If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed standing in the skincare aisle — unsure what you actually need — you’re not alone.

As a board-certified dermatologist, I meet so many women who are just trying to take care of their skin… but get lost in a sea of products, trends, and conflicting advice. The truth? Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. It just needs to be consistent — and built around your skin.

This post is your calm, clutter-free guide to building a routine from scratch — no 10-step rituals, no pressure to be perfect, and no guesswork.

Whether you’re new to skincare or simply in need of a soft reset, here’s where to begin.

If your skin feels irritated, inflamed, or like it’s constantly needing to “recover,” your skincare routine might be the issue — not your skin.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 7 common signs that your routine may be causing more harm than good — plus exactly what to do instead. Spoiler: it’s not always about adding more. Often, it’s about simplifying.

Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns I see in patients with melanin-rich skin — and yes, it’s treatable. Whether you're dealing with acne scars, melasma, or post-inflammatory dark marks, my approach is calm, clinical, and completely tailored to your skin.