Skincare Goals vs. Skincare Routines: Why You Need Both
Skincare Goals vs. Skincare Routines: Why You Need Both
You know that feeling when you set a goal—like finally tackling those fine lines around your eyes or getting your skin to stop feeling like sandpaper (that’s what my sister Jill always says!)—and you feel totally fired up? But then… life happens. You grab whatever’s nearby, slap on a product or two, and call it a night. Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: having skincare goals without a consistent routine is like buying all the seeds but never planting the garden. On the flip side, sticking to a routine without any goals? That’s just going through the motions. You need both—a clear destination and a map to get you there.
Let’s talk about why this combo matters, especially if you’re in the process of evaluating the skincare you’re currently using and shopping around for a new natural or plant-based skincare routine.
First Things First: What’s the Difference?
Skincare Goals = The Big Picture
Think of goals as your skin dreams. They’re personal, specific, and driven by what you want to feel and see when you look in the mirror. For example:
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“I want to reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles.”
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“I want my skin to feel hydrated and glowy again.”
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“I want to stop reacting to everything I put on my face.”
Your goals might change over time—and that’s okay. Aging, stress, hormones, weather, even diet… they all play a role. What matters is identifying what your skin needs now.
Skincare Routine = The Daily Practice
This is the “brush-your-teeth” part. It’s what you actually do—morning and night—to support those goals. A great routine includes:
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Cleansing (gently, so you’re not stripping the skin either with our Cleansing Oil or Foaming Face Wash)
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Toning or using a Tonic (to prep the skin and balance pH) Find ours HERE
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Targeted serums (your workhorses, this is where you would pick them based on your skincare concerns). Find ours HERE
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Moisturizers (to lock in hydration) Find ours HERE
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Sun protection (every morning, no exceptions!!! Even if you’re inside all day you’re still being exposed to UVA and UVB rays!) Find our selection of All Good Sunscreens HERE
If goals are the why, the routine is the how.
Why You Need Both
1. Goals Keep You Motivated
When you know why you’re sticking to your routine, it’s easier to show up for your skin—even when you’re tired or tempted to skip a step (especially at night!!). It’s the difference between “Ugh, I have to wash my face,” and “This serum is working—I can’t wait to see my skin in a few weeks.”
2. Routines Create Results
You can’t wish your way to firmer, smoother, more even-toned skin. Products need time and consistency to work—especially natural, plant-based ones that nourish gently without synthetic quick fixes. Results happen when you show up for your skin every day.
3. They Keep Each Other in Check
Ever get overwhelmed by trying too many new products at once? Or frustrated that your routine isn’t doing enough? That’s where this balance comes in. Your goals guide what products you choose. Your routine gives those products the chance to actually do their job. If you feel like you’re overwhelmed by the number of products in your routine, please call us (719) 375-0747 or schedule a skincare consultation HERE. We would MUCH rather have you using fewer products, but being CONSISTENT with your routine. That’s where you will see your best results! By being consistent!
Let’s Break It Down with an Example
Goal: Reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles and puffiness.
Nightly Routine:
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Cleanse gently with our pH-balanced foaming face wash. Choose the wash based on your skin type.
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Mist with a toner or tonic, again based on your skin type.
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Apply Eye Defense Serum (packed with bakuchiol, rosehip, and astaxanthin)
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Moisturize with our ceramide-rich serum: Barrier Defense
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If you’re also concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, top your routine off with our Age Defense Serum
Now you’re not just “using products.” You’re working toward something. And every day, you’re taking small, doable steps in the right direction. I promise you, after just a week or two of following this routine, your skin will feel SO GOOD, you won’t want to stop doing it! I hear this from our customers all the time! So many have said to me “I used to not wash my face before I went to bed, but now my skin is feeling SO GOOD, I WANT to wash my face before bed!!” It becomes a ritual, it’s addictive! 🙂
A Few Helpful Tips for Setting (and Keeping) Skincare Goals
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Be Specific – “Better skin” is too vague. Try: “I want fewer breakouts on my chin,” or “I want my cheeks to stop feeling tight.”
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Start Simple – Don’t overhaul your entire shelf. Begin with 3–4 core products that match your skin needs. Our line is easy to follow. Each product is color coded to help you follow whatever your skin type is! Just to refresh you on the color system: Purple is for Aging; Blue is for Deep Moisture; Pink is for Normal to Dry Skin; Yellow is for Sensitive Skin; Green is Clarifying for Oily or Acne Prone skin. Now, there’s not any reason why you can’t MIX and MATCH! Not everyone will fall into a single category! Most people have combination skin and multiple skin concerns. So, don’t feel like you have to follow a regimen from a single line. Do what works best for your skin!
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Track Progress – Take a photo at the beginning, then again in 2–4 weeks. Changes can be subtle, but they’re real. It’s fun to watch your progress and it will motivate you to KEEP GOING! 🙂
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Check In Seasonally – Your skin’s needs shift with the weather, so revisit your goals and routine with the seasons. We all know that the winter months can be drier, so double up on your moisture. When summer comes around and it’s more humid, focus more on using clarifying toners so you don’t experience breakouts in the humidity.
When to Get Support
If your skin’s sending SOS signals—like flaking, redness, breakouts, or it just doesn’t feel like you anymore—it might be time to check in with a pro. At Simple Body, we offer free in-store and Zoom skincare consultations to help you build a routine that aligns with your goals (without overwhelming your shelf or your wallet).
Sometimes all you need is a fresh pair of eyes and a few thoughtful tweaks to get you back on track. I know from personal experience that sometimes it takes an outsider to take a fresh look at your skin and give you a professional evaluation. Sometimes, you’re not as far from your goals as you think you are! Sometimes just a tweak or two to your routine and voila….your skin is back on track!
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: Skincare goals give your routine meaning. And your routine brings your goals to life. Whether you’re looking to soften fine lines, rebuild your skin barrier, or just feel good in your skin again—Simple Body natural skincare can support you every step of the way. We’re HERE for you!
Set the goal. Build the routine. Be patient. Your skin is listening. We’re cheering you on!
XOXO Jewels
