By Breaking Down My Routine, Product Choices, and the Science Behind Them
Posted on July 29, 2025 Written by: 100% PURE®
After years of chasing skincare trends and overloading my shelf with buzzworthy products, I realized my skin was more confused than ever. Breakouts, sensitivity, and a constant cycle of trial and error pushed me to rethink everything.
Instead of trendy ingredients, I prioritized what’s been : gentle cleansers, barrier-supporting moisturizers, and targeted treatments. My routine now revolves around my real concerns—sensitivity, occasional acne, and uneven tone—rather than marketing promises. This shift not only calmed my skin but also brought clarity and consistency to a once chaotic ritual.
Why Fewer Products Can Be More Effective
Using fewer skincare products isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what matters. Overloading your routine can disrupt your skin barrier, increasing sensitivity, irritation, and breakouts. Every new product introduces potential irritants and interactions, especially when active ingredients overlap.
Simplifying reduces the risk of overuse and lets your skin respond more predictably. Dermatologists often recommend a streamlined routine focused on quality, not quantity: a gentle cleanser, a well-formulated moisturizer, and a targeted treatment when needed.
By cutting back, you give your skin the chance to heal, balance, and thrive, proving that sometimes, .
Morning Routine: Simple, Functional, Protective
My mornings are all about ease and intention. I want to wake up my skin gently, boost hydration, and lock in protection without overcomplicating things. These three steps help me feel fresh, nourished, and ready to face the day.
1. Cleanse Gently
I start by soaking a cotton pad with and sweeping it across my face. It removes any overnight oil or sweat buildup without the need to rinse, leaving my skin clean but never tight or dry.
2. Hydrate and Treat
While my skin is still slightly damp, I press 2–3 drops of into my face and neck. It sinks in almost instantly, giving a plumped, refreshed feel that lasts through the day. I love how it preps my skin for moisturizer without feeling sticky.
3. Seal and Protect
After the serum dries, I apply a generous amount of to my entire face, including my neck and ears. It blends in smoothly without a white cast and adds a subtle glow. I trust it to protect me from the sun and calm my skin, thanks to the green tea extract.
Evening Routine: Repair, Restore, Renew
At night, I give my skin a chance to recover from the day’s pollution, sun exposure, and stress. This is when I focus on repair and renewal. My evening routine is slightly richer, designed to cleanse thoroughly, deliver powerful actives, and deeply nourish while I sleep. I stick to products that work in harmony with my skin’s natural overnight repair cycle.
1. Double Cleanse
If I’ve worn sunscreen or makeup, I begin with the , massaging it into dry skin to dissolve everything effortlessly. Then I wipe it away with a warm cloth. I follow with on a cotton pad to sweep away any residue and prep my skin for treatment—fresh, clean, and never stripped.
2. Targeted Treatment
After cleansing, I take a few drops of and gently press it into my skin. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants that work overnight to brighten, firm, and defend against free radicals. It feels like a multivitamin for my face—no irritation, just results over time.
3. Nourish & Lock In Moisture
To finish, I warm a small amount of between my fingers and smooth it over my face and neck. It seals in the serum and deeply hydrates with a blend of sea minerals and nourishing oils. I wake up to softer, more resilient skin every morning.
Ingredient Science Behind My Picks
Every ingredient in my routine serves a purpose. I chose for its unmatched ability to hydrate and plump, to brighten and support collagen, and niacinamide to soothe, refine texture, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Antioxidant-rich botanicals like green tea and sea minerals offer daily protection from pollution and oxidative stress. Together, these ingredients highly complement each other.
I apply lighter, water-based serums first to ensure deep absorption, followed by creams to seal in their benefits. By avoiding overlapping actives, I keep my skin calm, balanced, and responsive. It’s not just a routine—it’s a strategy backed by real skin science.
How I Know It’s Working
The biggest proof is in how my skin feels and looks. Since simplifying my routine, I’ve noticed a smoother texture, fewer dry patches, and a natural glow that doesn’t rely on highlighter. My skin feels consistently hydrated and less reactive, even during weather changes.
I don’t chase trends anymore; I pay attention to how my skin responds day by day. Instead of constantly rotating products, I give each one time to show results. This consistency has made it easier to identify . When your skin feels balanced, calm, and resilient, you know you’re doing something right, and that’s exactly where I am.
Tips for Building Your Own Evidence-Based Routine
Know Your Skin: Identify your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive) and focus on your actual concerns, not trends.
Pick Proven Ingredients: Look for multi-tasking products with clinically backed actives like , hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C.
Keep It Simple & Consistent: Fewer products used consistently are more effective than a shelf full of guesswork. Give each product time—real results take weeks, not days.
Start small, stay curious, and build a routine that works with your skin, not against it.
Simple Routine That Works
A skincare routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing high-quality, science-backed products, I simplified my regimen and saw real improvements. You don’t need a crowded shelf—just a few products that truly work with your skin. Consistency, not complexity, is what delivers lasting, healthy results.
FAQ Section
How do I know which ingredients are evidence-based?
Look for ingredients that have been studied in clinical trials or are regularly recommended by dermatologists. Trusted options include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, retinol, vitamin C, ceramides, and sunscreen. Reputable sources like medical journals or dermatologist-backed websites (e.g., AAD, Mayo Clinic) can help you separate hype from science.
Is a simple skincare routine enough for aging skin?
Absolutely. Aging skin often benefits more from consistency and gentle, effective ingredients than from an overloaded routine. Hydration, sun protection, and targeted actives like antioxidants or retinoids can support skin health and visible results without complexity.
Can I combine vitamin C and niacinamide?
Yes! While older myths suggested they cancel each other out, research now shows they can work well together. Vitamin C brightens and protects, while niacinamide calms and strengthens—making them a powerful, balanced duo when layered properly.
What’s the best way to layer skincare?
Go from thinnest to thickest. Start with cleansing, then apply water-based serums (like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C), followed by richer treatments or moisturizers. Finish with sunscreen in the morning. Let each product absorb for a minute before layering the next.
How long should I try a new product before judging results?
Give it at least 4–6 weeks. Skin cell turnover takes about a month, so visible changes—especially with treatments like vitamin C or niacinamide—take time. Unless you experience irritation, stick with it consistently to truly evaluate its effects.
