LESS, BUT BETTER: THE SKINCARE RESET DEFINING 2026
- Jeni O'Dowd
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
For years, skincare shelves have buckled under the weight of serums, essences and acids we were promised we could not live without.
In 2026, that obsession is finally easing. Consumers are moving away from marathon routines and leaning into something far more appealing: fewer products, better formulas and results that actually show up.
The shift towards “less is more” is not about cutting corners. It is about cutting noise. And it is driving the return of what many are calling anti-routine skincare.
Why minimal skincare is having a moment
The era of the 12-step routine is quietly being shown the door. In its place is a growing appetite for simple, effective products that earn their spot in the bathroom cabinet.
This move towards restraint reflects broader lifestyle changes. People want products that fit real life. Busy mornings. Carry-on luggage. Sensitive skin. And a healthy scepticism of anything that sounds too complicated to be true.
Meeting that shift is Australian-made, dermatologist-formulated Bespoke Skin Technology, which has leaned into the 2026 mood with its anti-routine trilogy: three multi-functional products designed to replace a full routine without sacrificing performance.
A dermatologist’s take on doing less
The range has been developed by leading Australian dermatologist Dr Katherine Armour, who brings 17 years of clinical experience to the table. Rather than adding more steps, her approach distils skincare down to what skin actually needs.
“Real women want skincare that works, is simple to use and fits seamlessly into everyday life” says Dr Armour.
“We've distilled everything you need into two choices of leave-on product, in addition to our cleansing heroes, that target pigmentation, acne, fine lines, dullness and redness, without overwhelming your skin or bathroom shelf.”
It is a refreshingly practical philosophy in an industry that often thrives on excess.
Inside the anti-routine trilogy
The idea is simple. Cleanse well, treat efficiently, protect properly. Each product is designed to multitask, compressing the benefits of a longer routine into fewer steps.
Radiance Reset Cleanser: The first step is a non-foaming, antioxidant-rich cleanser that removes makeup and daily grime without stripping the skin.
Gentle fruit extracts provide light exfoliation, while an antioxidant complex helps defend against pollution-related inflammation, which can accelerate ageing and aggravate conditions like acne and rosacea.
It is designed to clean thoroughly while keeping the skin barrier intact. No squeaky tight feeling. No drama.
The Dream Cream: The 2026 relaunch introduces an updated formula alongside sleek, fully recyclable packaging.
Safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding and sun exposure, it brings together 12 clinically proven active ingredients, including Bakuchiol, Astaxanthin, Niacinamide and DNA Repair Enzymes, into one all-rounder.
Dr Armour explains: “We designed this cream to be completely safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, avoiding retinoids and Vitamin C, which can irritate sensitive skin or aren’t suitable during these stages. DNA repair enzymes, 7 antioxidants and bakuchiol support sunscreen as a perfect protection against Australia's summer conditions”.
The appeal lies in its efficiency. Fine lines, pigmentation, dullness, sun damage and barrier repair are all addressed in a single step. Independent trials found that 100 per cent of women would recommend it, and 91 per cent would purchase again.
Luminosity Revive & Refine Serum: The final step compresses what would traditionally be nine separate products into one serum. Formulated with Bakuchiol, 10 per cent Niacinamide, 5 per cent Lactic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid and a potent antioxidant blend, it targets uneven tone, congestion, fine lines and loss of radiance without overloading the skin.
Non-comedogenic and designed for daily use, it speaks directly to the 2026 appetite for high performance with minimal effort
.
Why mature skin is paying attention
While the range is formulated for all ages, it has found particular favour with women navigating perimenopause and menopause, as skin concerns often shift quickly during these stages.
Drawing on her clinical experience, Dr Armour developed formulas to address common changes, such as increased sensitivity, texture shifts, and loss of luminosity. The focus is on collagen stimulation, hydration and strengthening the skin barrier, without introducing harsh or irritating ingredients.
“The Dream Cream and Luminosity Serum provide all the tools you need to combat menopause-related skin changes,” Dr Armour explains.
“Bakuchiol and Astaxanthin deliver retinoid- and Vitamin C-like results without irritation. Niacinamide supports collagen and skin barrier health, while Hyaluronic Acid hydrates and plumps. Our cleansers and serums soothe inflammation, protect against environmental damage and target acne and pigmentation.”
A routine built for real life
Beyond performance, the appeal of a three-product routine is obvious. It is travel-friendly, easy to stick to and far less overwhelming than a crowded shelf of half-used bottles.
All formulas are Australian-made, cruelty-free, pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe and designed to be used alongside SPF. Packaging is fully recyclable, aligning with the broader minimalist mindset that is shaping beauty in 2026.
Dr Armour sums it up simply: “With just three products, you have every active you need to maintain or transform your skin”.
In a year where restraint feels like a luxury, anti-routine skincare is less about doing nothing and more about doing exactly enough.
