5 Skin Care Routines Under 5 Minutes

Time is money, or so the saying goes. Some may go as far as to say that in order to look like a million bucks, you need to invest a little more time into your skin care routine. But what if we told you that didn’t have to be so?

That’s right—your skin can still look healthy and radiant without it taking up too much time from your day. We’re sharing five different skin care routines that can help you hit your skin care goals, all of which can be completed in under five minutes. Set your timers now, and see which one you’d like to pen in to your own schedule.

HYDRATING SKIN CARE ROUTINE UNDER 5 MINUTES

There are plenty of hydrating ingredients out there that can level-up your skin’s moisture in one fell swoop. Since skin care products are at their most effective when they’re used in the right order, be sure to use the thinnest hydrating product before ending with a thicker moisturizer or cream. Try using a serum with hyaluronic acid, a hydration powerhouse that’s able to hold 1,000 times its weight in water. We recommend first applying a product such as the CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum evenly across your face and neck and then following up with the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 to lock moisture in while protecting your skin from UV rays. 

Total Est. Time: 1.5 min.

MAKEUP REMOVAL SKIN CARE ROUTINE UNDER 5 MINUTES

Yes, you read that correctly, it’s possible to remove your makeup in under five minutes. No excessive scrubbing for what seems like hours on end; no sneaky mascara residue left over. The secret: it’s all about the product. Micellar water is a powerful cleanser and makeup remover hybrid that removes makeup, excess sebum, dirt, and other unwanted impurities from the skin’s surface. Give the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 a shot. It’s as easy as applying the formula onto a cotton pad and gently swiping it across your face (eyes closed). There’s no rinsing required, and skin will feel clean and not overly dry. For an even deeper clean, follow-up with a toner. 

Total Est. Time: 2 min.

EXFOLIATING SKIN CARE ROUTINE UNDER 5 MINUTES

Exfoliating the right way is an important trick to master in skin care. Once you have, your skin is opened up to an expansive range of benefits including but not limited to brightening your skin and lessening your chances of breaking out. To incorporate this vital step in a quick fashion, pair an exfoliating tool alongside a product with exfoliating properties. Try using the Clarisonic Skin Renewing Peel Treatment in tandem with the brand’s Sonic Exfoliator brush head attached to a Mia Smart. Simply apply the gel to wet skin and use the brush head to massage the formula into your skin for about one minute. To finish, rinse everything off thoroughly and follow-up with a moisturizer. 

Total Est. Time: 2.5 min.

POST-SHAVING SKIN CARE ROUTINE UNDER 5 MINUTES

Ingrown hairs are an all-too-familiar sight for many. Along with some of the other common shaving mistakes you may be making, forgoing a post-shaving skin care routine may be behind those pesky bumps popping up on your skin. As a quick fix, be sure to apply a shaving cream as you tackle those unwanted hairs. Then be sure to apply a moisturizer directly after shaving. This helps to reintroduce any moisture lost during your shave.   

Total Est. Time: 3.5 min.

ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE ROUTINE UNDER 5 MINUTES

Retinol is an all-star ingredient for anti-aging skin care. This derivative of vitamin A can increase the production of collagen, promoting skin’s elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (among many other things). But remember: the key to retinol use is founded on how much of a resistance your skin has built up to it. If you’re just starting out, try the SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3, which has the lowest dosage amongst SkinCeuticals’s other retinol products. Feel free to follow-up with a moisturizer to prevent unwanted dryness. 

Editor’s Note: Retinol causes light sensitivity and therefore should only be used at night. Be sure to take proper protective measures after use by applying a broad-spectrum SPF and wearing protective clothing.

Total Est. Time: 4 min.