How to Build a Minimalistic Skin Care Routine | The Need to Skinminimalism
From hoarding cabinets full of serums and creams to 10-year-old using retinoids—the madness of skincare never ends! In order to improve the health of skin and combat our consumerist-driven obsession with skin care, experts have developed a phenomenon known as “Skinmininalism” : a minimalistic guide to skin care…
In recent years skincare has become a hot topic among the young generations of internet users. Gen Z often take to social media apps such as Tik Tok or Instagram to find out about the hottest skin care product on the market, which they will purchase regardless of whether they need it or not. The danger in this type of “Skinfluencing” go beyond lowering the self-esteem of young people and forcing them to go in search of the next new skin care product. It also promotes a culture of consumerism, in which people constantly buy more and more things that they do not need.
The use of inappropriate skincare products and constant changes to skin care routines are bad for one’s skin health. In the long run, it could lead to breakouts, irritation and premature aging of the skin. In order to improve the health of skin and combat our consumerist-driven obsession with skin care, experts have developed a phenomenon known as “Skinmininalism” — a minimalistic guide to Skin care! It involves simplifying your skin care routine to a few essential products that are both beneficial and necessary for your skin’s health. This philosophy focuses on quality over quantity, opting for products that offer multiple benefits, and align with our skin’s specific needs.
A MINIMALIST SKINCARE ROUTINE : AM & PM
A minimalist skincare routine comprises only 3 or 4 core steps. Your morning skincare routine should have the following steps:
The First step is cleansing. For this step, you can use a gentle yet effective cleanser that will soothe and not dry out your skin. If you have dry skin, it’s recommended that you use a hydrating gel-based cleanser, if you have more oily skin, you can opt for a foaming cleanser targeted for oily skin.
Usually, people would opt to layer on their multitude of serums after washing their skin. However, dermatologists state that skin treatments are best absorbed by the skin at night. Using harsh exfoliants in the day time is not recommended as it will make the skin more susceptible to sun damage. Instead, skin right ahead to your favorite moisturizer. It’s better to use a lightweight moisturizer during the daytime. For additional hydration, you can apply your moisturizers while your skin is still damp, as this will lock in the hydration and give a smooth, bouncy feel to your skin.
After you have allowed your moisturizers to be absorbed by the skin, you can layer on your sunscreen. In the oncoming summer days, it’s always advised to go for an SPF 50.
The night time skin care routine will consist largely of the same steps, just with a few more products.
First up, if you wear make up, you might want to consider double cleansing. This two-stage face washing process starts with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve make-up and dirt, followed by a second wash with a hydrating cleanser. After you have washed your skin, you may apply a toner.
Next up, you can go for your favorite serums. Remember that only some serums can be layered under your moisturizers. Such serums as Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid are light and therefore should be applied before thicker formulas. It’s also best to stick to only 2 serums at maxim. Remember that not every serum on the market is for you. It’s best to consult a dermatologist and understand what your specific skin concerns are and use products that target those problems. Also leave a serum on for a space for 20 to 30 minutes to make sure that the product is fully absorbed into the skin.
After you have layered your skin serums, you can apply a thick layer of your moisturizer to seal all those beneficial nutrients into your skin. If you use retinol products like tretinoin, its best to apply them over your moisturizer since they are very strong.
And that’s it! Your minimal skin care will leave your skin glowing and won’t clutter your bathroom cabinets!
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can be easy to forget what we truly need and lose ourselves in the pursuit for the newest product or the newest trend. However, over complicating your skincare routine can do more harm than good. By simplifying your skincare routine, you can free up time and energy for other self-care practices, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones