The Skyn Philosophy: A Simpler, More Intentional Approach to Skincare
“Less is more isn’t about pricing, it’s about building routines that are simple, effective, and aligned with your lifestyle, goals, and actual biology.”
When I first stepped into my journey of vanity,
the 10 step routines, pricey serums, and endless facial tools were all about aesthetics. I had no understanding of the why, how, or when behind any of them— all i knew was I wanted to feel more intentional with my beauty routine.
From school, to the treatment room, to my own rituals, I’ve learned about so many lines and products, and I’ve had the privilege of trying a wide variety of them. That experience helped shape my philosophy and approach to skyn. It also helped me realize that—even when I was doing “the most”—my core belief has always been less is more. It just didn’t align with the aesthetic or perception of self-care I had at the time.
So I began paying attention to the efficacy of ingredients, routines, timing, and integration—not only through my clients, but through my own skyn as well.
My 10 step client
My 10-step clients (really more like 7–10) were always my favorites aesthetically. They were polished, well put together, and always up to date on the latest treatments, devices, and products.
But the issue I ran into with them was that they were using so much at once that it became difficult to simplify their routine or introduce something new—especially if the product’s price point didn’t match their perception of what “results” should cost. Many of them had tried everything, and their skyn—and their minds—were overstimulated and suffering from decision fatigue.
These were the clients I emphasize my philosophy on of “foundational blocks + first things first”, which I’ll talk more about at the end of this article.
These were the clients I emphasized my philosophy with: foundational blocks + first things first. (I’ll go deeper into this at the end of the article.)
My 3-5 step client
My 3–5 step clients are always my favorites scientifically speaking. They’re the ones who either didn’t have a routine, only did the essentials, or pieced things together without much intention—rarely knowing what their products actually did.
And even though I try not to have favorites, I adore these clients because their skyn tells the truth. They give me a clean starting point to build routines that are not only simple and effective, but aligned with their lifestyle, their goals, and their actual biology.
When I look at both types of clients—the 10-step and the 3–5 step—I see two ends of the same spectrum. My 10-step clients are beautifully invested: polished, curious, disciplined, and always willing to try the latest product or treatment. But they’re often overstimulated, overwhelmed, and unsure of what’s actually working. Their skyn is busy… sometimes too busy to function at its best.
My 3–5 step clients, on the other hand, offer clarity. Their routines might be minimal or unintentional, but their skyn is honest. It tells me exactly what’s missing, what’s needed, and what will make the greatest impact with the least resistance. They give me a clean canvas, while my 10-step clients give me a crowded one—both beautiful, just requiring very different approaches.
And through working with both ends of that spectrum, I learned something important:
the health of your skyn has less to do with how many products you use, and everything to do with how intentionally you use them.
The Skyn Philosophy Framework
When it comes to your skyn and its care, my philosophy is simple and rooted in intentionality. Before you reach for a product, I want you to slow down and ask yourself three foundational questions:
1. Know what you’re using
Understanding the fundamentals removes the guesswork.
Ask yourself:
What type of product is this?
What does its category actually do?
Which ingredients matter most here?
When you know what something is, you stop chasing aesthetics and start choosing with purpose.
2. Know why you’re using it
Every product should have a defined role.
Reflect on:
Why is this in my routine?
What concern is it addressing?
What results am I expecting from it?
If a product doesn’t have intention, it becomes clutter—and clutter overstimulates your skyn and your mind.
3. Know when you’re using it
Timing is everything. Product literacy has two parts:
Instruction literacy: following usage directions
Ingredient literacy: knowing how ingredients work, layer, and interact
The right product used at the wrong time can become ineffective. Timing creates harmony.
First Things First: The Order That Matters
“First things first” is the heart of how I approach skyn. It means addressing what’s most important before reaching for what’s most exciting. We move from foundational → functional → aesthetic.
1. Barrier Repair — The Foundation
A compromised barrier cannot:
tolerate actives
regulate hydration
protect from inflammation
retain progress
Nothing happens until the barrier is supported. It is the non-negotiable first step.
2. Inflammation Control — Quieting the Noise
Inflamed skyn is reactive skyn.
Before targeting concerns, we calm the system.
A peaceful environment responds better, heals better, and looks better.
3. Hydration + Moisture Balance — Restoring Function
Once the barrier is reinforced and inflammation is managed, we rebuild hydration.
This restores:
suppleness
elasticity
softness
overall skyn function
Hydration is where your skyn begins to glow again.
4. Correction — Treating the Concern
Only after the first three needs are met do we introduce targeted solutions:
acne management
pigmentation correction
texture refinement
brightening treatments
This is strategic care, not rushed care.
5. Optimization — Enhancing the Experience
Once the essentials are stable, we can elevate:
advanced actives
tools
luxury enhancements
treatment add-ons
Not because you need them, but because your skyn is now prepared to receive them beautifully.
At its core, The Skyn Edit is about simplifying the noise and elevating what truly matters. It’s where intention meets education, and where luxury is defined not by how much you use, but by how thoughtfully you choose. My hope is that this framework not only guides you, but also invites you into a softer, steadier relationship with your skyn—one built on clarity, consistency, and care.
If you’re looking to start a routine grounded in clarity, book a virtual skyn consultation with me.
