Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the number of skincare products I own and whether it's, well... too much.

Scrolling through skincare discussions today, I stumbled across a thread that made me pause. Someone asked a question that's been lingering in the back of my mind for a while: How many products is too many? And honestly, the variety of answers was both reassuring and overwhelming.

Some people admitted they had cabinets stuffed with cleansers, toners, serums, masks, moisturizers you name it. They justified it by saying that having options felt comforting, like having a full wardrobe for different skin "moods." Others kept it minimal, swearing by a strict 3- or 4-step routine that they repeat like clockwork every single day.

It made me realize: skincare, much like anything else personal, doesn't really have a "one size fits all" rule. For some, a 15-step routine is therapeutic. For others, even 5 products might feel excessive.

Personally, I've noticed that the more products I pile on, the less happy my skin seems. When I overcomplicate my routine layering multiple serums, trying out new treatments back-to-back asa my skin tends to freak out. Redness, irritation, random breakouts. It's like my face is waving a little white flag, begging for mercy.

But the temptation is so real. New launches, cute packaging, glowing reviews as it’s easy to justify adding just one more to the shelf. And the thrill of trying something new? Completely addictive.

One thing that really stuck with me from today’s conversation was the idea that it’s not necessarily about the number of products, but how thoughtfully they're used. Are they addressing specific needs? Are they layered carefully? Are they necessary, or just clutter?

Maybe that’s the real question: not "how many is too many," but "how intentional am I being?"

Tonight, I’m going to sit down, pull out everything I have, and ask myself :

- Does this actually serve my skin right now?

- Am I using it just because I feel guilty it’s sitting there?

- Would my skin be happier with less?

I don’t want skincare to feel like a burden. I want it to feel like a treat, something simple, nurturing, and joyful.

Maybe I’ll end up keeping my "tiny apothecary" of potions. Or maybe I’ll find peace in paring it all back to the basics. Either way, after today, I’m reminded that skincare should feel good, not overwhelming.