From 21 Steps to the Basics: Lucy Hale’s Pivot to Calm Skin
Lucy Hale once lived in the era of the 21-step routine, layering serums, mists and exfoliants in pursuit of perfection. On the podcast Breaking Beauty, she describes how that maximalist mindset backfired, leaving her already reactive skin feeling tight, flaky and easily inflamed. Dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu explains why: overloading actives can quietly damage the skin barrier, the protective layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Instead of chasing overnight miracles, Hale now leans into a minimalist skincare routine built on consistency. The focus is a gentle cleanser, a solid moisturizer, daily SPF and just one targeted treatment she can tolerate long term. She also points to lifestyle shifts—better sleep, less stress, more joy—as part of her “routine,” noting that stress and burnout show up on her face as much as any product mistake. For her, fewer products plus calmer habits equal calmer skin.
The Multitasker Balm That Replaced a Shelf of Products
While Hale scaled back from 21 steps, one beauty editor went looking for a single product that could do the work of many. Environmental journalist Victoria Malloy found it in Bonjout Beauty’s Le Balm, a French pharmacist-formulated multitasker skincare balm designed as a solid, waterless serum. Created by Natacha Bonjout after five years of development, the balm concentrates 68 actives—hibiscus and prickly pear stem cells, peptides, ceramides and amino acids—into a compact format that strengthens the barrier and targets signs of aging. Malloy uses it as face cream, eye treatment, lip balm, post-procedure salve and even a slip for gua sha, morning and night. The rich lipid profile mimics the skin’s structure, helping sensitive or oily, reactive complexions tolerate potent ingredients without greasy residue. With no petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, essential oils or silicones, this single balm simplifies a simple routine for sensitive skin while keeping the focus on skin barrier repair over endless layering.
When Skincare ‘Too Muchness’ Becomes a Problem
The cultural shift from 10- or 21-step rituals toward a minimalist skincare routine is more than a trend; it’s a reaction to product fatigue and irritation. Dr. Jenny Liu notes that piling on multiple acids, retinoids and vitamin C serums—often with overlapping ingredients—can overwhelm sensitive skin. The result: redness, burning, increased breakouts and a chronically compromised barrier. For fussy, reactive types, every extra layer is another opportunity for fragrance, preservatives or heavy textures to trigger a flare. In contrast, essential-only lineups—gentle cleanser, a targeted treatment, barrier-building moisturizer and broad-spectrum SPF—reduce variables and give the skin time to heal. Editors like Malloy find that a multitasker skincare balm can replace several steps, lowering the risk of ingredient clashes while still delivering anti-aging and hydrating benefits. The message from experts and real-world routines is clear: boring, gentle skincare steps performed consistently often outperform aggressive experimentation.
Sample Minimalist AM and PM Routines for Sensitive Skin
For a simple routine for sensitive skin, morning can be as streamlined as four steps. Start with a very gentle, non-stripping cleanser or even a splash of lukewarm water if you’re dry and not oily. Follow with one well-tolerated treatment, such as a calming serum or dermatologist-recommended active for your main concern. Then apply a barrier-focused moisturizer—this could be a rich cream or a multitasker skincare balm that mimics skin’s lipids and supports skin barrier repair. Finish with a non-irritating broad-spectrum SPF, reapplying as needed. At night, repeat the gentle cleanse, apply your single treatment (like a low-strength retinoid, if tolerated), then seal everything in with your moisturizer or balm, using it around the eyes and lips as needed. These gentle skincare steps prioritize comfort and resilience over quick fixes, reducing flare-ups while still addressing texture, tone and fine lines over time.
How to Safely Downsize an Overloaded Routine
Transitioning from a complex routine to a minimalist skincare routine requires patience and a plan. First, stop rotating new products in and out; park everything non-essential. Keep a gentle cleanser, a basic moisturizer, and sunscreen as your core. If you rely on a single proven treatment—for acne, pigmentation or aging—reintroduce just that one once your skin feels calmer. Drop redundant formulas: you don’t need three exfoliants or multiple brightening serums with similar actives. If layering triggers burning or redness, consider replacing several steps with one multitasker skincare balm that hydrates, soothes and supports skin barrier repair. Give your skin at least a few weeks of this simplified routine before judging results; barrier recovery and reduced reactivity take time. Watch for decreased stinging, fewer dry patches and less redness as signs you’re on the right track, and resist the urge to chase every new launch while your skin is still healing.