And just like that, Sarah Jessica Parker is clapping back against overhyped 20-step skincare routine. “I’m not someone who likes ten steps, or nine steps, or even seven steps,” she tells Women’s Health. “I think it’s amazing that people can find the time and the attention span, but it confuses me. I like three steps.”

This refreshing less-is-more approach partly inspired Parker’s collaboration with RoC skincare on a highly curated gift set to support the brand’s Look Forward Project, an initiative aimed at celebrating and harnessing the power of optimism. It’s mission that Parker acknowledges is both deeply important and extraordinarily challenging, especially in our divided times. “I want to be sure that our talk of optimism isn’t blind and deaf to the realities of most working people in this country,” she says. “You can’t just foolishly and unreasonably tell people, “Everything will be great if you can just be optimistic.” That’s not real. I think more so to the point is that optimism is a possibility.”

As for the products, the set features RoC’s Multi Correxion Revive + Glow serum, eye balm, and moisturizer with SPF, and proceeds will help to support the brand’s ongoing programming with SeekHer, an organization that’s mission is to bridge the gender gap of mental health through advocacy, research, and support. “I wanted to pick products could be good friends and work well together and would be helpful for a lot of different people’s skin,” she says.

It’s part of what has drawn Parker to RoC—a drugstore mainstay for decades—from the beginning. “It’s such a science-backed company,” Parker says. “And the messaging to women has been real and true and consistent since 1957.” Here, Parker reveals the skincare wisdom she’s absorbed over the years—and products she just can’t live without.

This $30 line-fighting moisturizer is the cornerstone of her streamlined regimen

In the evening, Parker applies a generous dollop of RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream. “I’ve been using it forever—since I was introduced to the brand,” she says.

And with good reason: This power product is formulated with the gold standard dermatologist-recommended ingredient—retinol—to firm skin and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, in company tests, 97% of women experienced a noticeable reduction in lines after just one week of use. Plus, the addition of humectant hyaluronic acid, which traps and holds onto moisture in the skin, promises hydration for up to forty-eight hours.

She swears by this application method

“One thing I’ve learned over the years is to never put any product on a dry face,” says Parker. “For so long, I didn’t realize that moisturizer was to seal in moisture. Now, I get it—and I’m very committed to that.” What that means practically is that Parker mixes water in with her moisturizer before she spreads it onto her skin.

It’s a practice she relies upon both night and day when she uses the RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Moisturizer with SPF 30. “I use it a lot in the winter,” she says. “And I’ll reapply several times during the day.”

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Parker won’t hide her pimples

Dermatologists have been saying it for years—and SJP has heard it loud and clear: Never pick at a zit. “It’s so tempting—you think you can get rid of it, but you run the risk of destroying your skin,” she says. “So, I’ll proudly leave the house with a massive zit as a point: I take amazing pride in not touching it.”

She’s constantly moving to stay healthy

As a city dweller, Parker admits that she “walks a lot.” “We also live in a house that has ton of stairs, so we’re up and down all the time,” she says. In the summer, Parker swims and takes bike rides. But her latest obsession: a Technogym. The company behind these compact at-home workout machines offer a variety of equipment from cardio machines to strength training apparatus: “It’s incredible,” says Parker. “I saw it in a hotel, and I love it.”

Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.