3 Tips To Simplify Your Skin Care Routine (Without Losing Benefits), From A Derm

Seeking a simpler skin care routine? As someone who has interviewed countless dermatologists, estheticians, and cosmetic chemists, I'll let you know that's an expert-approved pursuit. 

First up: Look for products that boast more than one benefit. "A combination product, meaning one that has multiple active ingredients, is a great way to simplify a skin care routine by reducing the number of steps," says board-certified dermatologist Julia Schwartz, M.D., FAAD. 

This will also help you limit excessive product layering, she adds, which can lead to pilling (aka, when tiny bundles of product gather like lint on the skin). 

For example, if you're seeking hydration and brightening, look for a serum with antioxidants (vitamin C, astaxanthin, etc.) and powerful humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. 

Just don't take matters into your own hands and mix powerful actives like retinol and chemical exfoliants. Otherwise, you may spark some irritation or render them both ineffective. A pre-combined product already did the legwork for you, and they're specifically formulated to be combined.

"If I were going to put my money and time into any skin care topical, I would definitely choose a retinoid, like tretinoin," Schwartz says. 

Tretinoin is a prescription-only retinol formula, with a similar goal to over-the-counter options (ease fine lines, treat acne, banish discoloration, etc.) but delivers a stronger concentration, which may deliver more noticeable results. 

One perk of prescription-only retinols is that they can be customized for your skin concerns—meaning one person may have 0.25% retinol, while another may have 1%, depending on their skin sensitivity and concerns. Some formulas even have additional ingredients, making them combination products too. 

For example, Ro (a direct-to-patient healthcare company) offers Custom Rx, a "compounded topical treatment" that can be custom-made with other noteworthy skin superstars, like niacinamide, vitamin E, and ceramides, Schwartz explains.

Schwartz notes that at-home skin care devices, like microcurrent tools and LED light therapy, can certainly improve skin health (so a worthy step if you can handle commitment), but they shouldn't be your first priority. 

"If the goal is to simplify your routine, you'll get more bang for your buck by using active topical ingredients in the form of serums and creams rather than expensive and time-consuming devices," she says. 

Consider beauty devices an extra step if you decide to level up, not something you desperately need to round out an effective, minimal skin care routine.