Is Your Skincare Routine Too Complicated? Experts Weigh In on Why Less May Be More

An overloaded skincare routine can do more harm than good. Here are the products that can go, the four basic steps worth keeping, and the warning signs that a skincare routine has gotten out of hand.

Walk through a beauty aisle or scroll through social media and the pitch is hard to miss: more products, better skin. Creators film themselves working through 15 steps, and the shelves are stocked to match.

Caring for your skin is a good habit, and choosing products that target your concerns makes sense. The trouble starts when the routine grows bigger than the skin can handle.

Three Signs Your Skin Has Had Enough

According to Allen-Taintor Aesthetics, your skin usually shows signs when a routine becomes too much. One warning sign is a negative reaction to the products you apply.

In many cases, though, the routine is the cause, especially when it includes active ingredients. A single retinoid product can be effective, but layering several products containing active ingredients can irritate the skin.

Serums, toners, and treatments can still be useful, and adding a few usually causes no harm. Problems can arise when too many products are layered together, particularly if they contain ingredients that irritate the skin.

Another clue is shine that doesn't come from oil. This isn't the pretty, glowy kind. The skin looks oily yet feels tight and dry, which points to over-exfoliation. Too many drying products or exfoliating too frequently can be the cause.

The third clue is products that won't sink in. If your skincare sits on top of your face, you may be layering in the wrong order, since products should go on from lightest to heaviest. It can also mean you're loading on too much.

What You Can Skip

According to dermatologist Heather D. Rogers, MD, these are products you may be able to leave out of your routine as they may not provide as much benefit as you think:

• Neck cream
• Toner
• Separate day and night moisturizers, since one moisturizer can be used for both
• Single-ingredient serums, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or azelaic acid

The Four Steps That Cover the Basics

• Cleanser: A simple routine starts with a gentle cleanser, used as needed in the morning and evening.
• Moisturizer: Moisturizer comes next. It helps keep skin hydrated and supports the skin barrier. Even oily skin can benefit from an appropriately formulated moisturizer. Choose one made for your skin type.
• Eye cream: Eye cream is the third step. The skin around the eyes is among the first areas of the face to show signs of aging and is very delicate. An eye cream or serum keeps the area hydrated and protected.
• Sunscreen: Sunscreen finishes the list, and everyone needs it, no matter their skin tone or the season. It shields skin from UV rays, which cause damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Because every person's skin is different, routines will vary. These steps provide a starting point, which can be adjusted to suit individual skin needs.