I finally nailed my Simplified Skincare routine

Some of the least-expensive drugstore products = the most effective.

If you caught my latest reel, you saw me sharing my three favorite drugstore skincare products: Cetaphil Foaming Cleanser, Vanicream Moisturizer, and Prequel Cleansing Oil. These are the products I trust and actually use. (And if you have aging skin or acne-prone teen skin, there are other things you can add to this foundation, but we’ll get to that.)

But here’s the thing: it took me decades to figure this out.

Over the years, I’ve tried every product on the shelves at the drugstore and Sephora. I’m pretty sure I’ve tried all the cleansers and all the serums and all the lotions and potions. I’ve gone from grabbing a bottle of Clean & Clear when I was only a couple years older than Caroline to stocking my cabinet full of products that I could exchange for the same price as a nice luxury cruise.

I’ve tried a skincare routine with only a few steps. I’ve tried skincare routines with ten steps, twice a day. And after many decades of trying to care for my skin in a way my body appreciates, I can tell you this:

Simple and inexpensive skincare works best.

Since I’ve simplified my skincare routine down to a few steps and a few (mostly drugstore) products, my complexion looks clearer and feels smoother. My dermatologist not only approves of this simplified routine, she recommends the same products I’m going to talk about today.

Why simple works better

Your skin has a natural barrier made up of cells that block pollution, UV rays, and toxins while helping retain moisture. When we pile on too many products, especially those with active ingredients, we can actually damage that barrier.

“Most people’s skin doesn’t need six products in the morning and six in the evening,” says Dr. Anna H. Chacon, a dermatologist in South Florida. “Your skin is absorbent, but it has its limits. Using fewer products ensures better absorption and effectiveness of the ingredients you’re putting on your skin.”

Too many active ingredients can lead to dry patches, breakouts, flaking, and irritation. Been there? Because I certainly have. When my skin barrier is damaged, my face looks blotchy and red. Retinol burn, anyone?

The actual routine

According to dermatologists, an effective skincare routine consists of:

• Cleansing

• Applying a retinoid (for aging skin or acne-prone skin)

• Moisturizing

• Using sunscreen

• Doing all of this consistently

Here’s my actual routine with all products linked:

AM:

• Rinse with warm water

• Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

• EltaMD Daily Face Mineral Sunscreen

PM:

• Double cleanse (Prequel Cleansing Oil then Cetaphil Foaming Face Wash)

• Retinol (prescription .025 tretinoin)

• Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

• Vaseline on lips

When my skin feels especially thirsty: Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum. I discovered this years ago when Brené Brown mentioned in a magazine interview that it’s all she uses. I’ve been reordering it ever since for those moments when my skin needs something extra.

What I’ve learned

• These three brands are my foundation: Cetaphil, Vanicream, and Prequel. If you have aging skin or acne-prone teen skin, you’ll add things like retinol or specific treatments to this base. But these three brands make products I trust completely.

• Don’t spend money on expensive cleansers. You’re just washing them down the drain. That’s why Cetaphil Foaming Cleanser is still my ride-or-die.

• LaMer is nowhere near as effective as Vanicream. Y’all, I get this stuff from Walgreens, and I love it. It has hyaluronic acid, which fortifies the skin barrier. I would much rather pay $13 for a product I like versus hundreds of dollars for something that just has cachet.

• My one splurge is worth it. Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum is one of my only exceptions to my drugstore rule. When my skin feels thirsty, this is what I reach for. I started using it after reading that Brené Brown interview where she said it’s all she uses, and I’ve been reordering it for years.

• Vaseline and Aquaphor are amazing. They lock in moisture, and that hydration is so good for you. These products are at nearly every retailer and remain affordable. (Also, they’re not the same. Vaseline is 100% white petroleum jelly; Aquaphor is only 41% petroleum jelly. For lips, use Vaseline). Did you know Vaseline comes in stick form now?

• Retinol is your superpower. Use an over-the-counter retinol or retinoid (CeraVe makes a good one) in your 20s and 30s. If you’re ready for more, try a prescription low-dose retinol. Your derm will probably start you at .025 tretinoin and slowly help you work your way up. Using too much, too fast will make you red and flaky. Pro Tip: Use GoodRX to compare prices at pharmacies in your neighborhood. Where I am, these are usually around $30-$45 per tube, and one tube lasts a couple months.

• Always use sunscreen. Every single day. Sunscreen blocks the rays that cause skin cancer AND the number one culprits of wrinkles. Sun damage from UV rays is the primary reason for skin-related aging.

My absolute favorite sunscreen brand is Elta MD. I have a strange photo-sensitivity to an ingredient in many chemical sunscreens, so now I only use mineral sunscreens with two ingredients (titanium dioxide and zinc). I wear Elta MD UV Daily under makeup and their tinted version when I don’t want to wear makeup.

A few application tips

• Apply your skincare products from thinnest to thickest (cleanser, toner, serum, retinol, moisturizer)

• Always apply serums and moisturizers to wet skin to help drive moisture deeper

• A mineral peel spray produces instant exfoliation results and works better than the $500 micro-needling session I had last year. I use this one 4x a week

• Tinkle razors make dermaplaning easy to do yourself

The Botox conversation

Since I’ve been open about my relationship with Botox recently, here’s my take: I see a facial plastic surgeon, and my goal is that when people look at my face, they don’t automatically think, “She’s had Botox.”

I’ve also learned that Botox can help with medical stuff. Headaches. Teeth clenching. About every other time I go in, I get Botox in my masseter muscle because I’m a terrible teeth clencher. It lasts 6-8 months instead of the regular 4-6 months for superficial Botox, though it’s more expensive.

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My truth about fillers? Last fall, I got a little bit of lip filler (half a syringe). And it just wasn’t for me. I felt like I didn’t quite look like myself (and so did my kids, who decided to make fun of me 💀). Would I do it again? Probably not, but never say never.

If I were going to invest in big-dollar skincare, I would save my money for Botox, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment (so good for pigmentation and redness), and maybe Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), which I’m dying to try.

But honestly? Botox and fillers, skincare routines are all subjective. I don’t need any of this stuff to feel beautiful, but I do enjoy my skin feeling like a million bucks. Turns out I don’t need to spend a million bucks for that to happen.

The tween skincare situation

Quick note: Caroline is SO INTO skincare right now. I made her a simple routine using drugstore brands (cleanse, moisturize, protect with sunscreen) and decanted them into pretty Amazon bottles with labels. She loves it so much that now Tyler is asking for his own routine.

I just wish I’d had this knowledge and commitment to taking care of my skin when I was 9. Should I do a whole post on navigating tween skincare? Let me know in the comments.

Do you have any drugstore skincare products you swear by? Tell me in the comments.

xo,
Emily

Obviously, I am not a real doctor or skincare professional, just a very enthusiastic skincare user. Please don’t take this as verbatim medical advice. Leave that to your dermatologist and licensed skincare providers.