Are you doing the most when it comes to skincare?  Time to reassess.
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Think back to that day more than three years ago when you first logged into Zoom and saw your face on the screen. Days turned to weeks, which turned to months, and soon enough, we all began aging before our very own eyes.
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Some of us maybe started nitpicking, and even went off camera a number of times. So began all the impulse purchases. That 10-step skincare routine seemed like a smart idea at the time, but was it really?
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During the pandemic, one-third of women expanded their routine to include more products. But experts caution against layering on too many products, as it can leave your skin irritated, overloaded, and stressed. Given that inflammation may accelerate aging, applying more products will only continue the cycle of complexion frustration. Instead, the solution may be simply dividing your routine into products you use only in the morning versus the products you use at night before bed.

Fast forward to 2023. Skinimalism—skin minimalism—is the latest complexion trend garnering over 19 million video views on TikTok. Not much of a “trend” at all, this back-to-basics skincare approach focuses on using just a couple of products with multi-purpose benefits. Yes, quality over quantity, keeping things simple, yet effective.
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That brings us to the two most important, expert-backed steps to better skin–with fewer bottles of potions that don’t work, and more bathroom shelf space for those that really do.
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Step 1: Rinse and repeat

First up: double cleansing, which is like power washing your face but—don’t worry!—it’s gentle and dermatologist-approved. And although you’re technically adding a product to your routine, the benefits of washing twice are worth it. Double cleansing saved my skin from breakouts and clogged pores. I found that just cleansing alone didn’t clean the makeup off my face effectively.
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This method uses two cleansers: first, an oil-based one to cut through waterproof sunscreen and makeup, and second, a water-based formula to eradicate water-soluble impurities like sweat and dirt.
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Who should double cleanse? Anyone – except those with very dry or sensitive skin, as overwashing can make matters worse, or those who do not wear makeup. For step one, oily, normal, and combination skin types can choose an oil-based cleanser, wipes or a micellar water. For step two, oily folks should try a purifying gel wash; normal and combo faces can opt for a foaming or creamy formula depending on their skin’s needs, which can change as often as the weather. Pro tip: only double-cleanse at night—doing so AM and PM can break down your skin barrier leading to inflammation and breakouts.  
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Step 2: Slather on moisturizer

It’s the cosmetic equivalent of needing to drink lots of water after having a little too much fun the night before. Refreshing. Replenishing. Healthy!
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Here’s the thing: your skin hates being thirsty. And when it is, it fights back. As we start to age, our skin thins out and loses water more easily, leading to dehydration that makes fine lines appear more pronounced, surface texture feels rough, and skin tone looks dull (imagine a plump, juicy grape turning into a raisin). And when chronically parched, your pores may produce more oil to compensate, or become really irritated and sensitive. Hello, acne–not lovely to see you again.
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The great news is that you can reverse all these effects with a few key products. For me, moisturizer is critically important and has been since I was young. My mom took care of her skin from head to toe, and would never let us go out with dry skin, especially ashy knees and elbows. Hydration is truly my one secret to youthful skin.
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But with the bajillion moisturizers out there (Creams! Lotions! Water gels!), how do you shop for the right one?  First, consider your budget, and don’t be afraid to go low. There are plenty of affordable, highly effective options out there (Olay and Crème de la Mer are both in my personal rotation!). Then, figure out your formula. Oily skin should pick an oil-free gel, water-gel, or lightweight lotion; dry or sensitive types fare well with thick cream, and normal or combination skin can go with what feels most comfortable. It’s also important to consider the elements and using a moisturizer with SPF (I like Kiehl’s) during the day is very effective at protecting your skin from UVA/UVB damage.

As for ingredients, scope out words like squalane, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, lipids, retinol and vitamin C. A quick guide:

Squalane: Protects the skin barrier, prevents water loss, and provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits. (Production slows down dramatically after age 30.)

Hyaluronic acid: Binds water in the skin, making it firm and plump, protects against damaging environmental factors (pollution, UV light), and promotes cell renewal.

Ceramides: A type of lipid that protects the skin from environmental aggressors that destroy elastin and collagen.

Retinol: This form of vitamin A helps to increase skin cell production, unclog pores, boost collagen production and exfoliate your skin.

Vitamin C: An antioxidant that can protect your skin from free radical damage, and improve the appearance of the signs of aging (dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles) and acne.
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P.S., Love oils? I know I do, but they don’t do enough to quench the skin. Instead they lock in the hydration you added. Top off your moisturizer for glowing skin or if you’d like to create more emolliency.