting consumer pressure has been a bigger “glow-up” than any expensive serum ever gave me.
The One Multitasking Product That Replaced My Serum, Moisturizer, and Eye Cream
The Ultimate Workhorse on My Bathroom Shelf
In my quest to simplify, I went searching for a single product that could do it all. I found it in a ceramide-rich, peptide-packed moisturizer. It’s nourishing enough that I don’t need a separate hydrating serum. It’s gentle enough that I can pat it around my eyes, so I ditched my separate eye cream. And it creates a smooth, hydrated base for my sunscreen. This one $28 tube replaced three other products, saving me time, money, and precious counter space. It’s the definition of a minimalist hero.
How to Build a Powerful Skincare Routine with Just The Ordinary
A High-Performance, Low-Budget Experiment
I challenged myself to create a complete, effective skincare routine using only products from the super-affordable brand, The Ordinary. The total cost was less than a single serum from a department store. My lineup: the Squalane Cleanser, the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum for daytime, the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for night, and the Natural Moisturizing Factors cream. The grand total was about $38. For months, I used only this routine and my skin was clear, smooth, and healthy. It’s the ultimate proof that results-driven skincare can be accessible to everyone.
I Stopped Using All My Serums and My Skin Has Never Been Calmer
My Great Serum Resignation Was a Game-Changer
I was a serum addict. I was layering a hydrating serum, a brightening serum, and an antioxidant serum every single morning before my moisturizer. My skin wasn’t bad, but it always had a low-level buzz of sensitivity and redness. I decided to go cold turkey and stop using all of them. I just cleansed, moisturized, and applied sunscreen. After a week, the constant redness in my cheeks was gone. My skin was just… calm. It turned out that my cocktail of serums was overwhelming and irritating my face.
The “French Pharmacy” Approach: A Few Cult-Favorites is All You Need
Chic, Simple, and Surprisingly Effective Skincare
Inspired by the effortless look of French women, I decided to adopt their skincare philosophy. I cleared my cluttered shelf and replaced it with a few iconic French pharmacy staples. My new routine consisted of Bioderma micellar water to remove makeup, a gentle La Roche-Posay cleanser, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré as my moisturizer, and a can of Avene thermal water for soothing. The routine was simple, elegant, and focused on barrier health, not harsh actives. My skin has never felt more balanced or looked more chic.
How a Minimalist Routine Saved Me Time, Money, and Stress
The Triple-Threat Benefits of “Skin-imalism”
My old 10-step skincare routine used to take me 20 minutes every night. I was constantly researching products, stressing about running out of my expensive serum, and worrying if I was layering things correctly. Switching to a three-step minimalist routine has been life-changing. It takes me two minutes. It saves me over $80 a month. And best of all, the decision fatigue is gone. I’m not stressed about my skin anymore. The time, money, and mental energy I’ve reclaimed is the biggest benefit of all.
The Best “One and Done” Morning Products (Moisturizer + SPF)
The Holy Grail for People Who Are Not Morning People
I am not a morning person. The idea of a multi-step routine before I’ve had my coffee is a nightmare. This reality forced me to find the perfect “one and done” morning product. My holy grail is a moisturizing sunscreen. I’ve tried dozens, but my favorite is a tinted SPF 40 that has enough hydration to let me skip a separate moisturizer and enough coverage to even out my skin tone. It’s my entire morning routine in one tube. It’s the only reason I’m able to be consistent with my sun protection.
I Tried a “Brand Monogamy” Challenge: Using Only One Brand for a Month
Could I Find Everything I Needed on a Single Shelf?
To combat decision fatigue, I embarked on a “brand monogamy” challenge. For 30 days, I used products exclusively from CeraVe. My routine was their Hydrating Cleanser, their AM Moisturizer with SPF, and their PM Moisturizer. It was incredibly freeing. I didn’t have to think about whether products would work well together. The system was designed to be simple and effective. While I did miss my favorite Vitamin C serum from another brand, the experiment taught me the value of a simple, cohesive routine.
