Back to Routines — and Skincare Made Simple

September always brings a shift. We’re back to school drop-offs, busy schedules, cooler weather, and the fast pace that follows summer’s slower rhythm. With so much change, this is the perfect time to simplify—starting with your skincare routine.

First, clear out the clutter: toss old, half-used products and keep only what truly works for your skin. Once you’ve got your essentials, the question becomes—how do you actually use them for the best results?

What should my routine look like?

Social media can make skincare look complicated—10-step routines, mysterious toners and essences, and influencers layering products like they’re icing a cake. It’s fun to watch, but it can leave you wondering:

What’s the correct order for my skincare?

Can I use Vitamin C and Vitamin B in the same routine?

How do spot treatments and face oils fit in?

The truth is, your skin doesn’t need an endless list of products. Less really is more—especially when it comes to keeping your skin barrier healthy and happy. Most people only need three (four for me!) essentials:

1. Cleanser

2. Toner (my personal must-have)

3. Moisturizer

4. Sunscreen

That’s it. Simple, effective, and sustainable.

If you want to go a step further, once you’re consistent with the basics, try adding a retinoid. Give your skin three months to adjust, then consider introducing vitamin C in the morning.

Remember, order matters. Applying a light serum after a heavy moisturizer means the serum can’t do its job. And mixing certain ingredients—like retinol and vitamin C—at the same time can cause irritation. For retinol specifically, I recommend starting slow: 2–3 nights a week with moisturizer, then reducing the moisturizer on retinol nights once your skin adjusts. Your skin will thank you for the recovery days in between.

We’ve included a quick Order of Application Cheat Sheet below. If you don’t use every step—no problem. Just skip what’s not in your routine and move on.