Skincare routines are one of the most debated topics in the beauty industry. From which products to use to the order of application, everybody has a different opinion on the topic. Another commonly discussed topic is how many steps your skincare routine should include.
If you’re a skincare aficionado, you definitely know the pros and cons to both multi-step routines as well as those with just a few products. Many skincare lovers claim that using too many products clogs your pores and increases the risk of outbreaks. Other people say you have nothing to worry about when using products correctly. So, what’s the verdict?
Personally, I have been dealing with cystic acne for years. As a teenager, I didn’t have problems with my skin. But once I got to my 20s, things changed. It started with small pimples here and there that were manageable. But after a while, things got worse. My skin would be constantly inflamed, with several outbreaks on my cheeks. It hurt to smile, eat, and move my face, and nothing seemed to help.
Before that, I would slap on some drugstore toner and cream and call it a day. Why would I do more? My skin was perfectly fine, so why waste money on something else?
But after that experience, I started looking more into skincare and tried several brands and products. I learned what works for me and what doesn’t and which ingredients are a must-have for my skin. That’s when my skincare routine went from two steps to four and sometimes even six. And it worked wonders.
Now, don’t get me wrong: I still get breakouts and have some scarring. But it’s nothing like it was before. I found the right toner, serum, and moisturizer and learned how to properly cleanse my skin, using even two cleansers. I definitely always took care of my skin, but the way my skin felt and looked at its worst showed me that there was more I could do. And if that involves spending extra time in the morning and evening, I have no problems with that.
At the end of the day, skincare isn’t one size fits all. Not only does everybody have different skin, but some products might work for someone but irritate another with the same skin type.
While it’s easy to look at someone who uses multiple products and think that it’s too much, you don’t know their experience with skincare. As someone who has gone through a difficult journey trying to get my skin to feel good, I know the struggle and exhaustion that comes with finding what works for you. And if for you that means different serums for different occasions, that’s perfectly OK.
Multi-step skincare routines are also about self-care. There’s something soothing about taking that extra time to pamper yourself and take care of your skin. It can make you feel better, both inside and out. If you treat your skincare routine as a moment of relaxation instead of a chore, you can get even more out of it in the long run.
Some people use extra steps in their skincare routine to prevent outbreaks, but others want to add some extra glow or vitality to their skin. If you use makeup every day, you might benefit from additional cleansing at night. Whatever your skincare goal is, sometimes another step to your routine might be what it takes. So, while it’s easy to claim that people are overdoing it, everybody’s skin is different and has different requirements. Do what works for you and practice self-care while you’re at it.
Featured image via Ron Lach on Pexels
