Why “Less Is More” Might Be The Secret To Your Skincare Goals

Have you ever followed a 10-step skincare routine and wondered why your skin problems still persist? We hate to break it to you, but you might have to get rid of some of the skincare products on your bathroom shelf.

Less is more when it comes to skincare. This is the philosophy of the skincare expert, Dr. Anita Sturnham, and is also the heart of Nuriss, her Wimpole Street clinic, and Decree, her science-backed skincare brand. “Over time, I noticed that the majority of skin issues I was seeing in-clinic were self-inflicted,” she tells Vogue.

Dr. Anita also told us that her patients were constantly changing products and over-exfoliating. As a solution, she tells them to declutter their bathroom cabinets and instead, to start a simpler more sustainable routine. So how do you exactly jump into a “less is more” skincare regime?

You only need 5 essential steps

If you’re a skincare junkie, you might have a huge collection of skincare products, but there’s no need to overthink or over-explore different types of them. For both morning and night, you want to apply a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and an SPF of at least 30.

Never skip your cleansing routine

It can be tiring to wash your face after a long day, but think of all the impurities, dirt, oil, makeup, and environmental pollutants that you accumulate in your skin. Cleansing will help remove all of this and provide better absorption for your other skincare products.

The type of cleanser you use depends on your skin type. If you have dry and sensitive skin, you might want to use cream cleansers. They have a more hydrating formula and their creamy texture won’t strip off natural oils from your skin.

If you have an oily and combination skin, foam, and gel cleansers suit you best. Foam cleansers are lightweight. They penetrate deeply into your pores which helps remove excess oils while keeping your skin’s natural moisture balance.

Learn about exfoliation

A part of a basic skincare routine is exfoliation. This is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Regular exfoliation helps avoid dry skin, clogged pores, frequent breakouts, and other skin issues. So how do you master it?

It’s important to remember that there are two main types of exfoliation: physical and chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliations are facial scrubs and brushes. Chemical exfoliation comes from gentle acids that you can get from serums. This includes Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).

When it comes to any form of exfoliant, the rule of thumb is to start off slowly. Be gentle! Make sure that you don't suffer from open cuts or broken skin.

Be patient—avoid changing your products quickly

The key to establishing a simple routine is to be patient and give your products time to work. You can expect to use products for a minimum of six weeks before seeing results. When you introduce an active ingredient into your skin, you might also experience purging. So don’t think of breakouts instantly as a negative effect of your products. Be patient and give your skin time to get accustomed to your routine.

Healthy skin starts from within

While skincare products contribute significantly to healthier and glowing skin, a holistic approach can be more beneficial. Start evaluating your lifestyle and slowly change habits that might be doing damage to your skin.

Adopt a healthier diet, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and manage stress. Trust me, try getting an 8-hour sleep and you’ll instantly notice a glow in your skin, as opposed to having dull dry looking one when you just pulled an all-nighter.

Match your skincare routine with self-care habits for your mental and physical well-being and your skin will reward you.