Less Is More: How to Streamline Your Skincare Routine for Healthier Skin

Between TikTok trends and endless 'must-have' products flooding our feeds, it's easy to fall into the trap of assuming that more skincare equals better skin. But, overloading your skin with too many products and jumping on every skincare trend can actually sabotage your skin barrier. Instead of glowing results, you might find yourself dealing with unexpected breakouts, irritation, and increased sensitivity. 

Skincare expert and Global Head of Care at AVON, Kseniya Belova, breaks down what skin overload really means, the three key signs you're overdoing it, and why a less-is-more approach with smarter skincare choices is the way to go. 

What is product overload? 

“Product overload is when you’re using too many products or layering multiple active ingredients in your skincare routine. While social media might have convinced you that you need a serum for every skin concern, piling on too many products can actually backfire, creating pH chaos that overwhelms your skin, leading to irritation, breakouts, and sensitivity.”

“Using too many products can also cause ingredient conflicts, like mixing a retinol with vitamin C. While these both bring valuable skin-renewal properties, if you’re using two products with both of these ingredients, it can over-exfoliate the skin and exacerbate sensitivity.”

“Sometimes, your skin just needs a break. Adding in new products too frequently can cause it to react. It’s not about using more to treat your skin concerns, it’s about using products in the right way.”

What are the three signs you’re overloading your skin? 

1. Breakouts

“Ironically, the more you try to ‘fix’ your skin with a shelf full of serums, the more likely you are to throw it off balance. When your skin is exposed to too many products, especially those with active ingredients like acids or retinoids, it can easily become overwhelmed. This kind of overload can clog pores, disrupt your natural oil production, and ultimately lead to congestion and breakouts.”

2. Pilling

“Pilling is what happens when your skincare products start to form small balls, flakes, or create an uneven texture on your skin, and it's a clear sign that you’re overloading your routine.”

“Essentially, when your skin pills, it means your products are sitting on the surface rather than being absorbed, often because they haven’t had time to settle, or because too many layers have been applied too quickly.”

“Your skin can also pill because you’re using incompatible formulas. Some ingredients or textures don’t mix well together and can clash when layered. For example, applying an oil-based product straight after a water-based product can lead to pilling as you’re not giving each layer enough time to absorb before applying the next.”

3. Skin tightness

“Skin tightness can often be a clear warning sign of product overload and is essentially your skin saying it has been pushed too far. When you layer multiple products, especially exfoliants or several active ingredients, it can strip away your skin’s natural oils. This weakens the skin barrier, making it much harder for your skin to lock in moisture, leading to that uncomfortable dry, tight feeling.”

“Overloading your skincare routine can overwhelm your skin’s natural ability to maintain balance. Once the protective barrier is compromised, moisture escapes more easily, leaving your skin feeling dehydrated and tight, even right after you’ve moisturised.”

How can you reduce product overload?

“The easiest way to reduce product overload is to simplify your routine with multitasking products. Fewer products means fewer chances for irritation, ingredient clashes, or pilling, all of which can happen when too many products are battling for space on your skin.”

“Using products that combine ingredients, like a moisturiser infused with hyaluronic acid, allows you to streamline your steps without sacrificing results. You’re still addressing your skin concerns, but with fewer formulations competing on your face.”

“And, when you use a single product across multiple areas, like using your hyaluronic acid serum for your face and to hydrate your lips, you’re not only getting more use out of the product, but you’re also much more likely to use it consistently. That kind of regularity is what gives ingredients time to work, leading to better results.”

“There’s also a trust factor: if a product is already working well on one part of your face, chances are it’ll do just fine elsewhere. This is especially true for gentle, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, or ceramides, which support the skin barrier and are unlikely to cause sensitivity. Multitasking with products you know and love doesn’t just make life easier — it’s also a smart way to keep your skin happy, balanced, and less reactive.”

The best multi-tasking products:

"Multi-tasking your skincare isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s kinder to your skin too. By minimising the number of products you apply, you reduce the risk of irritation and product overload, allowing your skin’s natural balance to thrive.”

1. Hyaluronic acid

“Hyaluronic acid is a skincare staple, known for its unbeatable hydration power. This ingredient is a true multitasker, offering benefits beyond just your face.”

“Lymphatic drainage is making a major comeback as a coveted beauty trend, known for its ability to reduce puffiness and enhance a natural, healthy glow. Using hyaluronic acid as the perfect base before using a gua sha ensures the tool glides smoothly across the skin, all while locking in essential hydration.”

“Renowned for its plumping properties, hyaluronic acid can be used on the lips to deliver a natural plumping effect, creating a fuller, softer pout without the tingling sensation of traditional lip plumping glosses.”