The Environmental Benefits of a Minimalist Skincare Shelf
A Smaller Footprint, One Less Plastic Bottle at a Time
My maximalist skincare routine used to generate a shocking amount of waste. Every few months, I’d have a pile of empty plastic bottles, tubes, and complex, unrecyclable pumps. Switching to a minimalist routine has drastically reduced my environmental footprint. I buy fewer products overall, and I gravitate towards brands with simple, recyclable packaging. It’s a small change, but knowing that my pursuit of healthy skin isn’t contributing as much to landfill waste makes my simple routine feel even better.
How to “KonMari” Your Skincare Collection
Tidying Up My Shelf and Sparking Joy
Inspired by Marie Kondo, I decided to declutter my overflowing skincare collection. I took every single product and put it on my floor. I held each one and asked, “Does this truly work for me and spark joy?” I was ruthless. The half-used trendy serum that did nothing? Gone. The moisturizer that smelled weird? Gone. I was left with a small, curated collection of products I genuinely loved and used. The clear counter and simplified routine brought me a sense of peace and control that the clutter never could.
The Only 3 Ingredients Your Skin Actually Needs
Cutting Through the Noise of Marketing Hype
The beauty industry wants you to believe you need a dozen different miracle ingredients. After years of experimenting and listening to dermatologists, I’ve realized you only need three key things for healthy skin. First, a gentle cleansing agent to remove dirt without stripping your skin. Second, a combination of humectants and emollients (like glycerin and ceramides) to moisturize. Third, and most importantly, sunscreen agents (like zinc oxide or octocrylene) to protect. Everything else is just a bonus to address specific concerns.
I Travel with Only 3 Skincare Products. Here’s How.
My Carry-On Friendly, TSA-Approved Minimalist Kit
I used to travel with a huge toiletry bag packed with tiny bottles. Now, my travel routine is ruthlessly minimalist and fits in a tiny pouch. I bring a solid cleansing bar to avoid liquid limits. I pack a moisturizer that can be used on my face and body. And I have a travel-sized tube of my favorite tinted sunscreen, which also doubles as my daytime makeup. This simple, three-product kit covers all my bases, saves space in my carry-on, and makes my travel routine completely stress-free.
The Psychology of “Less is More” in a World of Skincare Maximalism
Finding Freedom in a Culture of “More”
We’re constantly bombarded with messages to buy more, try more, and do more for our skin. A 12-step routine is seen as a sign of dedication. For me, embracing a “less is more” philosophy was an act of rebellion. It was a conscious choice to reject the consumer pressure and anxiety that comes with chasing perfection. A simple routine frees up mental space. It says that my self-worth is not tied to how many trendy serums I own, and that confidence comes from simplicity, not clutter.
My Journey from Skincare “Collector” to “Curator”
Building a Thoughtful Collection, Not Just an Accumulation of Stuff
I used to be a skincare “collector.” I would buy products just because they were new, popular, or on sale. My shelves were overflowing with an incoherent accumulation of stuff. I decided to become a “curator” instead. A curator thoughtfully selects each piece for a specific purpose. Now, before I buy anything, I ask, “What hole does this fill in my routine? What product will it replace?” This mindset has transformed my shelf from a chaotic mess into a small, elegant, and highly effective collection.
How to Wean Your Skin Off a Complicated Routine
The Gentle Art of a Skincare Detox
If your skin is used to a dozen products a day, going cold turkey can be a shock. I learned to wean my skin off my complicated routine slowly. The first week, I stopped using my exfoliating toner. The next week, I cut out my antioxidant serum. I removed one product at a time over a month until I was down to the bare essentials: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen. This gradual approach allowed my skin to adjust slowly and helped me identify which products were actually making a difference, and which were just extra noise.
The Best Gentle, Minimalist Cleansers That Don’t Require a Second Cleanse
The One-Step Wash That Actually Gets Everything Off
I love the idea of double cleansing, but on lazy nights, it feels like too much work. I went on a hunt for a single, minimalist cleanser that could effectively remove makeup and sunscreen in one go. I found that gentle, cream-to-foam formulas or light cleansing oils that emulsify completely are the winners. They have enough power to dissolve grime but are gentle enough not to strip my skin. It’s the perfect one-step solution for a lazy girl’s evening routine.
