Cast your mind back a few years, and you’ll likely remember the moment the "10-step Korean skincare routine" took the Western beauty world by storm. It was presented as an almost sacred ritual, the secret key to unlocking the impossibly dewy, flawless "glass skin" we saw all over social media. The allure was undeniable: a luxurious, multi-layered process involving exotic-sounding products like essences, ampoules, and sheet masks.

The narrative was that this elaborate routine was a long-held tradition practised by Korean women for generations. But the truth is a little more complex and a lot more commercial.

The 10-step routine was less of a widespread cultural practice and more of a brilliant marketing concept that gained traction around 2014. It was popularised by retailers and beauty editors as a clever framework to introduce and sell a vast array of K-beauty products to a new, eager audience. The story of a secret, intricate ritual was a powerful sales tactic, and it worked.

But as many of us who diligently layered ten or more products onto our faces soon discovered, more is not always more. In fact, it can be much, much worse.

The Dermatological Risks of Skincare Maximalism

Piling on multiple products, especially those containing potent active ingredients, isn't just a drain on your wallet—it can be a direct assault on your skin. Dermatologists have long warned about the risks of this "more is better" approach:

• A Compromised Skin Barrier: Your skin has a delicate protective barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Overloading it with too many formulations can overwhelm and break down this barrier, leading to chronic inflammation, redness, sensitivity, and even breakouts.
  

• Negative Interactions: Not all skincare ingredients play well together. Layering certain active ingredients can cause them to deactivate one another, rendering them useless, or worse, create a cocktail of irritation.
  

Suddenly, the routine that promised a perfect complexion was leaving many people with skin that was more irritated and reactive than when they started.

The Counter-Movement: Enter "Skinimalism"

In response to the irritation, expense, and sheer complexity of the 10-step craze, a powerful counter-movement has emerged, championed by dermatologists and skincare experts: "skinimalism," or the "skincare diet."

This philosophy advocates for a return to basics. It’s about ditching the dozen-plus products in favour of a simplified, effective routine focused on a few core, high-quality essentials that are tailored to your specific needs. The goal is not to follow a prescriptive number of steps but to achieve healthy, resilient skin with a consistent and intelligent approach.

Building Your Core Routine: The Non-Negotiables

So, what do you actually need? For most individuals, a truly effective skincare routine can be built on three foundational pillars:

1. A Gentle Cleanser: To wash away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping the skin of its essential lipids.
   

2. A Suitable Moisturiser: To hydrate, nourish, and support your skin's protective barrier. The right one will depend on your skin type (e.g., a lightweight lotion for oily skin or a richer cream for dry skin).
   

3. A Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: This is the single most important, non-negotiable step for protecting your skin from premature ageing and skin cancer. Every single day.
   

Once you have this core routine down, you can add a single, targeted treatment (like a Vitamin C serum in the morning or a retinoid at night) to address specific concerns like hyperpigmentation or fine lines.

The secret to great skin isn't hidden in the tenth step of a complicated routine. It’s found in the consistency of using a few simple, effective products. By embracing a "less is more" philosophy, you can save time, money, and most importantly, the health of your skin.