The Truth About Skincare: Do You Really Need a 10-Step Routine?

The Radiance Edit.

Walk into any beauty store, scroll through social media, or open your favorite skincare app, and it can feel like everyone is telling you that you need more.

More serums. More treatments. More steps.

Before you know it, your bathroom counter is overflowing with products, and what was supposed to be self-care starts feeling more like a full-time job.

But here's what I believe:

Skincare should feel simple, not stressful.

The truth is, not everyone needs a 10-step skincare routine. In fact, most people don't.

Every skin type is different. Every skin concern is different. Every lifestyle is different. What works beautifully for one person may be completely wrong for another. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare because there are no two people with the exact same skin.

What every person can have, however, is a simple routine that supports their skin without creating overwhelm.

Think of Your Skincare Routine Like Baking a Cake

Imagine you're making a cake.

At its core, you only need a handful of essential ingredients to create something delicious. Flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and a few basics.

Now, could you add chocolate chips? Absolutely.

Could you add frosting, sprinkles, fillings, or decorative toppings? Of course.

Those additions can elevate the final product, but they're not what make it a cake.

Skincare works the same way.

The basics are what create a healthy foundation. The extras can be wonderful additions when they're needed, but they're not always necessary.

What Do You Actually Need?

When I build skincare routines for clients, I always start with the essentials.

1. A Gentle Cleanser

Your cleanser's job is simple: remove dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, and environmental debris without stripping your skin.

One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is that more cleansing equals cleaner skin.

In reality, over-cleansing can disrupt your skin barrier, contribute to dryness, sensitivity, and even increased oil production.

Why I Recommend Cleansing Only at Night

Throughout the day, your skin accumulates makeup, sunscreen, sweat, pollution, bacteria, and environmental debris. At night, cleansing helps remove everything your skin has collected so it can focus on what it does best: repair, restore, and renew.

While we sleep, our skin is incredibly active. It naturally works to repair daily damage, support its barrier, balance moisture levels, and carry out the processes necessary to keep our skin healthy and functioning properly.

When we wake up in the morning, many people immediately reach for a cleanser because they believe their skin needs to be "cleaned" again. But in reality, your skin has spent the entire night doing exactly what it was designed to do.

By cleansing first thing in the morning, we can sometimes strip away beneficial oils, hydration, and the natural balance your skin worked hard to create overnight. For some individuals, this may not be a problem. But for many, it can contribute to unnecessary dryness, sensitivity, irritation, or a disrupted skin barrier over time.

Think of it this way: if your skin spent all night rebuilding and supporting itself, why immediately wash away all of its hard work?

Instead, I often recommend simply rinsing with water in the morning and paying attention to how your skin responds. This allows your skin to maintain much of its natural balance while still preparing it for moisturizer and sunscreen.

2. A Quality Moisturizer

If I could only recommend one skincare product to almost everyone, no matter the skin type, it would be a moisturizer.

Healthy skin requires hydration and barrier support.

Your moisturizer helps lock in water, support your skin’s natural protective barrier, and create an environment where your skin can function optimally.

A good moisturizer doesn’t have to be complicated.

It simply needs to help your skin feel comfortable, balanced, and supported.

3. Sunscreen

Let’s talk about sunscreen.

The conversation around sunscreen has become incredibly polarized. Some people avoid it entirely, while others feel pressure to wear it every second of every day.

I believe there is a more balanced approach.

The sun is not the enemy.

Sunlight plays an important role in our overall health, mood, circadian rhythm, and Vitamin D production. Our bodies were designed to interact with sunlight.

However, excessive sun exposure - especially during peak UV hours - can contribute to premature aging, pigmentation concerns, and skin damage over time.

Sunscreen isn’t about being afraid of the sun.

It’s simply a tool that helps protect your skin when protection is needed.

The goal isn’t fear. The goal is balance.

What About Serums, Exfoliants, Retinol, and Treatments?

This is where skincare becomes personalized.

Acne-prone skin may benefit from ingredients that help manage congestion.

Someone focused on pigmentation may benefit from brightening ingredients.

Someone concerned with aging may choose to incorporate retinol or other targeted treatments.

These products can absolutely elevate a routine when used appropriately.

Just like adding chocolate chips to a cake can make it even better.

But the key word is elevate.

They’re additions - not foundations.

The foundation is always healthy, supported skin.

The Bigger Picture

The best skincare routine isn’t the one with the most products.

It’s the one you understand.

It’s the one you can stay consistent with.

It’s the one that supports your skin instead of overwhelming it.

You should know what each product is doing, why you’re using it, and how it serves your skin’s unique needs.

Most importantly, you should pay attention to how your skin feels over time.

Skincare is not about chasing quick fixes.

It’s about building a relationship with your skin.

Supporting it.

Listening to it.

Adjusting as its needs change.

And learning to care for it through every season, every age, and every stage of life.

Because healthy skin isn’t created overnight.

It’s nurtured over time.

-R 🦢