I Went From 6 Skincare Steps to 3—and My Skin’s Never Been Happier

In an age of trends like “recession nails” and “recession hair,” a recession skincare routine does not seem far from being the next big beauty trend. With multistep skincare routines—which often include five or more products—becoming the norm, maybe it’s time to save some sanity (and some money) by paring down your multistep process to just three products.

It’s easy to fall victim to a six-step skincare routine packed with products ranging from toners to peptide creams to vitamin-rich serums and retinoids, and keeping up with these latest trending must-haves can feel overwhelming. But by scaling back to just three core products, you’re not only embracing a more “skinimalist” approach—you might actually get closer to achieving healthy, glowing skin.

Why Pare Down Your Skincare Routine?

After switching up my skincare routine, I noticed fewer breakouts, a hydrated glow, and none of the occasional dryness or peeling I used to experience. I realized that drenching my skin in every product I could get my hands on was actually fueling the problems I was trying to fix by overloading my routine in the first place.

Using too many products can actually damage and irritate the skin’s natural barrier, doing more harm than good, explains Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD/PhD, owner of NYC Dermatology Circle PLLC.

The 3-Step Skincare Routine

For a simple skincare routine, Kazlouskaya recommends sticking to just three products: a cleanser, a high-quality sunscreen, and a moisturizer. A good cleanser removes excess oil and dirt from the skin, while a basic moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated and plump. When I made the switch, I opted for a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration. Lastly, applying sunscreen daily should be a non-negotiable in your routine.

“Many people don’t realize the sun is also the number one cause of collagen breakdown and premature aging,” Kazlouskaya says. “There’s no point investing in expensive treatments or skincare products if you skip sunscreen.”

If you’re someone who still likes a little coverage, use a tinted sunscreen– it still gives a dewy, even glow while protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

What About Targeted Treatments?

Although you really don’t need to add much more to your routine, using one or two targeted treatments can be beneficial if you have specific skin concerns, like acne or wrinkles. Talk to your dermatologist about the treatments that would work best for you.