A Guide to Skinimalism

Less is more, a saying skinimalists preach.
Skinimalism goes back to the fundamentals of caring for skin that prioritises natural beauty, multifunctional products and streamlined skincare routines above all else.

By Agnes Wong

June 28, 2022

Having the most and finest of everything has driven consumer culture for quite some time. The idea of perfectionism, which in reality is nonexistent, also influences our lifestyle choices. This concept of “having more is more” applies to beauty. Whether it’s stocking up our vanity cabinet with every skincare product to survive an apocalyptic event or just doing so for aesthetics, our skin deserves the best. And, sometimes the best means doing the bare minimum for skin. Hello, “skinimalism.”

Combining “skin” and “minimalism” together, skinimalism is an existing trend that began in 2021 in the midst of fraught times that shifted our focus from makeup to skincare. The trend depicts multitasking at its best with formulas that kill two birds (and more) with one stone. It roots for stripping our skincare routines down to the essentials and prioritises natural beauty over covering it up. All it takes is a one-hit-wonder.

Photo: Ira G/Unsplash

Embracing simplicity is at the core of skinimalism. One might think that slathering skin with different serums and moisturisers will unleash glowy and hydrated skin. Unfortunately and oftentimes, this overloaded concoction is a recipe for disaster. Even dermatologists can agree, as well-renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss says, “The biggest risk is developing an irritation, which can evolve into residual post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation.” Heed this warning.

Photo: Enecta Cannabis Extracts/Unsplash

Gone are the days of ten-step skincare routines and cakey makeup. Skinimalism is all about streamlining routines to produce optimal results and letting your natural beauty shine through, allowing skin to breathe, with just a few products. The less-is-more approach sees benefits that add value to our lifestyles. We create less clutter, and fewer products would go to waste as some may expire before use. A simplified routine is also cost-effective, easier to follow and minimises potential detrimental effects on skin when ingredients from different products blend together.

Photo: Birgith Roosipu/Unsplash

When building a skinimalist routine, start with the non-negotiables – a solid cleanser and sunscreen. Assess your skin’s condition from there and then pick products that directly feed your skin with what it needs. There’s no right number of products to use to claim that you’re a skinimalist. Rather, it’s being able to find multifunctional products that can trim your skincare routine while addressing your skin concerns. Ultimately, the effects are powerful enough to unlock flawless, healthy skin.

If you don’t know where to begin, take the following morning and evening routines as a reference. In the morning, splash water on your face, apply a Vitamin C serum followed by sunscreen and opt for a tinted moisturiser to lock in hydration while colour correcting skin tone. At night, use an all-in-one cleanser, like oil cleansers, to remove a day’s worth of makeup, dirt and impurities, apply a serum that directly treats your skin condition, dab on some eye cream and seal the deal with a moisturiser or oil.

A few suggestions to start with:

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