Introducing The 2-3-5 Routine: The Skin Care System That's All About Efficiency & Simplicity

It's why I'm starting to default to what I'm calling a 2-3-5 routine. Allow me to tell you all about it. 

The 2-3-5 routine is a skin care framework that the user can pick and choose what steps they need on any given day or night. It starts with the basics (a simple 2-step routine) and expands from there. It allows the user to build an effective skin care tool kit and then pick and choose what they need to use depending on their skin's needs for the day. 

Consider this your foundation routine. It's bare bones but intentionally so. All it takes is two steps both morning and night, using only three products in total. In the morning, all you need to do is hydrate and wear sunscreen—and splash your face with water if you'd like a rinse. At night, wash with a cleanser and hydrate with your moisturizer of choice. 

Lean on this routine on the days when you have little to almost no time at all. Or opt for it when your skin would benefit from a break. Or you simply just don't feel like it! All of these are valid excuses to pare back your skin care routine.

As board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, M.D., told us: "Serums are light, thin skin care products filled with active ingredients. [They] are the workhorse products that target specific skin concerns, whereas moisturizers act as a barrier for the skin, locking in moisture."

This is a solid, effective daily routine. Honestly, this is what my routine looks like more days than not! Not only that, but most derms I interview explain that their routines are essentially this. So take comfort in the fact that for most folks whose job it is to pay attention to skin, in their own lives—they stick to a three-step routine. 

Here's where things get personal. Your serum of choice should be entirely up to you and your needs!

If you're like me and like to switch it up, you can have an arsenal of serums that you oscillate between depending on the day or night. (This is similar to skin cycling—read more here). Or if you have no idea where to begin on the serum front, then I suggest an antioxidant serum. Antioxidants fight free radicals and protect the skin from damage—everyone could benefit from an antioxidant serum, no matter the skin type. 

As for eye creams, these are particularly helpful for anyone with specific concerns around the eye area such as dark circles, puffiness, or fine lines. But unless your eye area is bothering you, you certainly don't need to have one in your lineup.   

You can also certainly add more than the above. There's no rule that you have to stop at five steps, if you have the time, interest, and energy to add more! For example, you can do a weekly exfoliation mask to help buff away excess dead skin cells. Or layer on a rich, thick face oil on nights when you want to do a face massage. 

The 2-3-5 routine is simple, straightforward, no-fuss—and effective. It's less of a step-by-step guide and more of a framework on how to build a skin care routine you can be consistent with. You shouldn't feel limited by it. Instead allow yourself to tweak, expand, and condense your routine as necessary—that doesn't mean you're no longer "consistent." Given how chaotic life can often feel, even accomplishing the basics is a feat to be celebrated.