My Bare-Minimum Skincare Routine (For the Days I Just Can’t)

I am a skincare maximalist.
I love a long routine. I love layers. I love taking my time.

But let’s be honest — there are days when I just can’t.

Days when I’m sick, exhausted, home late, or simply running on fumes. And on those days, a 10-step routine is not happening. It’s just not.

That said, even on my most depleted days, there are three things I always do. No matter what.

This is my bare-minimum skincare routine — the one I fall back on when energy is low but I still want to take care of my skin.

Step One: A Proper Cleanse (Non-Negotiable)

If you love your skin, cleansing is not optional.

Whether I’m sick, shattered from work, or crawling home late after a good night out, I never skip cleansing. Ever. You’ve got to get the gunk off.

Now, this does not have to be complicated.

Some days I’m wearing no makeup at all, and a single, thorough cleanse is absolutely fine. Other days — like today — I’m wearing makeup, and I definitely don’t want that sitting on my skin overnight.

When I want to keep things really simple (and I’m talking to myself here), I use one product, twice.

That product is the Esse Sensitive Cleanser.

It’s a cream cleanser, which is my personal preference, and it’s incredibly effective while still being very kind to the skin.

I apply it to dry skin, really work it in, then add a little water. I use one side of a cloth to remove everything — makeup included. Normally, I’d use micellar water first to remove mascara, but today I’m being lazy. It happens.

Then I go in for a second round and repeat the process.

When I’m finished, my skin feels genuinely clean but still soft and comfortable. No tightness. No squeaky feeling. I don’t like squeaky.

If you have oily skin, you might prefer a gel or foaming cleanser — that’s completely fine. Use what works for your skin.

Step Two: One Treatment (Any Treatment)

I always do some kind of treatment, even on my laziest days.

And honestly, it doesn’t matter which one.

It could be a peptide or growth factor serum.
It could be something for pigmentation.
It could be vitamin C.
It could be a retinoid.

Whatever skin issue you’re trying to tackle — just apply one targeted product.

Tonight, I’m using a glycolic acid to exfoliate. I do this a few times a week, and when I exfoliate, I keep the rest of my routine very simple. This is the perfect time for it.

I’m using glycolic pads from YSE Skincare, which I love because they’re self-contained and have a little pocket for your fingers. No fuss, no mess.

A Little Bonus Step (Optional, But Helpful)

Before we get to the final step — which is probably the most important — I want to share an optional extra.

This is not essential, but I find it incredibly helpful on days when I’m run down, sick, or exhausted. Because when I feel it, my skin feels it too.

It’s an extra layer of hydration in the form of an essence or mist.

Most people use this at the beginning of their routine, but on days like these, I like to put it towards the end, where it can do the most good.

Right now, I’m using the Bloomeffects Bi-Phase Tonic, use code: Skin Obsessed Mary for 20% off.
You know how much I love Bloomeffects.

It’s calming, hydrating, strengthening — just pure deliciousness. It’s cushiony and gives my skin one last drench of hydration before I seal everything in.

Step Three: Moisturise (However You Like)

This step is crucial — but also the most flexible.

Reach for whatever brings you joy and suits your skin that day.

If my skin feels irritated, I use Calm Balm from Melumé.
If I want something indulgent, I reach for Augustinus Bader.
If I want serious hydration, it’s Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Nectar, use code: Skin Obsessed Mary for 20% off

And sometimes, only an oil will do.

Tonight, it’s True Botanicals — my long-time favourite. I’ve been using this oil longer than I’ve had this channel, and it’s still the one. Glowy skin in a bottle. Use code: MARY15 for 15% off.

What you use doesn’t matter nearly as much as the fact that you use something.

Why This Routine Matters

I had the flu over Thanksgiving weekend and was completely wiped out. Four days in bed. No energy for anything.

The only thing I got up to do was this routine.

I didn’t shower. I barely ate. But I cleansed, treated, and moisturised every night — because it was all I could manage.

And honestly? That was enough.

So if you’re having one of those days — do less, not nothing. Your skin will thank you.

That’s it for me. Early night, lights out.
But at least my skin got a little love.

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