Whether we’re talking wise men, little pigs, or Back to the Future films, there is little argument against the idea that good things come in threes. In the skincare world, the historical equivalent is most certainly the three-step routine, pioneered by Clinique, interpreted by countless others.
While debate over whether step two is exfoliation or toning is still rife among skincare brands, there is little argument when it comes to who began the three-step concept. In 1967, a Q&A-style article titled, Can Great Skin Be Created?” was published in American Vogue, featuring leading New York dermatologist Dr Norman Orntreich. The piece inspired the creation of and in turn, the world’s first three-step skincare system.
Clinique’s original three-step, developed by Dr Orntreich, comprised of a cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising, done twice a day. With the range still ranked as the world’s number-one skincare system, Dr Orntreich was on the mark in saying: For the future of beauty, in terms of skincare, products based on good science never become outdated. Treatments such as Clinique’s 3-Step System deliver results.”
According to Dr Orntreich’s son David, who is now Clinique’s guiding dermatologist, each step of the system helps the others to provide optimum results. He says reason for such a skincare routine is simple: the combination of constantly working sweat and oil glands plus constantly regenerating skin cells, mean we wake up with skin coated in oil, dead cells and dry sweat, which is why it’s important to undertake the routine in the morning.
During the daytime, the skin not only produces all of the above – it also comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dust and dirt and make-up, which stick to the skin. We need to repeat cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising in the evening to maintain clean, healthy skin,” Dr Orntreich explains.
Since then, countless other brands have produced their own answer to the three-step system. have developed a Daily Essentials range, including cleanser, toner and moisturising day cream, with varying formulas to cater to all skin types. Natio’s version of the three-step – Aromatherapy Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser, Rosewater and Chamomile Gentle Skin Toner and Aromatherapy Daily Protection Face Moisturiser SPF 15 – have been among Nation’s top sellers since the range was launched in 1997.
Many women enjoy undertaking a simple three-step routine,” says Rhonda Astle, Natio’s national trainer. She says that some of Natio’s super-busy customers choose to dual-locate various products in their three-step routine. By placing their favourite cleanser both in the shower and by the sink, or their moisturiser both by the sink and by the bed, it helps them to stick to their three-step routine and incorporate the elements at a time that works best in their busy day.”
One brand that has made huge waves on the three-step scene in recent years is Proactiv – the TV-shopping skincare brand that solves acne problems the world over. First developed by dermatologists in the US around 15 years ago, the range was introduced in Australia in 2004. Since then, the Proactiv formula has undergone some changes, in keeping up with new technology. Originally registered as therapeutic goods through the TGA, the latest relaunch in January if this year saw the range switch to being a cosmetic. Proactiv is presently ranked as Australia’s no.1 acne brand, and is used by over 15 million people worldwide.
Proactiv’s 3 Step System has exclusive microcrystal technology to not only address existing pimples, but also help prevent future breakouts,” says Proactiv’s brand manager Susan Steward. So the short-term result is that breakouts disappear and with continued use your skin will stay consistently clear. Who doesn’t want that?”
The key behind the success of the three-step regime, according to Dr David Orntreich, is its simplicity of use and its broad appeal. The 3-Step System was developed to take care of the most basic skincare needs; cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising. This approach works for men, women, teenagers, adults – across all skin types.”
Other brands with their own version of the three-step:
- PuraSkin Total Acne Solution
- Cetaphil Clear Skin Acne Control Kit