In this era of people who are now aware of the importance of skincare, we’re surrounded by products and trends that promise radiant, youthful skin. The 8-step or 10-step skincare routine is gaining popularity, originally popularized by Korean beauty (K-Beauty). The idea of pampering your skin with multiple steps has an undeniable satisfaction, but do we need a 10-step skincare routine to achieve healthy or radiant skin? I say a big “NO”. You don’t need tons of steps in your skincare to get healthy and beautiful skin. A good skincare routine is based on your skin’s needs and concerns, and you should be intentional with your products. Skincare which is done mindfully can help you attain good skin. Let’s explore the true importance of skincare, debunk some myths about complex routines, and understand what works.
Why Skincare Matters
Our skin is the largest organ of the body and it plays a crucial role in protecting us from environmental stressors, pollutants, and pathogens. You just need to listen to your skin and consider using what your skin needs. For example, if you have pigmentation, you should start focusing on treating that before jumping on to adding lots of products. A good skincare routine serves several purposes. Skincare protects the skin from harmful UV rays, pollution, and free radicals that can cause premature aging, dryness, and other skin concerns. Keeping the skin hydrated ensures it maintains a healthy, plump appearance, and improves its resilience against environmental damage. Over time, the skin naturally loses its elasticity, and skincare can help to slow this process by supporting cell turnover and collagen production. A well-chosen skincare routine can prevent common issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and dryness, keeping skin looking its best.
What’s in a 10-Step Skincare Routine?
The 10-step skincare routine includes cleansers, toners, essences, serums, moisturizers, exfoliators, masks, eye creams, and sunscreen. At first glance, each of these steps sounds beneficial, but do we need them all? Many dermatologists argue that layering so many products can lead to overuse, which might disrupt the skin barrier, causing irritation, redness, and even breakouts. Don’t feel pressured to include every step which is mentioned above. For many people, a good rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest. By adding too many layers, people often forget about the formulations that go well together and end up using the wrong products.
While 10-step routines are popular, several myths around them deserve attention.
1. More Steps = Better Skin
One of the biggest myths is that more steps lead to better skin. In reality, more isn’t always better. The skin can only absorb so many ingredients at once, and piling on products can potentially overload it. Instead, a well-balanced routine with essential products that target your skin’s specific needs is far more effective than an elaborate, generalized routine.
2. Expensive Products Show Faster Results
While it’s tempting to believe that using more products will deliver faster results, the skin’s natural renewal process takes about 28 days. The effects of skincare, especially in terms of anti-aging, typically take weeks or even months to show. Consistency is key. A simple routine with quality products can be just as effective as an expensive multi-step one.
3. Each Step is Crucial
Not every step in the 10-step routine is necessary for everyone. Some steps are indeed beneficial, such as cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. However, others, like essence or sheet masks, are more supplemental. If you don’t have specific skin issues, you likely won’t need targeted treatments like serums or eye creams every day. Tailoring the steps to what your skin needs is far more impactful.
When a 10-Step Routine Can Be Beneficial
There are cases when a multi-step routine might be beneficial or enjoyable. For instance, skincare enthusiasts often find pleasure in the ritualistic aspect of a longer routine, which can be a form of self-care and stress relief. Also, those with very specific skin concerns—like aging, severe dryness, or chronic acne—may benefit from additional steps such as serums or specialized treatments. But, I don’t recommend adding too many treatment steps, because you can end up irritating your skin with too many potent ingredients. On the other side, different products can end up canceling each other out, giving you almost no benefit.
Another factor to consider is seasonal skin needs. In winter, for example, skin tends to become drier and may benefit from added hydration layers, like a richer moisturizer or hydrating serum. However, this doesn’t mean that 10 steps are necessary year-round.
Simplifying Skincare with Maximum Effectiveness
For most people, a simpler approach is just as effective, if not more so, than a complex one. A pared-down routine with three to five products can address most skin concerns without the risk of overloading the skin. In the Morning, go with the Cleanser, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen. And for the evening, Cleanser, Treatment (optional serum for specific concerns, e.g., anti-aging or acne), and end up with a Moisturizer.
This type of routine is not only time-saving but also reduces the chances of irritation and overexposure to ingredients. If you find that a specific area needs extra care—like the under-eyes or pigmentation spots—you can add targeted treatments as needed, without committing to a 10-step regimen.
Building a Skincare Routine that Works for You
Effective skincare is about knowing your skin type and specific needs. Here are a few tips to get the best results from your routine, regardless of the number of steps. Always test new products in a small area to ensure they don’t irritate. When adding a new step or product, do it one at a time to see how your skin reacts. The active ingredients in products (like hyaluronic acid for hydration, or retinol for anti-aging) are more important than the number of products used. If your skin feels tight, irritated, or starts to break out, simplify your routine and give it time to recover.
Also Read:
Why Less is More When It Comes to Basic Skincare
Eye creams: Wrinkles smoothing savior or superfluous splurge
The correct order you should follow for the Skincare Steps Routine!
