I know someone who used to have naturally great skin. Back in high school, while her classmates were dealing with hormonal acne , she hardly had to think about her skin. 
The only issues she ever faced were the occasional fungal acne on her forehead and some clogged pores around her nose. And even then, these problems didn’t bother her much. Her approach to skincare was refreshingly simple. She didn’t have a routine to follow or products lined up waiting for her. Instead, she used a face cleanser, a basic moisturizer, and occasionally applied petroleum jelly when her skin felt dry. There was no fuss, no stress—just a few products that met her skin’s needs when necessary. 

But as time went on, she found herself drawn into the world of social media and the beauty trends that came with it. Skincare influencers talked about the wonders of Korean beauty and the 10-step routines that promised flawless “glass skin.” It seemed like everyone was chasing the same goal—smooth, glowing, poreless skin that looked like it was made of glass.

How Trendy Skincare Almost Ruined Her Skin

Like so many others, she got swept up in the rush of trendy skincare, especially the 10-step Asian beauty regimen that promised flawless, “glass skin.” It seemed like everyone on social media was following it, and she didn’t want to be left behind. Her once-simple routine quickly expanded to include toners, serums, creams, exfoliators, and a host of active ingredients, all designed to give her that sought-after glow.

At first, things seemed great. Her skin appeared brighter, smoother, and more even. The quick results made her believe that she was on the right path. But slowly, she started noticing changes—her skin was becoming more sensitive. What was once healthy and low-maintenance now felt constantly irritated. Even worse, her skin became dependent on these products. If she skipped a day , she would experience breakouts or dry patches.

Her skin had become fragile, overly reactive, and far from the effortless balance it once had. What was supposed to make her skin better had, in fact, made it worse. This was a wake-up call: it wasn’t the complicated routine her skin needed—it was a return to simplicity.

Realizing the Damage and Embracing Minimalism

Once she recognized that the trendy skincare regimen was doing more harm than good, she decided it was time to make a change. It wasn’t easy—after all, she had invested so much in these products and believed in the promises they made. But her skin was sending her a clear message: less is more.

She took a step back and started carefully observing her skin. What did it truly need? What was causing the irritation? After some research and self-reflection, she realized that her skin wasn’t asking for a complex, multi-step process. Instead, it needed fewer products, simpler ingredients, and more attention to its natural balance.

She pared down her routine to just four essential steps, focusing on minimalism. Her new routine wasn’t about achieving immediate, Instagram-worthy results but about giving her skin the time and care it needed to heal. Here’s how she did it:

Her 4-Step Minimalist Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser

Her skin type was combination—oily in the T-zone, especially around the nose and chin, and dry on the other parts of her face. For her, a gentle, hydrating oil cleanser was the perfect choice. Oil cleansers are great for removing dirt and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Since she had clogged pores around her nose (sebaceous filaments), the oil cleanser worked wonders, cleaning out her pores without causing irritation.

2. Serum

Instead of using multiple serums packed with active ingredients, she stuck to just one: a vitamin C serum. She used it as part of her morning routine to target hyperpigmentation and brighten her skin. Vitamin C is known for being a gentle, effective way to deal with dark spots, and since her skin had become more sensitive, it was the perfect solution. No more layering multiple products and hoping for the best—just one well-chosen serum was all she needed.

3. Moisturizer

Her moisturizing routine became more flexible. Depending on what her skin needed that day, she alternated between using coconut oil and a basic moisturizer. If her skin felt drier, she’d reach for the oil. On days when her skin felt more balanced, she’d stick to a lightweight moisturizer. By tuning in to what her skin actually needed, she was able to give it the right amount of hydration without overwhelming it.

4. Sunscreen

She realized that one of the best ways to protect her skin was by consistently using sunscreen. She didn’t slather it on every day, but whenever she knew she’d be spending time outdoors, she made sure to apply it. Sunscreen became her go-to for preventing sun damage and keeping her skin healthy without adding unnecessary steps to her routine.

The Results: From Damage to Recovery

She stuck to her minimalist routine for three months. At first, it was hard to adjust to using fewer products, especially after becoming so reliant on a complicated regimen. But as the weeks went by, her skin began to heal. The sensitivity that had plagued her started to calm down, and her breakouts became less frequent. Her skin regained the balance it had lost during those years of overuse.

The clogged pores around her nose gradually improved, and the hyperpigmentation faded, thanks to the consistent use of vitamin C. She was so pleased with the results that, after some time, she even cut out the serum, leaving her with just three essential steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen.

By the end of those three months, her skin had returned to its natural, healthy state. It wasn’t just about having glowing skin again—it was about knowing she didn’t need to rely on endless products to keep her skin in good condition. Her skin had found its rhythm once more, and she was finally free from the pressure to follow beauty trends that weren’t right for her.

The Takeaway: Simplicity Is Key

Her journey from skincare overload to minimalist recovery taught her an invaluable lesson: skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Trends can be tempting, especially when they promise quick results, but sometimes, all your skin really needs is simplicity and consistency.

Listening to your skin and understanding its needs is more important than chasing the latest beauty fads. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. Her story shows that sometimes, the best skincare routine is the one that’s simple, affordable, and tailored to your unique skin concerns.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by too many products or frustrated with routines that seem to make things worse, consider simplifying. Your skin might just thank you for it.