Is Your Skincare Routine Harming Your Skin?
As a board-certified dermatologist, I often see patients with dry, irritated, or breakout-prone skin — not from neglect, but from overdoing their skincare. More isn’t always better. Research shows that a simple, consistent routine is healthier and more effective.
Why Keep It Simple?
Using just a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer every day can:
Improve hydration and strengthen the skin barrier¹
Reduce dryness, redness, and itching²
Increase overall satisfaction with skin appearance³
Layering multiple products, especially harsh actives, can weaken your barrier, trigger allergic reactions, and even cause products to conflict, leading to irritation⁴⁻⁶.
The Power of Sunscreen
Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable. Broad-spectrum SPF protects against:
UVA rays – accelerate aging and wrinkles
UVB rays – cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer
HEVL/blue light – linked to pigmentation and oxidative stress⁷⁻⁸
I recommend sunscreens with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or iron oxides for the best protection.
Moisturizers That Work
Moisturizers repair your barrier and lock in hydration — but only the right ones do both. Look for:
Ceramides: Essential lipids that restore barrier integrity and reduce dryness⁹
Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs): Components like hyaluronic acid, urea, and amino acids that retain water and improve elasticity¹⁰
Combining ceramides and NMFs gives your skin double protection: repairing the barrier while keeping it plump and hydrated.
My Simple Skincare Routine
Cleanse gently: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser morning and night¹
Moisturize smartly: Choose a cream with ceramides and NMFs² ⁹ ¹⁰
Protect daily: Apply broad-spectrum SPF every morning, reapplying outdoors⁷ ⁸
Skip unnecessary extras: Avoid layering strong acids or retinoids unless guided by a dermatologist
Bottom Line
More products don’t equal better skin. Overcomplicating your routine can cause irritation, allergies, and barrier damage. A minimalist approach — gentle cleansing, moisturizing with ceramides and NMFs, and broad-spectrum sun protection — is scientifically proven to keep skin soft, hydrated, and resilient.
Trust consistency and simplicity. Your skin will thank you.
References (simplified)
Lodén M. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005.
Levin J, Friedlander SF. Cutis. 2011.
Egawa G, Kabashima K. Allergol Int. 2018.
Elias PM, Steinhoff M. J Invest Dermatol. 2008.
Heisterberg MV, et al. Contact Dermatitis. 2020.
Draelos ZD. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010.
Young AR. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2017.
Kohli I, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017.
Draelos ZD. Cutis. 2008.
Rawlings AV, Harding CR. Dermatol Ther. 2004.