Everything you need to know about skin minimalism
Less is more.
The skincare universe has evolved by leaps and bounds over the last few years. We’ve gone from simply washing our faces and wearing sunscreen (and maybe moisturiser) to having convoluted 12-step routines that involve skincare tools and products from all over the world. However, this has also taught us that just because we are using 7,000 different products on our faces (we exaggerate for effect) doesn’t mean guaranteed results. In fact, it can leave our moisture barrier compromised and our skin irritated.
Thankfully, most of us learned our lesson and cut back. And even though our skincare drawers are overflowing with impulse buys, cult-favourite (aka viral) products and of course, the bare essentials, not all of it has made it to our new and revised skincare routine. Before you judge us for hoarding, allow me to explain to you the trend that has made this possible—skin minimalism. Think about it like a capsule wardrobe for your skincare products. Only the most hardworking ones with a few actives and hero ingredients snag a spot in your daily routine. The rest are either for show or need to be pushed into an early retirement.
How to start a minimalist skincare routine
Identify your skin type
First things first, identify your skin type. Since skin minimalism is all about targeted results, knowing your skin type would tell you a lot about your concerns and the products that would work for you. For instance, if you have dry skin then you would know to include some heavy-based moisturisers in your routine.
Prioritise the essentials
All skincare routines, minus their bells and whistles come down to three things—cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. However, let me tell you something. No one needs three foam cleansers. Once you have your bare essentials set, you move on to figuring out what your skin needs and what active ingredients would help your skin. And only invest in serums and creams with those actives. If your skincare routine has more than four to five products (unless they are dermatologist suggested) you should reconsider.