My “Lazy Girl” Skincare Routine That Still Gets Results
Maximum Results, Minimum Effort
I’m inherently lazy when it comes to routines. So I engineered my skincare to require the least effort possible. In the morning, it’s one step: a tinted moisturizer with SPF. At night, it’s two steps: a cleansing balm that I remove with a warm cloth (no splashing water everywhere), followed by a single “powerhouse” serum with retinol. I let that sink in and go to bed. That’s it. It takes less than three minutes total, but because it’s so easy, I’m incredibly consistent, which is the real key to getting results.
The One Product I’d Choose If I Had to Give Up Everything Else
My Absolute, Non-Negotiable, Holy Grail
If I had to give up every single skincare product I own except for one, the choice would be excruciating but clear. I would keep my broad-spectrum, SPF 50 sunscreen. A cleanser is great, and a moisturizer is comforting, but sunscreen is the only product that actively prevents skin cancer and the vast majority of premature aging. It’s the ultimate protector and preserver. Giving up everything else would be tough, but giving up sunscreen would be a true catastrophe for my skin’s long-term health.
The Power of Consistency Over Complexity
Doing 3 Steps Daily is Better Than Doing 10 Steps Weekly
I used to have a complex, ten-step routine that I would only do a few times a week when I had the energy. My skin was never consistently good. My friend had a simple, three-step routine—cleanse, moisturize, SPF—that she did every single day without fail. Her skin was always glowing. It taught me the most important lesson in skincare: consistency is far more powerful than complexity. A simple routine that you perform diligently will always outperform a complicated one that you only do sporadically.
How a Simple Routine Helped Me Finally Understand My Skin’s True Needs
When I Stopped Piling on Products, My Skin Started Talking
With my 12-step routine, I never knew what was working and what was causing irritation. My skin’s signals were lost in the noise of all the products. When I stripped everything back to just a cleanser and moisturizer, I could finally listen. I noticed that my skin felt tight after cleansing, so I switched to a gentler formula. I realized my cheeks were dry but my T-zone was oily. This basic, minimalist canvas allowed me to understand my skin’s true nature and add back only what it genuinely needed.
The Best Minimalist Routines for Every Skin Type
Simple, Targeted, and Effective for You
Minimalism doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. For my friend with oily skin, a minimalist routine is a salicylic acid cleanser, a lightweight gel cream, and an oil-free sunscreen. For my dry skin, it’s a milky cleanser, a rich ceramide cream, and a hydrating sunscreen. For sensitive skin, it’s a fragrance-free cleanser and a simple moisturizer with oat and cica. The core principle is the same: a simple, three-step system of cleanse, moisturize, and protect, with key ingredients tailored to your specific skin type.
I Used Only “Old-School” Drugstore Products for a Month (Cetaphil, Vaseline)
My Grandmother’s Routine Was Surprisingly Effective
Tired of the hype, I decided to try my grandmother’s skincare routine for a month. My arsenal consisted of Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser, witch hazel as a toner, and a simple moisturizer. At night, I’d put a thin layer of Vaseline around my eyes and on my lips. It felt boring and unglamorous. But after 30 days, my skin was… great. It was calm, hydrated, and clear. It was a humbling reminder that these classic, no-frills products have been dermatologist-recommended for decades for a reason: they just work.
The Best “All-in-One” Body Washes/Lotions
Streamlining My Shower Routine to Save Time
My quest for minimalism extended to my shower routine. I hate the feeling of applying sticky lotion after a shower. I went looking for an all-in-one solution. I discovered in-shower body lotions. You apply them to wet skin right before you get out of the shower and then lightly rinse. It leaves a light layer of moisture on the skin that feels hydrated but not greasy. It’s a one-step process that has completely replaced my separate body wash and body lotion, saving me a precious five minutes every morning.
