Let’s be honest: skincare has gotten complicated.

We’ve all been there - standing in front of a shelf packed with serums, toners, mists, and oils, wondering, “Do I really need all of this?”

If you’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed by the noise, you’re not alone. Over the past month, thousands of people have been typing the same questions into Google, and they’re not asking about the newest trends or flashiest ingredients. They’re asking about what actually works.

Let’s unpack the top skincare questions real people are asking this month, and what they tell us about where skincare is heading (spoiler: it’s simpler, smarter, and so much more skin-friendly).

1. “Is it too late to start wearing SPF every day?”

Short answer? No. Longer answer? Please start today.

Whether you’re 17 or 47, daily sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin long-term. Sun damage doesn’t just show up as burns or dark spots, it quietly breaks down collagen, thins your barrier, and speeds up visible aging.

In 2025, SPF isn’t just for beach days anymore. It’s a daily essential, like brushing your teeth. Even if you missed the memo a few years back, your skin will absolutely benefit from the change starting now.

2. “Can I shrink my pores?”

Technically, no. But you can make them look smaller, and more importantly, keep them clean and healthy.

What often makes pores more visible isn’t size, but buildup. Oil, dead skin, pollution, they settle in and stretch everything out. Instead of chasing harsh treatments, more people are now turning to gentler options that support the skin without stripping it.

Ingredients like pomegranate seed and sea buckthorn oils are having a moment, not because they promise miracles, but because they help support skin regeneration and balance. It’s less about fighting your pores, and more about working with them.

3. “Do I really need a 10-step routine?”

Not anymore.

One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen this year is people moving toward simpler, more intuitive skincare. Not because they’re lazy, but because their skin is tired of being overworked.

Dermatologists are seeing more irritation, sensitivity, and product overload than ever before. And honestly? Many of us are realizing that fewer, better products often give better results.

A good moisturizer, a calming oil, a hydrating toner, that’s often all you need. Your skin doesn’t want more. It wants balance.

4. “Can I trust AI to help me pick skincare?”

That depends on what the AI is connected to. If it’s spitting out random product suggestions based on a blurry photo, probably not. But if it’s grounded in real ingredient science, and paired with high-quality formulations, it can be a great guide.

What really matters is what you're putting on your skin. Is it packed with nourishing oils? Does it respect your skin barrier? Is it made for real skin, not just flawless marketing images?

Look for brands that focus less on flash, more on function. That’s where the real transformation happens.

5. “What’s the difference between hydration and moisture?”

Think of it like this: hydration is water. Moisture is oil.

Your skin needs both to feel soft, supple, and healthy. Without hydration, it can feel tight or flaky. Without moisture, it becomes rough and loses that glow we’re all chasing.

The sweet spot? Products that give you both. Lightweight hydrators paired with rich, natural oils, like argan, avocado, and evening primrose, help your skin hold onto water and seal it in.

This is where well-formulated oils come in. Not as an extra step, but as part of your skin’s foundation.

6. “Are toners still relevant?”

A few years ago, toners were all about stripping oil and tightening pores. Now? The best ones are all about bringing balance back to your skin.

A well-made toner  (especially one with ingredients like rose hydrosol and glycerin) can help soften, hydrate, and prep your skin to absorb whatever comes next. It’s not a throwaway step. It’s a quiet powerhouse that often makes everything else in your routine work better.

So, What Does Skin Really Want Right Now?

Your skin doesn’t want more noise. It wants nourishment. And clarity. And space to breathe.

The questions people are asking this month aren’t about trends, they’re about truth. They're about how to care for skin in a way that feels good, makes sense, and works over time.

At MÉRV, that’s our entire approach. We believe skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. That nature and science can work beautifully together. And that your routine should feel like a ritual, not a chore.