What Is Skinimalism?
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Skinimalism is no passing trend: first coined by Pinterest in 2021, this simplified skin care approach has stood the test of time.
If you are considering switching from a multi-step routine to a more straightforward skin care system, read on, as I will break down what skinimalism is, the benefits and pitfalls of skinimalism as well as recommending a skinimalist routine for those ready to embrace the simple life.
What Is Skinimalism?
In short, skinimalism is a turn towards a more simple skincare routine.
Its enduring popularity can be attributed to the fact that our skin can be impacted when our skincare method becomes over-complicated.
The more layers of skincare – and therefore the more active ingredients – we apply, the more our precious skin barrier can be disrupted, as the likelihood of encountering an ingredient that doesn’t agree with us increases.
Additionally, a multi-step ritual can lead to inconsistency in our routines, leaving our skin struggling to catch up – which can lead to inflammation, irritation or even acne. Our skin needs space to absorb active ingredients and acclimatise to their impact to improve skin barrier health.
Benefits Of Skinimalism
As I mention above, the major benefit of skinimalism is superior skin barrier function, and therefore healthier looking and feeling skin. That said, there are other positives beyond your skin’s appearance:
Skinimalism saves you money and time: Using fewer products has an impact on your finances, and cuts down the length of your routine.
Skinimalism is more sustainable – in both senses of the word: When it comes to our skin, consistency is key. We are far more likely to follow a skincare routine with fewer steps, so streamlining our products gives us a better chance of sticking with our self-care ritual. Plus, it minimises waste: less products, less plastic.
Difficulties Of Skinimalism
Whilst the upsides of skinimalism are clear, as with any skincare system, it’s not without its pitfalls.
The main difficulty is balancing a simple skincare routine with ensuring your skin is getting everything it needs. By reducing products, it sometimes means we are removing important ingredients or actions our skin needs: for instance, people may be moved to remove exfoliators or SPF in the effort to cut back, both of which are critical for skin health.
With this in mind, it’s important that your skinimalism routine prioritises powerful products tailored to your skin’s needs. You must ensure that the products you are applying contain antioxidants, peptides, hydrators and vitamins (as well as anything else you need to address your skin’s specific concerns), and that you are applying an SPF every day.
A Suggested Skinimalism Approach
If you’re ready to make the switch to skinimalism, I’ve detailed the best approach:
Prioritise Multi-Tasking Products: Research products that are good all-rounders, containing multiple active ingredients. Whether a cleanser that hydrates, an exfoliator that moisturises or a serum that firms and protects: products that offer a myriad of benefits will be crucial when it comes to down-sizing your self-care.
Take It Personally: Don’t be swayed by the latest TikTok craze – determine your skincare based on what your skin craves and what products have delivered a difference. If in doubt, speak to a dermatologist and get expert advice on the ideal, simple approach for improved skin.
Consistency Is Key: Stick to a simple routine, day in, day out and give your skin time to adjust. And make sure that SPF is always your final step.
Skinimalism Tweakments & Tips
I’ve rounded up my top skinimalism tweakments and tips below:
Try A Tweakment To Kick Start Your Skinimalism Routine
An expert-delivered, in-clinic tweakment can be the ideal initial step before commencing a new pared-back approach. I’d recommend trying Profhilo – pure hyaluronic acid injected into the face to firm, plump and perk up the skin, aid water retention and kick start the production of collagen and elastin.
Alternatively, my Restore + Refresh treatment combines the rejuvenating benefits of platelet-rich plasma with skin boosters to enhance hydration and stimulate collagen production.
My Top Skincare Multi-Taskers
Here are my three favourite, multi-functional skincare products:
1. CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser: Packed with nourishing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this gentle cleanser removes impurities with ease whilst keeping the skin barrier healthy
2. Tatcha The Dewy Serum: High levels of gentle AHAs and lactic acid help remove the dead skin cells whilst hyaluronic acid plumps the skin.
3. Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Hydrating Cream-in-Gel: Not only highly-hydrating thanks to its thermal spring-water enriched formulation, this will also shield your skin from environmental aggressors.
Don’t Leave Your Body Care Behind!
Your body can benefit from skinimalism too. Make sure you’re gently cleansing daily with a mild-yet-moisturing wash, exfoliating once or twice a week and hydrating every morning to keep your skin smooth and healthy. Joonbyrd’s MOON SWIM Hydrating Body Wash, VIOLET HAZE Exfoliating Body Scrub and LITTLE LOVE Hydrating Body Lotion are the perfect trio for body care beginners.
Discover more unmissable skin care insights via my journal.