Two realistic ways to get healthier skin (without trying too hard).

Let’s be real: skincare can feel overwhelming.

There’s always a new serum, a trending “must-have” tool, or someone on TikTok dunking their face in ice water for six minutes straight. And while I love a good hack, sometimes your skin just needs the basics.

Here are two low-effort, high-impact things I’ve been doing lately that have actually made a difference:

1. Drinking more water, for real this time

Yes, it’s boring. Yes, we’ve all heard it before. But no, most of us aren’t actually doing it.

I didn’t realize how dehydrated I was until I started drinking more water, and I don’t mean just sipping throughout the day. I mean intentionally getting those 2–3L in daily. My skin? Less dull. My face? Less puffy. My energy? Way better.

If you’re someone who forgets to drink water until 3pm and then tries to chug a whole bottle in panic, same. Here’s what helped:

• A cute water bottle (it makes a difference)
• Adding electrolytes or lemon for taste
• Linking it to a habit (like drinking a glass every time you check your phone or scroll Instagram)

The truth? Hydration is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to improve your skin, and your mood.

2. Giving your skin a break from everything

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your face is… nothing.

No new products. No intense actives. No 10-step routines at 11pm when you’re already half asleep. Just letting your skin breathe and go back to basics.

I started doing this unintentionally after forgetting to re-order a product, and my skin actually looked better. Less reactive. Less inflamed. More balanced.

Try a “skincare reset” day or weekend:

• Cleanser, moisturizer, SPF. That’s it.
• No exfoliants, retinol, or heavy treatments
• Bonus points if you go makeup-free and just let your skin live

Turns out, your face doesn’t always need more. Sometimes it just needs less.

Drink your water. Take a break from the 14-step routine. Your skin’s not mad at you, it might just be tired.

Healthy skin doesn’t have to mean expensive products or confusing routines.
Sometimes it just means tuning in, simplifying, and showing up for yourself in the smallest ways.

Your skin (and your nervous system) will thank you.