Skincare Products You Don’t Need in Your Routine

Let me say this gently…having more products does not equal better skin. A lot of us are walking around with shelves full of skincare we barely use, not because our skin needs it, but because marketing convinced us it did…*sideeye*

This post is not anti-skincare. It’s pro-simplicity.

Here are skincare products you don’t need and can confidently skip…without guilt.

1. Harsh Physical Scrubs

If your scrub feels like sandpaper, it’s doing more harm than good.

Harsh scrubs:

• Damage your skin barrier
• Cause micro-tears
• Worsen dark spots
• Increase sensitivity

You don’t need to scrub your face aggressively for it to be clean.

What to use instead:

• Gentle chemical exfoliants (1–2× weekly)
• Mild exfoliating cleansers

Examples:

1. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%
2. COSRX BHA Power Liquid
3. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA

2. Multiple Cleansers for One Routine

Double cleansing is fine…if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen. But if your routine includes 3 different face washes; morning cleanser, evening cleanser and “deep” cleanser…that is excessive for most skin types.

What you really need:

One gentle cleanser that works morning and night

Good examples:

1. Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
2. Aveeno Calm + Restore Cleanser
3. Simple Facial Wash

3. Toners That Sting or Burn

If your toner burns, tingles aggressively or smells like alcohol…that’s not “working.” It’s irritation.

You don’t need:

• Alcohol-heavy toners
• “Pore-tightening” formulas that dry you out

Better toner options:

1. CeraVe Hydrating Toner
2. Simple Soothing Toner
3. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner

Toner should calm your skin, not scare it.

4. Spot Treatments for Every Blemish

Panic-spotting every pimple often makes things worse.

Using multiple spot treatments:

• Dries out skin
• Causes peeling
• Leaves dark marks

What works better:

• Consistent routine
• Gentle acne treatment applied sparingly

Sometimes, leaving a pimple alone heals it faster.

5. Fancy Tools You Don’t Use Consistently

Face rollers, gua sha tools, electric brushes…they’re cute. But if they live in your drawer, they’re not helping your skin.

Tools only work if:

• You enjoy using them
• You’re consistent
• You’re gentle

Skincare does not necessarily require equipment.

6. Products That Promise “Instant Results”

Any product promising:

• “Clear skin in 3 days”
• “Erase dark spots overnight”
• “Shrink pores instantly”

Is likely overselling. Good skincare takes weeks, not days.

Consistency > miracles.

7. Body Care Products You Bought for Trends

If you bought a body product because it was viral but you hate the smell, texture or feel…let it go, babe.

Your body routine should feel:

• Comfortable
• Nourishing
• Easy to maintain

Not trendy.

What You Actually Need

For most people, this is enough:

• Gentle cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• One treatment product
• Body lotion

That’s it.

Getting better skin doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to work. The goal is not to own all the skincare products you don’t need…it is to use what you have well.

If a product stresses you, irritates you or overwhelms you, you’re allowed to stop using it.

Your skin will survive and your wallet will definitely thank you.

Hugs and Kisses,

Msglam.