By now, you’re already familiar with, or you might at least have heard of, the 10-step Korean skincare routine popularized by Korean skincare curation brands. The routine follows a proper order of using skincare products to address specific concerns, eventually revealing a healthy and ageless complexion. It has been a staple for many South Korean women and, later, for women in many parts of the world.
However, it has also received criticism for the same reason it got famous. The elaborate routine was too expensive or too time-consuming for many consumers. By the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people started simplifying their skincare routine and sticking to a few that truly worked for them. This switch was later called #skinimalism, and it’s the latest trend dominating beauty enthusiasts this year.
Skinimalism and Why “Less” is “More”
Do you really need more products to have great skin?
As far as skinimalism is concerned, less is more. Skinimalism involves stripping back your skincare routine to a more minimalistic approach. People want to use skincare products to have great skin, and according to experts, that isn’t an automatic pass to use more stuff. With 10 or more products being applied to your face, it is easy for the skin to become sensitized and irritated.
It may be time for you to step back a little bit on the cleansers, serums, toners, face masks, moisturizers, exfoliators, essences, and oils, then reflect on the skin issue that you want to address. In most situations, applying fewer products that contain potent and appropriate ingredients is the wiser choice for great skin.
Here are some ways to switch to skinimalism and simplify your skincare routine
1. Cut back on skincare products
Too many skincare products can disrupt your skin’s moisture barrier because the more products you apply to your face, the more they can disturb the pH balance of your skin. As a result, you might observe moisture loss and irritation.
2. Don’t overuse skincare products
Aside from using too many products, using the same product in excess amounts can do more harm than good. Just take exfoliating as an example. Too much of it can damage your skin and cause irritation, which is why exfoliating is only recommended twice or thrice a week by many experts.
3. Don’t pile on different skincare products
Streamlining your products can make your daily skincare routine more manageable because you don’t have to scramble through several skincare products to find what you need. It also helps you save money by spending less on unnecessary products that will only crowd your skincare stash.
4. Stop adding and subtracting products all the time
Trendy skincare products may be nice to have—most of them have attractive packaging and promise significant results. It’s also possible your favourite influencer or celebrity endorses them. Whatever the case, you don’t have to try every “holy grail” skincare product that everyone recommends.
Such products take time to have an effect. If you keep switching cleansers, moisturizers, or acne treatments just because there’s a new holy grail in the market, you won’t be giving these products enough time to work. The products usually take four weeks to take the skin’s outer layer or epidermis and renew itself.
5. Wear less makeup
Skinimalism also entails cutting back on the makeup products you apply to your face. Your skin needs to breathe, and wearing too much makeup can suffocate your pores. On the other hand, wearing minimal to no makeup can refresh you and allow you to feel comfortable in your bare skin.
Must-Have Skincare Products
Of course, it doesn’t mean that you have to neglect skincare completely. The point of skinimalism is to simplify your skincare routine. Here are some products that you may need in your daily skincare skinimalist ritual.
1. Cleanser
A pH-balanced cleanser for your skin type is essential in your skincare routine. This cleanser helps remove built-up oil, dirt, and makeup to avoid clogged pores and breakouts. If you want two cleansers, choose one you can use during the day and another at night.
2. Moisturizer
This product gives your skin an overall healthy, hydrated look. You could take things up a notch by using a moisturizer with Vitamin C or E to protect your skin from free radicals, damaging your skin barrier and leading to premature signs of ageing.
3. Sunscreen
Dermatologists and beauty enthusiasts have been consistent in their reminders to wear sunscreen daily, even if you’re not heading outside. Sunscreen application is necessary for protection against sunburns, skin cancer, and premature signs of ageing like wrinkles and discolouration. Apply a mineral, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and keep it in your go-to bag for quick reapplications or retouches.
Good Skincare Doesn’t Have to Take or Cost a Lot
Skinimalism can be difficult if you’ve been used to your 10-step routine, but the benefits of using less are definitely more. You’ll save time, money, and space and do your skin a huge favour once you begin to lessen the steps in your routine. Each time you put something on your face, ask yourself why you’re doing it and what’s the purpose of applying the product.
Still, no matter your preference, skincare lives on. If products are working for you, then why change them? Remember that consistency with your skincare routine will give you the best results, and proper diet and sleep also count if you want that great skin for many years.
More on skincare: Skinimalism: How to Create a Skincare Routine for Your Wrinkles in 9 Steps
