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Gone are the days of the trusty trio: cleanser, toner, and moisturiser. The skincare world is now a labyrinth overflowing with enough potions and lotions to stock Hogwarts. Snail mucin serum? Yep. Face masks with real gold flakes? Absolutely. Products promising flawless skin via recreating the ageless glow of a 1990s pop star? Don’t get me started on the 10-step routines.

The beauty industry whispers sweet nothings, promising us the kind of flawless skin that would make celebrities jealous. But amidst serums with names longer than textbooks and treatments that sound sci-fi (red light therapy, anyone?), we can’t help but wonder: Is it all just a marketing ploy? And could the secret weapon be as simple as good old-fashioned coconut oil?

Face the Facts: The 10-Step Routine Myth

Remember the luxurious feeling of a three-step routine? Those quaint times are a relic of the past. Apparently, flawless skin now requires a 10-step process involving enough products to make a pastry chef jealous. We’re talking cleansing balm, micellar water, pre-cleanse oil, hydrating toner, mystery acronyms (BHA, AHA—don’t ask!), essence, serum, face oil, and an SPF 50+ moisturiser. Exhausting, right?

Here’s the thing: influencer-approved 10-step Korean skincare routines might not be your saving grace. Listen to your face! If a ten-course product meal leaves you feeling stripped or irritated, it’s time to simplify. Besides, who has the time or patience for that in the morning? We all have more important things to do, like convincing everyone at work that we haven’t spent the last hour laying a shop’s worth of serums onto our faces.

The Allure and Absurdity of High-Tech Treatments

The beauty industry loves innovation, sometimes a little too much. Light-up masks promising to banish wrinkles with disco ball power? We’re intrigued, but it may be a hard pass. Microcurrent facials that claim to give you a non-surgical facelift? It sounds fancy, but it is also something out of Frankenstein’s lab.

Let’s be honest. Some of these treatments are downright strange. But hey, if you’ve got the cash and the courage to look like you’re attending a futuristic rave while getting a facial, more power to you. Just remember: there’s a fine line between cutting-edge and gimmicky. Do your research before dropping cash on treatments that cost as much as the latest Hermès handbag, and yes, we know there is a waiting list.

Natural vs Science: The Great Debate

Natural ingredients hold an undeniable allure. Coconut oil, for example, appears to be the holy grail for DIY beauty enthusiasts. It is pocket-friendly, readily available, and smells like a paradise vacation. But hold on to your sarong—what works wonders for your hair might not be the best choice for your face. While coconut oil offers some moisturising benefits, it can clog pores.

So, should you ditch the fancy products and go full-on eco-warrior? Probably not. Natural ingredients can be fantastic, but choose ones that specifically address your concerns. And let’s face it, science has a role to play, too. Retinol, for example, is a powerhouse for minimising wrinkles.

The Bottom Line: Skincare Should Be Fun, Not Fear-Inducing

Don’t become a slave to a 10-step routine or break the bank on outlandish treatments. It’s about finding a routine that makes you feel good in your skin, literally and figuratively. Experiment, have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Here are some things to remember before diving headfirst into the beauty aisle:

1. Be realistic. J Lo’s 1999 skin was likely the result of good genes, a good dermatologist, and a team of makeup artists. Aim for healthy, happy skin, not a photoshopped ideal.
2. Do your research. Don’t fall for catchy names or celebrity endorsements. Read reviews, understand the ingredients, and choose products specifically targeting your concerns.
3. Don’t overdo it. Layering on too many products can irritate your skin. Start simple and add products one at a time.
4. Listen to your skin. If a product stings, burns, or causes breakouts, ditch it. Beauty shouldn’t involve suffering unless it involves wearing Louboutins.

The real secret weapon to flawless skin? A healthy lifestyle. Eat well, get enough sleep, manage stress, and don’t forget to laugh! Seriously, laughter lines are way better than wrinkles caused by frowning about wrinkles.

Feature image credit: Enrico Martins.