A simple routine is better because it’s easier to stick with every single day. Your skin loves consistency more than it loves a cabinet full of fancy products. When you use just a few gentle, effective products regularly, your skin can settle into a happy rhythm. You’re also less likely to irritate it by constantly trying new things. Think of it like feeding a pet the same healthy food instead of switching its diet every week—it just does better.
The trick is to make your routine so easy that you can do it half-asleep! Keep your products right by the sink where you can see them. Choose formulas you enjoy using, like a nice-smelling cleanser. On exhausting nights, it’s okay to just use a makeup-removing wipe and moisturizer. Doing something small is always better than doing nothing. Consistency isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up for your skin most of the time.
Use more than you think! For just your face and neck, you need about a nickel-sized dollop, or two full finger-lengths of sunscreen squeezed onto your pointer and middle fingers. Don’t forget your ears, the front and back of your neck, and your chest if it’s exposed. Skimping means you’re not getting the full protection promised on the bottle, so be generous.
You might not need to! Many people prefer a super simple, quick rinse with water or a very mild cleanser in the morning. At night, your cleanser has a bigger job—it must remove sunscreen, makeup, and the day’s pollution. A double cleanse (an oil-based balm first, then your regular cleanser) is a fantastic evening ritual for truly clean skin.