A Short Skincare Routine That Still Covers the Essentials

Because I do not think everyone needs a long skincare routine.

More products can be useful when each one answers a real need. But adding another bottle does not automatically make a routine more effective.

For many people, a cleanser, a balm and daily sun protection are enough to form a good base.

This is how I  use them.

In the morning

Your skin may not need a full cleanse again in the morning.

Some people prefer to rinse with lukewarm water. Others feel better after using a gentle cleanser. Both can be reasonable. It depends on your skin, what you applied the night before and how it feels when you wake up.

After that, you may want a small amount of balm. Or you may not.

Dry areas can have a light layer while the rest of the face is left alone. There is no need to apply the same amount everywhere.

Sun protection comes afterwards.

A balm does not contain SPF. Botanical oils do not replace a tested sunscreen. No matter how short the rest of the routine becomes, sun protection remains a separate step.

In the evening

Start by cleansing the skin.

If you wear make-up or sun protection, the cleanser needs to remove it properly. A balm used as a final skincare step cannot do that job at the same time.

Once the skin is clean, take a small amount of balm. Usually less than you expect.

Warm it briefly between your fingertips. You do not need to turn it completely into oil. You are simply softening it so that it spreads in a very thin layer.

I usually place it over the cheeks, forehead and chin first. Then I press and smooth it over the skin.

There is no special massage technique required. The important part is the amount.

The Six Seed Balm was made to spread more easily and absorb more quickly than a traditional waxy balm. Even so, too much will still feel like too much.

Start with a small amount. You can always add a little more around the cheeks or other areas that feel dry.

Balm alone is not always enough for dehydration

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are often spoken about as though they are the same thing.

They are not quite the same.

Dry skin tends to produce fewer of its own lipids. Dehydration means the outer layer of the skin is lacking water. Skin can be dry, dehydrated or both.

A balm supplies lipids and can help reduce water loss from the skin. It does not add water because there is no water in the formula.

If your skin still feels tight after applying balm, a light water-based product underneath may help. That could be a simple hydrating serum or another product containing humectants.

Apply the water-based layer first. Give it a moment to settle, then use a small amount of balm over it.

This is not a step everyone must add. It is simply an option when balm alone gives softness but does not fully relieve the feeling of tightness.

You do not have to use it everywhere

One part of the face may need more than another.

The cheeks may feel dry while the forehead feels comfortable. The area around the mouth may need balm during winter but not during summer.

A routine does not have to treat the whole face as though every area is identical.

Use the balm where it is useful. Use less where it is not needed.

The routine  

• In the evening, cleanse and apply the Six-Seed Balm.
• In the morning, rinse or cleanse, then apply sun protection.
• Add a little balm in the morning or a water-based layer underneath when your skin needs it.

That is a complete routine. It does not have to become longer unless another step has a clear reason to be there.