It wasn’t tradition. It was marketing.
A few years ago, the “10-step Korean skincare routine” took over the Western beauty scene. It arrived wrapped in dreamy storytelling — essences, ampoules, sheet masks — all promising the coveted glass-skin glow. It felt indulgent, curated, and strangely soothing.
But here’s what most people didn’t know:
It wasn’t some ancient cultural ritual. It was a modern marketing strategy.
Around 2014, retailers, editors, and bloggers began popularising the 10-step routine as a framework for discovering (and buying) new K-beauty products. The concept was clever, aspirational, and highly clickable. And it worked.
But once many people began layering ten or more products nightly, a new truth appeared:
More isn’t always better.
Why overdoing it can backfire
Skincare maximalism sounds luxurious — until your skin starts complaining.
Layering too many products, especially strong actives, can do more harm than good. Dermatologists have been warning against excess for years because:
A compromised skin barrier
Your skin barrier protects you — locking in moisture and keeping irritants out.
Overloading your routine can weaken this protective layer, leading to:
- Redness
- Sensitivity
- Dryness
- Breakouts
Instead of strengthening skin, overuse can create the very issues you’re trying to fix.
Ingredient conflicts
More steps also mean more chances for clashing actives.
Certain combinations can:
- Irritate when paired
- Reduce each other’s effectiveness
- Trigger inflammation
The result? Confusion, irritation, and an unhappy barrier — the opposite of that smooth, hydrated glow.
The pivot: skinimalism
As irritation and frustration grew, a new philosophy emerged: skinimalism — or the skincare diet.
Skinimalism encourages simplicity and intention.
It’s about choosing fewer, better products to support your skin’s needs, rather than following a rigid step-count.
No pressure.
No product stacking for the sake of it.
Just mindful, consistent care.
The goal:
Healthier, calmer, more resilient skin.
What you actually need: the core routine
For most people, an effective routine can be built around three essentials:
1) Gentle cleanser
Removes sunscreen, impurities, and makeup without stripping.
2) Suitable moisturiser
Supports hydration and barrier repair.
Choose based on skin type:
- Oily → lightweight lotion
- Dry → richer cream
3) Broad-spectrum sunscreen
The only non-negotiable.
SPF protects against premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer — rain or shine.
Once this foundation is steady, you can add one intentional treatment step:
- Vitamin C in the morning (radiance)
- Retinoids at night (texture + fine lines)
Less guessing. More purpose.
What to expect
A simplified routine helps:
- Reduce irritation
- Strengthen the skin barrier
- Improve consistency
- Prevent product waste
- Save time and money
The best part? Skin usually becomes calmer, clearer, and more predictable.
The bottom line
The secret to great skin was never hidden in the elusive tenth step.
It’s rooted in consistency, supported by a few well-chosen essentials.
By embracing a less-is-more mindset, you can care for your skin more effectively — without the overwhelm.
Sometimes the most luxurious routine… is the simplest one.
