This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on August 4, 2026.

Whether virtual, hybrid, all-in or homeschooling, back-to-school season is a busy time of year. Add in sports practices, music lessons and social obligations—then multiply that by four kids—and you might be pushing the limits of exhaustion.

Before you fall into bed at night or rush to get out the door in the morning, it’s crucial to take a few minutes for yourself to stay on top of your skincare routine. Your complexion needs this consistency more than ever, especially with the added stress this time of year can bring.

Not sure where to start? Here are three quick tips to help you prioritize what matters most in your skincare routine, so you’re (at the very least) spending time on what’s essential and eliminating what’s unnecessary.

Tip #1: Only use active ingredients your skin really needs.

Over-applying too many ingredients is the fastest way to disrupt your skin, leading to sensitivity, irritation and ultimately worsening skin conditions. When your skin is stressed, don’t overdo it with too many products—this just doesn’t work. Instead, keep it simple. Pick your top two skin issues (pigmentation, fine lines, hydration, breakouts, dullness, etc...) and work on those.

We recommend choosing products that work hard for your skin-specific issues, like serums. You may even find a serum that treats all of your concerns in one product. The truth: It’s not necessary to have a five-step routine if you’re using a high-quality serum. Depending on your issues, apply a nutrient-dense serum either in the morning or at night. A good rule of thumb is that hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and pollution-fighting serums are best in the morning (like our Go-Getter Day Serum) while clarifying, brightening serums that contain exfoliating AHAs or retinol are best to use at night (our Multitasker Night Serum combines niacinamide with gently exfoliating fruit acids to help even, clarify and brighten your skin while you sleep).

Tip #2: If nothing else, cleanse.

If you do nothing else before you go to bed, always choose to cleanse. It’s very important to wash off your day—removing makeup, pollution, sweat and dirt is essential to preventing blocked pores that lead to breakouts and an uneven, dull-looking complexion.

But beware: Leaving some natural oil and even sweat on your skin is healthy for the maintenance of your microbiome, so be sure not to over-cleanse.

The most important times to wash are before bed and after workouts. Also, consider using a micellar or cleansing water after workouts and a gentle, hydrating cleanser with ceramides before bed. Unfortunately, cleansing is the one place in your routine that has the potential to strip your complexion of its natural oils, so adding back ceramides while cleansing can help combat dry, dehydrated skin!

Tip #3: Protection can prevent your need for a more complex routine.

Wearing a good SPF 30 on your face every single day can significantly help prevent sun damage. If you’re consistent with sunscreen in your daily routine, it will ultimately help prevent the need to use active ingredients in the future—specifically those that treat uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Also, adding a good, quality antioxidant serum helps to prevent pollution damage that may lead to dull, dehydrated skin issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

I barely have time in the morning. What's the minimum skincare routine I should stick to?

At the very least, cleanse and protect. Wash your face (even a quick rinse with micellar or cleansing water counts in a pinch) and apply SPF 30 before you walk out the door. If you have an extra minute, layer in a hydrating, antioxidant-rich serum underneath your sunscreen.

Do I really need a full five-step routine to see results?

Nope. A high-quality, targeted serum can often do the work of several products. Instead of layering multiple items, choose one serum formulated for your top skin concerns and let it do the heavy lifting.

How do I know which active ingredients my skin actually needs?

Start by identifying your top two skin issues, such as pigmentation, fine lines, hydration, breakouts, or dullness, and choose products that target those specifically. Using too many active ingredients at once can overwhelm your skin and lead to sensitivity or irritation, especially during high-stress seasons.

Is it okay to skip cleansing some nights if I'm exhausted?

Try not to. Cleansing before bed is one of the most important steps in your routine, since it removes makeup, sweat, pollution and dirt that can clog pores and dull your complexion. If you do only one thing before falling into bed, make it this.

Can I over-cleanse my skin?

Yep. Washing your face too often or too aggressively can strip away natural oils and disrupt your skin's microbiome. The most important times to cleanse are before bed and after workouts, not necessarily multiple times throughout the day.

My cleanser leaves my skin feeling tight and dry. What should I do?

Look for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that contains ceramides. Cleansing is the step most likely to strip your skin of natural oils, so a ceramide-rich formula can help replenish moisture while still effectively cleaning your skin.

When should I apply my serum, morning or night?

It depends on the type. Hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and pollution-fighting serums work best in the morning, since they help protect your skin throughout the day. Clarifying or brightening serums with exfoliating ingredients like AHAs or retinol are best used at night, when your skin can repair itself without sun exposure.

Is sunscreen really that important if I'm mostly indoors during the week?

Yes. Daily SPF 30 helps prevent sun damage and, over time, can reduce your need for treatment products that address uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Consistency matters more than occasional use.

What's the single biggest mistake people make with their skincare routine when they're busy or stressed?

Overloading their skin with too many products. When your skin is already under stress, simplifying your routine, rather than adding more steps, is the most effective way to keep it balanced and healthy.