“Hyaluronic acid isn’t just for your skin; it’s also a secret weapon for dry hair, too. Its moisture-retaining properties can help to hydrate, reduce dryness, and enhance natural shine. Apply hyaluronic acid to the ends of hair or flyaways to help smooth frizz without weighing the hair down. It’s a lightweight touch that can bring instant softness and control, all while nourishing your hair.”

2. Protinol

“The skin on our face is far more delicate than people realise, and using certain acidic products without proper knowledge can often do more harm than good. While the goal of certain acids is to renew skin, it’s important to choose the right method and concentration for your skin type.”

“Using acids with high concentrations without consulting an expert first can be a major concern. For example, jumping straight into using a high-concentration retinol can cause irritation, redness, and peeling, which is why it’s generally recommended to build up your tolerance over time.”

“Furthermore, retinol should always be used at night, not during the day. This powerful ingredient can break down when exposed to sunlight, making it less effective, and it can also increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, leading to increased risk of sun damage, irritation, and hyperpigmentation. Wearing SPF is a non-negotiable when incorporating retinol into your routine, and skipping SPF can undo all the benefits and potentially cause more harm than good. I’d recommend applying an SPF 30 or 50 every morning, even on cloudy days.”

“The key when introducing acids is to start slowly and build up tolerance. “Protinol is a fantastic, gentle alternative, supporting skin health and visible youthfulness by boosting two essential types of collagen – collagen I and collagen II, the latter often referred to as ‘baby collagen’, both of which play a role in plump, healthy-looking skin. It’s also clinically proven to improve skin texture in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional retinol, and is less likely to irritate, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.”

“Protinol is a fantastic multi-tasking ingredient. As we age, our natural collagen production slows down, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity. What makes Protinol stand out is its unique ability to stimulate both types simultaneously, helping to restore skin’s structure and resilience. The result? Firmer, smoother, more radiant skin,with visible improvements in as little as seven days.”

3. Lip balm

“Lip balm might be a handbag essential, but its powers go far beyond moisturising your lips.”

“This humble staple is a multi-tasking hero, perfect for nourishing dry cuticles and rescuing dry patches of skin on the go. Lip balms are often rich in ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E, creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture wherever you need it. As we head into the colder months, it’s essential for tackling flaky skin, knuckles, or any dry spots in need of a quick fix.”

“Lip balm also works wonders as a brow tamer. It’s a great fix when you’re on the go. Simply dab a small amount onto your finger or a spoolie brush and smooth over your brows to shape and set them. The balm’s waxy texture helps control stray hairs while adding a subtle, natural sheen.”

4. Glycolic acid

“Glycolic acid is widely known for its exfoliating power, but its benefits extend far beyond facial skincare.”

“One incredibly effective and surprising way to use glycolic acid is as a deodorant. Glycolic acid works by lowering the skin’s pH levels, making it less desirable to odour-causing bacteria. While it doesn’t stop sweating, using glycolic acid can reduce body odour by decreasing bacterial growth.”

“Glycolic acid also has exfoliating properties that may help with ingrown hairs. Working to exfoliate dead skin cells, the acid will work to prevent clogged hair follicles and reduce ingrown hairs. Regular use can often make skin smoother, making it easier for hair to break through the surface.”

“It’s important to note, the underarm is sensitive; I recommend starting with a low concentration and patch testing first.”

5. Smart swaps: opt for 2-in-1 products

Kseniya also shares the best 2-in-1 products to slim down your skincare routine.

“In a world where time is precious,2-in-1 products are quickly becoming the holy grail of modern skincare, streamlining routines, saving money, and reducing the risk of overwhelming your skin with too many active ingredients.”

Tinted moisturiser with SPF: “Combining your daily makeup and skincare in one, a tinted moisturiser with SPF is the ultimate time-saver. Providing lasting, lightweight coverage, it’s your sunscreen, base, and glow-booster all in one.”

Serum-cream hybrids: “Why layer when you can streamline your products all in one? Serum-cream hybrids deliver the active ingredients of a serum with the nourishing hydration of a cream, all in a single step. These 2-in-1 formulas keep your skincare routine fuss-free, while helping prevent product overload that can compromise the skin barrier.”

Oil micellar water: “Perfect for dry or sensitive skin, oil-infused micellar water combines a thorough cleanser with a gentle makeup remover. It not only sweeps away dirt and long-wear makeup but also helps break down blackheads thanks to its oil content. It’s a simple solution that leaves your skin clean, soft, and balanced.”