I finally nailed my Simplified Skincare routine
Some of the least-expensive drugstore products = the most effective.
Big news here: I’m trying to figure out how to go back to school and become a dermatologist while running a planner company. And writing books. And doing everything else I’m supposed to be doing. 😏🤷🏻♀️
(Sort of joking, but also not?)
The older I get, the more curious I become about how to care for myself in the most nourishing ways. That’s absolutely true when it comes to my skin.
Over the years, I’ve tried hard to take good care of my skin. It seems I’ve tried every product on the shelves at the drugstore and Sephora. No, really—I’m pretty sure I have tried all the cleansers and all the serums and all the lotions and potions (prescription and non-prescription)! I’ve gone from grabbing a bottle of Clean & Clear when I was only a couple years older than Caroline (!) to stocking my cabinet full of products that, honestly, I could exchange for the same price as a nice luxury cruise. That’s not counting all the visits to my dermatologist and aesthetician.
I’ve tried a skincare routine with a only few steps. I’ve tried skincare routines with ten steps, twice a day. And after many decades of trying to care for my skin in a way my body appreciates, I can tell you this:
Simple—and inexpensive—skincare works best.
Seriously, it’s true. I’ve noticed that since I’ve simplified my skincare routine down to a few steps and a few (mostly drugstore) products, my complexion looks clear and feels so smooth. My dermatologist not only approves of this simplified skincare routine, she recommends the same products I’m going to talk about today.
So why does simple skincare work better? With my shiny-new Dr. of Internet Dermatology degree*, I’ll tell you why.
👩🏻🔬 The Science Behind the Skincare Barrier
You might remember from anatomy class that your body’s largest organ is your skin. The upper layer of your skin, called the epidermis, is made up of cells that act like a system of bricks. They create a barrier and block pollution, UV rays, and toxins from entering your body. A healthy skin barrier also helps your skin regulate water loss and retain moisture. And we all know hydrated skin = happy skin.
A damaged skin barrier can change the way your outer skin looks: it may look dry, discolored, less elastic, more lined.
When we’re trying to care for our skin, we’re basically trying to make sure that barrier stays strong, both for health (and for me, aesthetic) reasons. But here’s the thing:
💡 You don’t have to use that many products to create—and maintain—a strong skin barrier.
“Most people’s skin doesn’t need six products in the morning and six in the evening,” says Dr. Anna H. Chacon, a dermatologist in South Florida, in an article with Grove. “Your skin is absorbent, but it has its limits. Using fewer products ensures better absorption and effectiveness of the ingredients you’re putting on your skin.”
In the era of the 10-step Korean skincare routine, that may be hard to believe. But trust me: it’s possible to put too many products on your face. In fact, according to Allure magazine, “The more irritating active ingredients [AKA ingredients targeting specific concerns] you put on your skin, the more you could be disrupting your skin barrier.” Uh-oh.
So when it comes to skincare, too much of a good thing is . . . not a good thing.
💡 Dermatologists seems to agree: be careful with how many products with active ingredients are in your skincare routine.
“When you’re starting to get dry skin patches, acne breakouts, flaking, dry skin patches on the face, or other irritation, there’s a good chance you’re using too many products,” says Dr. Chacon. Have you been there? Because I certainly have. When my skin barrier is damaged, my face looks blotchy and red. (Retinol burn, anyone?)
But don’t worry, it’s possible to repair a damaged skin barrier. It just might take a few weeks—sometimes up to four—for it to be restored.
Pro Tip: If your skin seems to be irritated by your normal products, give yourself some product swaps like:
A gentle cleanser. If you’re using a cleanser with an acid (like salicylic acid), try something approved for “sensitive skin.” I’ve always had sensitive skin, and Cetaphil has always been so gentle on my skin. It never breaks me out or dries me out.
An all-natural moisturizer. People rave about jojoba oil, because it is nearly identical to the oil our body makes to hydrate our skin. People use it for cleansing (especially for a double-cleanse!) and moisturizing. It’s not expensive and just one small Amazon order away.
🧴 My (derm-approved!) Skincare Recs
So bottom line: what skincare products should you be using? And how much should you be spending? Let’s dive in.