How to Know When Your “Minimalist” Routine Needs a Boost
Sometimes, Simple Needs a Little Support
I love my minimalist routine, but last winter, my skin was feeling extra dry and dull. My simple moisturizer wasn’t cutting it. This is how you know your routine needs a temporary boost. I didn’t overhaul my whole system. I just added one product: a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid that I layered under my moisturizer. When summer came and my skin was less dry, I took it out again. Minimalism isn’t about rigid deprivation; it’s about having a simple base and knowing when to add a little support.
The Perfect Minimalist Routine for a Teenager
Keep It Simple, Keep It Consistent
My teenage cousin asked me for skincare advice, and he was overwhelmed by all the options online. I gave him the perfect, simple, three-step minimalist routine. First, a gentle foaming cleanser with salicylic acid to help with oil and breakouts. Second, a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. Third, a non-greasy sunscreen. I told him that’s all he needs. The goal for teenage skin is to gently manage oil and breakouts and establish a lifelong habit of sun protection, not to build a complicated, expensive routine.
My “No Makeup, No Skincare” Weekend Reset
Letting My Skin Just Be Skin
Sometimes, after a long week of wearing makeup and being diligent with my routine, my skin just needs a break. From Friday evening to Sunday evening, I’ll often do a “weekend reset.” I don’t wear a stitch of makeup and I don’t use any skincare other than a splash of water. It’s a chance for my skin to breathe and rebalance without any interference. It feels liberating to not think about my face for two whole days and just let my skin be itself.
The Best Face Oils for a Minimalist Routine
The One Product That Can Be Your Cleanser and Moisturizer
If I had to choose only two products for a minimalist routine, it would be a face oil and a sunscreen. A good quality face oil, like rosehip or jojoba oil, is a true multitasker. You can massage it into dry skin to break down makeup and grime, then wipe it away with a warm cloth for a gentle cleanse. Then, you can apply a few drops onto damp skin as your moisturizer. It’s a simple, nourishing, and incredibly effective way to streamline your routine down to its bare essentials.
How a Minimalist Approach Cured My “Analysis Paralysis”
I Had Too Many Choices, So I Chose Nothing
I fell so deep into skincare research that I was paralyzed. I had a shopping cart with 15 different products and couldn’t decide what to buy. The fear of choosing the “wrong” combination meant I did nothing, and my skin suffered. Finally, I scrapped the whole cart. I walked into a drugstore and bought a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen from the same brand. By drastically limiting my choices, I was able to finally start a consistent routine and break free from the “analysis paralysis.”
The Surprising Effectiveness of a Simple Bar Soap and Moisturizer
An Old-School Approach That Still Works
In a world of 12-step routines, I decided to try the ultimate minimalist experiment. For one month, I used only a Dove Beauty Bar to wash my face and a simple lotion as my moisturizer. I was expecting my skin to freak out. Instead, it felt… fine. It was balanced, it wasn’t breaking out, and it felt comfortable. It was a powerful lesson that while specialized products are nice, the fundamental principle of gentle cleansing and basic hydration is truly the foundation of skin health.
How to Build a Minimalist Routine Around a Single Prescription Product
Letting Your Strongest Player Shine
My dermatologist prescribed me tretinoin, a powerful retinoid. She told me to let it be the star of the show. My routine became minimalist by necessity. At night, it’s just a gentle cleanse, a simple moisturizer, and then a pea-sized amount of my prescription. In the morning, it’s a splash of water, moisturizer, and a high-SPF sunscreen. By cutting out all other “actives” and serums, I’m allowing my prescription to work its magic without irritation, and my skin has never been clearer.
My “Grooming” Routine for Men Who Hate Products
The “I Don’t Want to Think About It” Guide to Good Skin
My partner hates the feeling of products on his face, but he wanted to take better care of his skin. We designed the ultimate routine for product-haters. In the shower, he uses a gentle face wash. That’s it for cleansing. His only other product is a moisturizer with SPF 30. It’s one tube, one step, and it protects and hydrates his skin without feeling greasy or complicated. He’s been able to stick with it because it’s so incredibly simple, proving that even the most product-averse person can have a routine.
