Showerthought: I heard a client say 'I just want my face to feel clean' and it hit me

I was at a local beauty supply store in Charlotte last week, and I overheard another esthetician telling her friend that 'everyone needs a 10-step routine now, it's non-negotiable for skin health.' That really stuck with me, and I have to disagree. For years, I pushed complex regimens on clients, thinking more steps meant better care. But after seeing a regular client for 6 months who only uses a gentle cleanser, a basic moisturizer, and sunscreen, her barrier is the healthiest I've seen. Her skin isn't 'glassy' or 'buzzy,' it's just calm and balanced. I think we get so caught up in trends we forget that for many people, simple is actually sustainable and effective. Has anyone else had a client thrive on a minimal routine after you expected they needed more?

3 comments

3 Comments

anderson.david1mo agoTop Commenter

But that "calm and balanced" skin you mentioned probably still needs targeted treatments to actually fix problems long-term.

shane6551mo agoMost Upvoted

Yeah that's a really good point. Getting the skin calm is just the first step honestly. It sets things up so those stronger treatments can actually work without causing more irritation. Feels like you have to build a stable base before you can really fix the deeper issues.

jamesfox18d ago

Exactly right. @shane655 got it though, base work first before the heavy hitters.