The ‘Less is More’ Skincare Experiment: How Cutting My 10-Step Routine in Half Changed My Skin

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We’ve all seen those viral 10-step skincare routines promising flawless skin. But what if I told you that less could actually be more? As a self-proclaimed skincare junkie, I decided to put this theory to the test—and the results surprised me. Here’s what happened when I slashed my elaborate routine in half.

Why I Tried a Minimalist Skincare Routine

Like many beauty enthusiasts, I fell into the trap of thinking more products = better skin. My routine was packed with serums, essences, toners, and masks—until my skin started rebelling. Redness, breakouts, and irritation made me wonder: Was I overdoing it? Inspired by the “skinimalism” trend, I challenged myself to simplify for 30 days.

The Before: My 10-Step Routine

Here’s what my original routine looked like:

• AM: Cleanser, toner, essence, vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid, eye cream, moisturizer, SPF
• PM: Double cleanse, exfoliating toner, retinol, niacinamide serum, sleeping mask

It felt luxurious, but my skin was overwhelmed.

The After: My 5-Step Minimalist Routine

I stripped it down to the essentials:

• AM: Gentle cleanser, antioxidant serum, moisturizer with SPF
• PM: Oil cleanser, hydrating serum, night cream (with retinol 3x/week)

The Results After 30 Days

1. Fewer Breakouts: My skin calmed down almost immediately. Turns out, layering too many actives was irritating my barrier.

2. Better Hydration: Focusing on fewer but more effective hydrators (like a ceramide-rich moisturizer) plumped my skin better than 5 lightweight layers.

3. More Time & Money Saved: No more 20-minute routines—and my wallet thanked me for skipping redundant products.

Key Lessons Learned

• Listen to your skin: If it’s stressed, simplify.
• Not all steps are necessary: Toners and essences can be great, but they’re not mandatory.
• Quality over quantity: Invest in multitasking products (like a moisturizer with SPF).

Who Should Try a Minimalist Routine?

This isn’t for everyone—if your 10-step routine works, keep it! But if you’re experiencing irritation, congestion, or just skincare fatigue, scaling back could help. Pro tip: Patch-test when introducing new products, even in a simple routine.

Final Thoughts

My experiment proved that skincare isn’t about the number of steps—it’s about using the right products for your skin’s needs. Sometimes, less really is more. Have you tried simplifying your routine? Share your experience in the comments!

TL;DR: Cutting my routine in half reduced breakouts, saved time, and gave me healthier skin. Skip the fluff, focus on essentials.

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