The “Anti-Haul”: The Products I’m Purposely NOT Buying
Resisting the Hype and Saving My Money
The “anti-haul” has become one of my favorite mindfulness exercises. Instead of sharing what I bought, I talk about what I’m not buying, and why. I’m not buying that new viral glow serum, because I have a Vitamin C I already love. I’m not buying that celebrity skincare line, because the ingredients are basic and the price is inflated. Actively deciding not to buy something is incredibly empowering. It helps me resist hype, stick to my minimalist principles, and keep my money in my bank account.
The Best Minimalist Sunscreens
Sun Protection Without the Fuss
For a minimalist, sunscreen needs to be effective and elegant, often doing more than one job. My favorite minimalist sunscreens are tinted, moisturizing formulas. A good tinted SPF can replace your daily moisturizer and your foundation, streamlining your morning routine into a single step. I look for formulas with SPF 40 or higher that feel comfortable on the skin and provide a natural, even finish. It’s the ultimate multitasking product for a simple but protected face.
How to Get a “Glow” with a Simple, Uncomplicated Routine
The Minimalist’s Secret to Radiant Skin
People think you need a dozen brightening serums and highlighters to get a “glow.” The truth is, a real, healthy glow comes from two things: hydration and exfoliation. My minimalist glow-up routine is simple. I use a gentle cleanser and a rich moisturizer for hydration. Then, just twice a week, I use a leave-on exfoliant with glycolic acid overnight. That’s it. The combination of consistent hydration and regular cell turnover gives my skin a natural radiance that no complicated routine ever could.
The Best Minimalist Brands You Should Know About
Brands That Believe Less is More
While you can build a minimalist routine from any brand, some companies are built on the “less is more” philosophy. Brands like CeraVe and Cetaphil are classic, no-frills choices recommended by dermatologists. Newer brands like Krave Beauty focus on a small, curated line of core products designed to respect the skin barrier. And a brand like The Inkey List offers simple, single-ingredient-focused formulas so you can build your own simple, targeted routine without breaking the bank.
I Stopped Using Eye Cream for a Year. Did I Age 10 Years?
An Investigation into That Tiny, Expensive Jar
I was spending $60 on a tiny pot of eye cream, and I started to wonder if it was just a scam. So I stopped using it for a full year. I just used my regular, gentle face moisturizer around my eyes instead. The result? Absolutely nothing changed. My dark circles were the same (they’re genetic), and I didn’t suddenly develop a ton of new wrinkles. The experiment confirmed my suspicion: for most people, a good, fragrance-free facial moisturizer is perfectly sufficient for the eye area.
The Perfect 2-Step PM Routine for Tired People
When You’re Too Exhausted for Anything More
On nights when I’m completely drained, the thought of a multi-step routine is impossible. I’ve perfected the ultimate two-step PM routine. Step one: a no-rinse micellar water on a cotton pad. I swipe it all over my face until the pad comes away clean. It removes makeup, sunscreen, and grime without a sink. Step two: a nourishing moisturizer. That’s it. It takes 60 seconds from my bed. It’s not perfect, but it’s infinitely better than going to sleep with a full face of makeup on.
The Surprising Things I Learned About My Skin When I Stopped Interfering
My Skin is Smarter Than I Thought
For years, I was a helicopter parent to my skin, slathering it with products to control its every move. When I adopted a minimalist routine, I learned that my skin is actually pretty smart. When I stopped using stripping cleansers, my oil production balanced out on its own. When I stopped piling on heavy creams, my pores looked less congested. My skin knew how to function; I just needed to get out of its way. The biggest lesson was to support my skin’s natural processes, not try to micromanage them.
My Final Verdict: Is Minimalist or Maximalist Skincare Better?
The Answer Lies in Listening to Your Skin (and Your Wallet)
I’ve lived on both sides of the spectrum: the 12-step maximalist and the 3-step minimalist. My final verdict is that neither is inherently “better.” The best routine is the one that works for your skin, your budget, and your lifestyle. For me, minimalism won because it calmed my irritated skin, saved me money, and reduced my stress. For someone else, a maximalist routine might be a joyful, therapeutic ritual. The goal isn’t to follow a trend; it’s to find a consistent routine that makes you and your skin happy.