A good skin boosts confidence, enhances your overall appearance, and contributes to a positive self-image. Just like nourishing our bodies with the right nutrients, caring for our skin with appropriate products is crucial. And with skincare, the main question is: should we opt for a basic skincare routine or the trendy 10-step regimen? Should we apply ten products or stick to the essentials, cleanse, tone, and moisturise? If you're unsure about the right approach to skincare, don't worry! Connector asked skincare experts to clarify the essentials and help you understand the best practices for a realistic skincare routine.
What Is Skincare And Why Is It Important?
Taking care of your skin is essential to shield it from dirt, pollutants, and environmental stressors. A good skincare routine preserves elasticity maintains a healthy glow and addresses ageing concerns like fine lines and pigmentation. It's vital for overall health since your skin, the body's largest organ, acts as a protective barrier.
Proper care, cleansing, moisturising, and treating specific conditions, strengthens this barrier, preventing dryness and potential infections. Skincare isn't just about looks; it's about safeguarding your well-being.
Highlighting the importance of skincare, Dr Pooja Gupta, Specialist Dermatologist, Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital says, "Skincare is crucial because our skin acts as a barrier, protecting us from external factors such as temperature extremes, sun exposure, humidity, dryness, injuries, dust, and pollutants. Daily care ensures the skin performs its role effectively and maintains overall well-being. It is essential to any anti-ageing regime as well."
What Is A 3-Step Skincare Routine?
A 3-step skincare routine is simple and suitable for everyone. First, cleanse your skin to remove makeup, excess oil, and dirt, preparing it to absorb the following products. Second, moisturise by hydrating your skin with moisturiser, drinking plenty of water, using hydrating masks, and applying lip balm. Lastly, protect your skin by never skipping sunscreen application. Daily sunscreen is crucial to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer, making it a top recommendation from dermatologists, despite being frequently ignored.
Can A 3-Step Routine Be As Effective As A 10-Step Routine?
The effectiveness of skincare hinges on product quality, the consistency of one's routine, and other factors like diet and adequate hydration. Dr Pooja Gupta from Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital emphasises the benefits of a simple skincare regimen compared to a complex one. She adds, "The effectiveness of a skincare routine depends more on the choice of ingredients, correct usage, and consistency rather than the number of steps involved."
What Is A 10-Step Skincare Routine?
The 10-step skincare routine, also known as the Korean skincare routine, made famous by Korean dramas and beauty products, has gained global popularity. Korean beauty routines typically involve multiple steps aimed at gently improving skin for long-term results.
The traditional 10-step Korean skincare routine begins with an oil-based cleanser to remove SPF, makeup, and sebum effectively.
- A water-based cleanser follows to eliminate remaining impurities. Exfoliation, recommended once or twice a week, removes dead skin cells.
- Toners restore skin levels and moisture balance. Essences hydrate and protect with fermented ingredients. Treatments like serums target specific concerns such as wrinkles or acne. Sheet masks provide intensive hydration occasionally.
- Eye creams address under-eye issues like puffiness and fine lines. Moisturiser seals in hydration, and sunscreen is crucial for sun protection, even if other products contain it.
Korean skincare emphasises gentle improvement for lasting results, inspired by popular culture and beauty innovations.
Drawbacks Of A 10-Step Skincare Routine
Explaining more about the 10-step skincare, its drawbacks and benefits when compared to the 3-step routine, Dr Pooja Gupta at Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital adds, "A 10-step routine involves multiple cleansing and layering of products, which can damage the skin barrier and disturb the skin's health. It increases the chances of reactions between different active ingredients, is time-consuming, expensive, and difficult to follow consistently, leading to poor long-term results. In contrast, a 3-step routine of cleansing, treating, and moisturising is simpler and more effective."
Sharing her valuable insights Simi Supanee Chourabi, Spa Director at KLEÏ Spa and Hamman, adds, "A minimalist skincare routine is simple to follow and takes little time and effort. It makes skin care easier for everyone, particularly those with busy schedules. And the 10-step routine involves a major time investment, for some people with hectic schedules. Some people may struggle to invest the time and effort required for each stage, resulting in inconsistency or neglect of the practice. For this reason, it is vital to schedule a consultation with a skincare expert who can advise you on the must-have products for your skin and this, in turn, will determine how many steps you should take in the regimen.
How To Determine Which One Is Best For Your Skin
Both of these skincare routines contribute to maintaining your skin's barrier. However, rather than following trends, it's crucial to prioritise understanding what your skin truly requires.
Dr Pooja Gupta from Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital says, "An effective skincare routine should be tailored to your skin type, age, sensitivities, allergy profile, lifestyle, long-term aesthetic goals and budget. Consulting with a trusted dermatologist is essential to develop a routine that meets your specific needs."
Meanwhile, Simi Supanee Chourabi at KLEÏ Spa and Hamman adds, "Book a consultation with your skincare expert. They can offer you a thorough skin analysis, during which they will identify your skin type, assess any skin concerns and create a bespoke skincare regimen with products and treatments which will benefit the skin."
Other Contributing Factors To Skincare
While having a skincare routine and using suitable products are essential, decisions between a comprehensive or basic routine can be influenced by age, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Adding to this, Simi Supanee Chourabi at KLEÏ Spa and Hamman says, "Your regimen may change depending on your age, the season or what your body is going through at any time (think: hormone imbalances). This is why you should commit to regular consultations with a professional so that you can ensure that any tweaks can be made to your skincare routine to ensure your skin always looks its best."
How To Change A Routine Without Damaging Your Skin
If you're considering switching from a 10-step skincare routine to a simpler 3-step one, or vice versa, it's advisable not to make abrupt changes overnight. Dr Pooja Gupta from Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital says, "Transitioning between routines should be done in consultation with a trusted dermatologist who understands your skin and aesthetic goals to ensure a smooth and safe change."
Conclusion
Simplicity is key, even in skincare routines. Instead of adhering to elaborate trends, prioritise understanding your skin goals and needs. Evaluate your current routine and lifestyle, and opt for a practical regimen, even when travelling. Dr Pooja Gupta from Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital says, "Common misconceptions include the belief that expensive products are always better and that more steps guarantee better results. Allergic reactions can occur with any new product, so it’s essential to introduce one new product at a time."
So whatever you follow, make sure it's simple, doable and suits your skin.