Using more products does not always lead to better skin outcomes. We often see patients using lengthy routines with overlapping steps that ultimately irritate the skin without providing any additional benefit. At AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics, we believe in simplifying routines so the skin receives what it needs to be healthy, and no more.
Current skincare trends agree with us that sometimes minimalistic routines and a smaller number of quality products are better for addressing multiple skin needs at once. From our perspective in Greenwood Village, CO, smart skincare in 2026 is about efficiency, consistency and thoughtful product selection based on science and skin biology.
What Is Minimalist Skincare?
Minimalist skincare is an intentional approach focused on using fewer products while still addressing all your skin’s needs. Rather than a bare-bones approach that withholds crucial nutrients, it simplifies the process to make caring for skin easier. The goal of minimalism in skincare is to choose formulas that support cleansing, hydration, barrier balance and protection without any overlap. It has fewer steps that work together, and the skin can respond more predictably when there are fewer product changes.
Using Your Skincare Routine to Repair Your Skin’s Barrier
The skin barrier is the outer defense system that helps regulate moisture and protect against environmental exposure. Signs of stress include dryness, redness, flaking, tightness or sudden sensitivity. The barrier can be disrupted by many things, but the most common are overcleansing, frequent exfoliation, harsh actives, climate shifts and inconsistent product use.
When you focus more on healing the barrier than on temporary symptom relief, you can begin to address the root of skin problems and improve your results over time. Repair-oriented routines emphasize gentle cleansers, replenishing moisturizers and leave-on products that support lipid balance and hydration. Ingredients like ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, glycerin and calming humectants help reinforce barrier structure.
Choosing Between Peptide-Based Products or Retinol
Retinol is a well-studied ingredient that works for many people, but some patients experience dryness and barrier disruption that make it hard to use these products consistently. There is more interest today in peptide-based retinol alternatives or lower-intensity retinoid strategies. Peptides support communication within the skin and strengthen its structure and resilience, and retinoid-lite approaches help encourage cellular turnover with less disruption to barrier balance.
Finding Multi-Functional Products
Finding the right products always starts with understanding ingredients and reading the label. Your dermatologist can help guide you to ingredients that your skin type needs to stay balanced and healthy.
Look for skincare products that combine these ingredients, such as a moisturizer that has niacinamide for oil regulation or a sunscreen that also delivers antioxidants. A well-formulated serum may support barrier repair while also incorporating gentle acids for exfoliation, such as lactic acid. Try not to double up on products with ingredients that have the same function.
Building an Easy Daily Routine
Everyone will need a different routine based on the needs of their skin. However, here is an example of a basic skincare routine that you could incorporate into your day:
Morning
- Step One: Begin with a cleanser that gently removes overnight oil and buildup without stripping the skin barrier. A water-based cleanser with minimal surfactants is usually enough. Do not overcleanse your skin, especially if it is dry or reactive.
- Step Two: Apply a lightweight serum or lotion that has antioxidants, peptides or calming ingredients. This layer should absorb easily and give your skin the nutrients it needs for the day.
- Step Three: Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and moisturizer combo product. If needed, look for one with additional ingredients to support skin tone or calm inflammation. Use enough to cover your face, neck and chest.
Evening
- Step One: Cleansing the skin in the evening may be more complex, depending on your routine. If you have heavy makeup, you may need to cleanse with an oil cleanser to remove makeup, followed by your water-based option.
- Step Two: Use this step to apply your active ingredients, such as exfoliation, peptide serum, low-dose retinoid or other barrier-friendly products. Choose only one or two actives that work well together.
- Step Three: Use a moisturizer that locks in hydration and repairs your skin overnight. Avoid overuse of rich occlusives unless your skin is especially dry or irritated; every skin type is different.
Medical-Grade Skincare Brands to Try
EltaMD®
EltaMD is a brand focused on sun protection, with a wide range of sunscreens that also serve other functions. Products like EltaMD’s UV Daily Hydration+ provide sun protection while doubling as a hydrating serum.
Revision Skincare®
Revision Skincare is focused on healing the skin and protecting the microbiome through extensively tested products. Many of their products incorporate peptides, antioxidants and skin-firming agents. Tinted products from Revision Skincare give you the option to nourish and protect your skin while also smoothing away imperfections.
Tips for Simplifying Your Routine
Pick an Anchor Product and Build Around It
Find one product that consistently works well for your skin. This might be a gentle moisturizer, a niacinamide serum, or a sunscreen that never causes irritation. Once you find that anchor, shape the rest of your skin care around it and choose supporting products that don’t compete or duplicate the same function.
Visit a Dermatologist
Professional input can help narrow your focus so you are not guessing about what your skin needs. A Board-Certified Dermatologist can assess the health of your skin barrier, spot ingredient conflicts and identify unnecessary steps.
Stick With a Routine
Frequent switching can confuse the skin and make it harder to tell which products are helping or hurting. A simplified routine becomes more effective when you follow it consistently and give the skin time to adjust and respond. If changes are needed, introduce them gradually and adjust only one element at a time.
About Dr. Cohen
Dr. Joel L. Cohen is an expert in dermatology and a recognized luminary in the field of aesthetic and medical skin care. He has repeatedly contributed to peer-reviewed research, including studies on which ingredients are most commonly recommended by dermatologists and how these products influence real-world outcomes. His work helps patients maintain a healthy and beautiful appearance through all stages of life.
Find the Right Skincare Routine With a Dermatology Appointment in Greenwood Village, CO
Smart skincare strategies in 2026 will focus less on the quantity of products in your medicine cabinet and more on skin function, barrier support and ingredient compatibility. Patients benefit from simpler routines built around quality multi-functional formulas.
To learn more or request a skincare consultation with AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics in Greenwood Village, CO, call 303-756-7546 or contact us online.
