Why Your 500-Step Skincare Routine Isn’t the Answer
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Do you have a skincare routine?
Is it becoming increasingly long?
Are you tired of it?
Because I am too.
I don’t even know what to put on my face anymore. Every time I go online, I’m met with a plethora of brands selling arguably the same products.
Vitamin C serum! Fruit toner! Face mask from the dirt of Bali!
It seems like Western society jumped from not even using daily sunscreen to forcing Sephora and Ulta to restock every other day. It’s made me wonder: is less no longer more?
Today, leading brands such as Glow Recipe, The Ordinary, Drunk Elephant, and Glossier offer numerous varieties of skincare that are widely popular - and for good reason. They all emphasize the idea of skin first, and makeup second. I’m all for this - focusing on our skin’s well-being undoubtedly reflects on our overall “glow.” However, the seeming focus on simplicity has evaporated from our grasp.
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Recently, with the boom of TikTok, alongside the usual celebrity and pop culture influences, we average joes are consistently seeing new products in action. I cannot be the only person who was overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of snail mucin on the market. This product supposedly promotes protection and healing for the skin, using antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. To iterate, testing products from other countries and figuring out what is best for your skin is a fantastic move. Honestly, I could probably use some snail mucin myself. However, I’ve added enough products to my cart to cause an internet shutdown! It’s too much! The stress alone winds up adding more steps to my regimen, whether it’s from an increase in pimples or pressure to buy. And it doesn’t stop there—tretinoin, niacinamide, polypeptides—are we washing our faces or taking a biology exam?
Again, I’m absolutely not saying don’t go and try these types of products. I admit, I use some myself… guilty as charged! Come on, if you’re not overloading your face with retinol and collagen, what are you even doing?
In all reality, the exposure to so many options is paralyzing. In terms of beauty, the options outweigh the will to choose. How can we even cope or figure out where to start? If you’re a beginner, or new to the skin care scene, walking into a store can feel like entering a foreign country. Abruptly, something that is supposed to be for “self-care” turns into a chore and is anything but therapeutic. The wrinkles come real fast after that. That’s how they get us.
When can we just be? Why must we push the idea that beauty is associated with youth?
All these beauty influencers make us think we have to spend half our days draining every single one of our lymph nodes, with a steamer, in a sauna, using magic water. And then, gua sha from head to toe—with oil. Getting through the day and adulting is enough work as it is, without the addition of a 500-step skincare routine. More does not equal more!
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I vote for rewinding to simplicity. Start with a good cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Build from there. None of us have to go from 0-100 (or 500). Just like anything, this is a process. Don’t get me wrong, I love treating myself to spa time. Taking care of yourself should be a priority and if that manifests into an extensive skincare routine, then so be it! But skincare shouldn't turn into a stressful part of your day or a task you do because you’re scared of how you’ll look later.
It’s hard not to be. I get it. I’m terrified of waking up one day and seeing someone who doesn’t look like me now. So, wear that SPF, but don’t get it twisted. As cheesy as it sounds, beauty is not just what you look like! In the words of Selena Gomez, who says you’re not perfect?
Image Courtesy: Flickr
Beauty is not about prevention and alterations; it is about enhancement and appreciation. It’s difficult to accept, but aging is a privilege. Experiencing growth and change is a part of life we all take for granted. I think as a society, we should cultivate more love for those fine lines and wrinkles. We can’t look 20 at 60. Some of you are definitely thinking, “Well, we can sure try!” And you’re right, you can try. But, as far as I’m concerned, learning to love our ever-changing appearance is more beautiful than resenting ourselves for growing up.
Take care of yourself, but don’t lose you in the process.
Strike Out,
Writer: Dani Hernandez
Editor: Cristina Angee
Tallahassee