Honestly, when I see those Instagram posts with thirty different products lined up on a pristine bathroom counter, I just laugh. Like, who has time for that? Between work, kids, and trying to maintain some kind of social life, I'm lucky if I remember to take my makeup off before I collapse into bed.

But here's what I've learned over the years: effective skincare doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, some of the best results I've gotten have come from simplifying my routine, not adding more steps to it.

A few months ago, my friend Sarah asked me what I was doing differently because my skin was looking "refreshed" and "less stressed." That was honestly the best compliment I'd gotten in a while—especially because I'd actually been doing less, not more.

Let me be real with you: I used to be that person who bought every new serum, every trending treatment, every product that promised to solve all my skin problems. My bathroom cabinet was overflowing, and my routine was taking forever. Additionally, I was spending way too much money on products I wasn't even sure were working.

The turning point came when I realized that consistency beats complexity every single time. I'd rather do three things religiously than ten things sporadically. So I stripped everything back to the basics and focused on what actually made a difference.

That's it. Three steps, maybe five minutes total, and I'm done. No complicated layering, no waiting between products, no stress about whether I'm doing it "right."

The patch thing was honestly a game-changer for me. I was skeptical at first because it seemed too simple, but then I thought about it logically. I sleep for eight hours every night—why not use that time productively? Additionally, it's so much easier than trying to remember to apply treatments during the day when I'm running around.

What I love about this routine is that it doesn't feel like work. It's become this calming ritual that signals to my brain that it's time to wind down. There's something satisfying about taking care of yourself without making it into this huge production.

Here's what I've noticed since simplifying my routine: my skin is more consistent. I'm not constantly introducing new products that might irritate it or cause breakouts. My wallet is happier because I'm not impulse-buying the latest trending ingredient. And honestly, I just feel less overwhelmed about the whole skincare thing.

I think we've been conditioned to believe that more products equal better results, but that's not necessarily true. Sometimes the most effective approach is also the most straightforward.

Look, I'm not saying this routine will work for everyone. We all have different skin types, different concerns, different lifestyles. But what I am saying is that you don't need to spend an hour every night slathering on fifteen different products to have good skin.

The key is finding what works for your life and sticking with it. If you're someone who enjoys elaborate routines and has the time for them, that's great. But if you're like me—someone who values efficiency and wants results without the fuss—then maybe it's time to simplify.

Self-care doesn't have to be complicated to be effective. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your skin (and your sanity) is to keep it simple, stay consistent, and remember that good enough is actually pretty damn good.

Because at the end of the day, the best skincare routine is the one you'll actually do. And honestly, when people start commenting on how refreshed you look, you'll know you're doing something right.