Skincare Can Never Improve Your Skin

Your Skin Is a Highly Sophisticated Organ

Your skin protects your body while carrying out countless functions — and it does all of this without your permission or assistance. All it requires are reasonably favorable conditions. Unless you suffer from a severe genetic condition or skin disease, your skin cannot be actively improved by skincare products. Think about it: a biological system of incredible complexity, working in concert and harmony. How does stripping away its upper layers — as cleansing does — make it better? It doesn't. It only hampers the skin.

The Skincare Industry's False Premise

The skincare industry relies on one core assumption: that your skin cannot work things out on its own — that it is covered in problematic elements you must actively eliminate, and that without intervention, your skin falls apart. This is nonsense. Your skin works just fine without the skincare industry's offerings. It worked in the womb. It works outside the industrialized world. And it worked beautifully for every one of your ancestors who used a fraction of what we use today — or nothing at all. Ever look at old photographs and wonder why everyone's skin looks great, unfiltered and unretouched?

Skincare Is Largely Experiential Theatre

Skincare products are by and large designed for an elaborate experiential theatre. There is usually no improvement from the baseline by using them. The glow you're chasing? The younger-looking skin? Your skin is already younger-looking than you think. You just have to step out of the way and let it work.

Wash with Cool Water — That's It

Even if your face is extra oily, cool water is all you need. No cleanser required.

Never Scrub or Exfoliate

Not even with your hands. Pat yourself dry — never rub.

Moisturize Only When Needed

If your skin is dry or sensitive, apply Butter Oasis — but only as needed. If your face feels normal, leave it alone. Don't add moisturizer to skin that's already fine.

Wearing Makeup? Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a simple, effective makeup remover that won't strip your skin barrier.

Persistent Dullness? Try Slugging

Especially during skincare withdrawal, when your skin is recalibrating, slugging with an occlusive like Butter Oasis can help restore radiance while your skin finds its balance.