WHAT IS THE SIMPLEST ROUTINE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS?
I call these my CLEANSE, TREAT and PROTECT steps. You do not need a 10-step skincare routine. You only need 4 products as a base line step then, you can begin adding more as you deem fit according to your skincare needs. However, the most important is to:
1. Cleanse your skin twice a day even on day you don’t wear makeup.
2. Prep/Treat is to use a toner of your choice depending on your skin needs. I prefer a Vitamin C toner, you can opt for something hydrating, or an exfoliating toner if you deal with texture and dead skin cells.
3. Treat/Moisturise: You need to moisturise your skin for hydration and to seal in moisture throughout the day or night.
4. Protect: Using sunscreen daily is a MUST! especially during the day. At night, you can switch to either a retinol based product or a sleep mask.
Remember less is more, and consistency matters over anything.
.
.
Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the power of simplicity in skincare. Initially, I was overwhelmed by the dozens of products and multi-step routines constantly promoted online. But through personal experience and trial, I found that the four-step routine of Cleanse, Treat, Moisturize, and Protect truly delivers noticeable results without unnecessary complexity. Cleansing twice daily especially stood out to me as foundational — even if I wasn’t wearing makeup, I noticed how dirt, sweat, and pollutants accumulated on my skin can clog pores and dull the complexion. Choosing a cleanser that suits your skin type, like one containing calming oat oil and nourishing adaptogens, can make all the difference in maintaining balance. The treatment step is where you get to customize. I favor a Vitamin C tonic because it brightens and preps skin nicely, but if texture or dead skin buildup is your concern, a gentle exfoliating toner with glycolic acid worked wonders for me. It’s about listening to your skin’s needs and adapting your products accordingly. Moisturizing came next, not just for hydration but also to seal in the previous steps. I found creams enriched with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and reishi mushroom truly helped with hydration and maintaining a youthful glow. Finally, daily sunscreen use became non-negotiable. Whether it’s a broad-spectrum formula that also defends against pollution or a lightweight serum with SPF50+, protecting your skin from UV damage is the single most important anti-aging and complexion-preserving step. On nights, switching to a retinol product or a nourishing sleep mask helps with skin renewal. Consistency is key — I’m always amazed at how just sticking to this simple routine without skipping days has improved the texture, clarity, and overall health of my skin. Less really is more when you choose well-formulated products that address your unique needs. If you’re trying to simplify or build a skincare routine, start with these core steps and gradually add more targeted treatments if necessary. This approach not only saves time and money but also keeps your skin happy and resilient in the long run.
As a dermatologist, one of the most common things I see daily is young women coming in with skin irritation or even rashes on their face from a complicated skincare routine. While skincare recommendations can be highly individualized, in general I recommend the following routine for morning and night. Morning: 1. Gentle cleanser OR no cleanser at all. 2. Optional: anti-oxidant like Vitamin C. 3. Sunscreen. Evening: 1. Oil based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen 2. Optional double cleanse with a foaming wash if acne prone. 3. Optional: Retinoid or active ingredient of choice. 4. Non-fragranced moisturizer. The more active ingredients and steps in a routine, the more risk we have to damage our skin barrier, cause irritation, or even develop a contact allergy. Less truly is more! #Lemon8Partner #SkincareInsider #AskDerm