The Truth About Skincare Routines: Why Less Can Be More

You’ve seen it all over your For You Page. You’ve heard it from your favorite skincare influencers: the 10-step skincare routine.

Popularized by Korean skincare, these intense routines can include multiple serums, creams, essences, toners, oils, and more. They can also be incredibly expensive and time-consuming. With inflation rising and fewer of us willing to spend 20+ minutes in front of the mirror morning AND night—how realistic is it to drop $150+ on a routine that might not even deliver the results you want?

And more importantly, how effective is it?

Today, we’re breaking down a simple 3-step skincare routine that can be just as effective—if not more effective—than the trendy 10-step approach.

Step 1: The Right Cleanser

This one’s a no-brainer: cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. But not all cleansers are created equal. The best cleanser for you depends heavily on your skin type, lifestyle, and environment.

For Sensitive or Dry Skin

Stick with a hydrating gel cleanser or even just micellar water. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers and actives in your daily wash—they can strip your skin’s natural oils and damage your barrier.

For Oily Skin

Opt for a cream cleanser. These help remove excess sebum without over-drying your face.

For Acne-Prone Skin

Consider a cleanser with gentle active ingredients that help treat and prevent breakouts:

• Salicylic Acid (unclogs pores)

• Benzoyl Peroxide (targets acne bacteria)

• Glycolic Acid (exfoliates dead skin cells)

  
  

Pro Tip: Avoid the temptation to scrub your face raw or overuse actives—stripping your skin triggers more oil and irritation, not less. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, double cleansing is your best friend: start with micellar water or an oil-based cleanser, then follow with your gel or foam cleanser.

Step 2: A Targeted Serum

Serums are the most customizable part of your skincare routine. They deliver concentrated ingredients that target your specific skin concerns. But with so many options, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right one.

Here’s how to focus:

For Dry or Sensitive Skin

Reach for hydrating serums that replenish moisture and soothe irritation:

• Hyaluronic Acid – Deep hydration

• Snail Mucin – Repairs and calms

• Multi-tasking blends with Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid give you more bang for your buck.

  
  

For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Use serums with gentle actives to help regulate oil and prevent clogged pores:

• Salicylic Acid or Mandelic Acid – Keep pores clear

• Niacinamide – Balances sebum and tightens pores

• Azelaic Acid – Reduces redness and inflammation

• Retinol (PM only) – Improves texture and cell turnover

  
  

For Specific Concerns

• Hyperpigmentation/Dark Spots: Try Tranexamic Acid or Alpha Arbutin.

• Dullness & Texture: Niacinamide or PDRN-based serums work wonders.

  
  

Pro Tip: Target one concern at a time. If you’re actively breaking out, prioritize calming and anti-acne serums first before tackling pigmentation or texture.

Step 3: A Nourishing Moisturizer

Moisturizer is non-negotiable. It locks in hydration, supports a healthy skin barrier, and prevents irritation. Like cleansers and serums, the best one for you depends on your skin type.

For Dry or Sensitive Skin

Go for a rich, creamy, or balm-like moisturizer. Thicker textures—even petroleum jelly-like products—can seal in hydration and prevent water loss overnight.

For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic gels or lotions that hydrate without clogging pores. Look for labels like “won’t clog pores” and always check ingredient lists for potential irritants. Learn more about what moisturizers are best for acne-prone skin.

Pro Tip: SPF is non-negotiable. UV exposure worsens hyperpigmentation, texture issues, and premature aging. Either use a standalone SPF in the morning or a moisturizer that includes SPF.

Why Less Can Be More

While a 10-step routine feels like self-care, layering too many products can actually backfire.

• Conflicting actives can irritate your skin.

• Over-cleansing and over-exfoliating damage your barrier.

• Product overload often leads to breakouts or dryness.

  
  

A simple, intentional routine ensures your skin has time to adjust and heal—without stress or overcomplication.

The Bottom Line

More steps don’t always mean better results. A smart, 3-step skincare routine—cleanser, targeted serum, moisturizer + SPF—can outperform a cluttered 10-step lineup, save you money, and fit seamlessly into your busy life.

Be consistent, patient, and kind to your skin. Track your progress, stick with products that work for your skin type, and avoid the hype-driven urge to add every trending serum or cream to your cart.

Your skin will thank you—and so will your wallet.

For more science-backed skincare guides, visit Masque Skin to learn smarter, not harder, ways to achieve healthy, confident skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a 3-step skincare routine really be effective?

Yes! A well-chosen 3-step routine—cleanser, serum, and moisturizer with SPF—can be just as effective as a 10-step routine. The key is selecting the right products for your skin type and sticking to them consistently.

2. What are the 3 most important skincare steps?

The three essentials for healthy skin are:

1. Cleanser – Removes dirt, oil, and makeup.

2. Serum – Targets your main skin concern (hydration, acne, pigmentation, etc.).

3. Moisturizer (with SPF in the morning) – Locks in hydration and protects against damage.

3. Should I stop my 10-step routine completely?

Not necessarily. If you enjoy it and it works for you, that’s fine. But if your current routine feels overwhelming, expensive, or irritating your skin, scaling back to a 3-step routine can give your skin a “reset” and reduce stress on your skin barrier.

4. Do I still need SPF in a 3-step routine?

Absolutely! SPF is non-negotiable. Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture. If you want to keep your routine minimal, choose a moisturizer with SPF for daytime use.

5. Can I use actives like retinol or acids in a 3-step routine?

Yes, but carefully. Your serum step is where you would include targeted actives like retinol, niacinamide, or salicylic acid. Stick to one or two actives to avoid irritation and always patch test new products.

6. How long will it take to see results from a 3-step routine?

Most people start noticing improvements in 4–6 weeks, especially if they stay consistent and avoid overloading their skin with too many products. Patience and consistency are key for lasting results.

7. Who benefits the most from a simplified skincare routine?

• People with sensitive skin prone to irritation

• Anyone short on time or traveling

• Those on a budget who want effective results without 10+ products

This article was reviewed by Sheila Alexandre AR-NP*