Beauty
An Expert-Approved Simple Skincare Routine (+ Product Picks)
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Beauty
An Expert-Approved Simple Skincare Routine (+ Product Picks)
The minimalism movement has officially made its way into our skincare routines. An effective way to care for your skin and the planet, “skinimalism” is an approach that makes room on your bathroom counter and keeps more money in your wallet. We chatted with the experts about this trending philosophy.
The philosophy of simplifying your skincare ritual has been taking social media by storm. “Skipcare,” “skinimalism” and “skin fasting” are all terms used to reference paring down your products to reset your routine. The methodology can range from eliminating one product from your lineup to totally forgoing skincare products altogether. We already know it’s possible to put too many product on our faces (hello, red, irritated skin and dryness), but can we also use too few?
The right way to simplify your routine
While some swear by a 10-step skincare routine using multiple serums, moisturizers and targeted treatments, others are seeking inspiration from food-related fasting and taking a total break from skin care. This is done anywhere from a few days to several weeks in an attempt to rebalance and strengthen the skin. However, not everyone is on board with such an extreme skin fast.
“Depriving the skin of essential care can actually compromise its health and balance,” says Nancy Labonté, skincare specialist at Quebec-based skincare brand IDC Dermo. “We only have to think about the importance of daily UV protection to understand that a total skincare fast would have negative consequences on the health of our skin,” she says.
Cleansing is another step that’s essential for skin health, says Véronique Ros, international training director at French skincare brand Laboratoires Filorga. “To demonstrate the importance of removing makeup, Anna Pursglove, a journalist from the Daily Mail, went to bed every night for a month without cleansing or washing off her makeup,” Ros says. After only a few days, some impacts were already visible, and at the end of the experiment, she was plagued with dry skin, larger pores, redness and deeper-looking wrinkles. “Impurities, pollution and the accumulation of dead skin cells accelerate the appearance of skin aging,” Ros says. “Getting rid of this residue helps maintain radiant skin and prevents the look of premature aging.”
“Our skin is the largest organ of the body, and it receives nutrients both through our diet and also topically with the products we apply,” says Labonté. Completely removing all of the nourishing or active ingredients from your routine could lead to loss of tone, suppleness and overall comfort, all while exacerbating dullness, wrinkles, pores, puffiness and dark circles. The key to cutting down on products effectively is to adopt a targeted routine of products clinically proven to address multiple concerns or provide multiple benefits, so you can enjoy the skincare perks without overloading your face (and countertop!) with products.
The benefits of skinimalism
While eliminating skin care altogether isn’t recommended, there are benefits to streamlining your daily regimen. For example, a minimalist routine can help us commit to a regular skincare ritual both morning and night, says Labonté. A two- or three-step routine is less overwhelming and time-consuming, meaning you’re much more likely to stay consistent and reap the benefits of your products. When you’re tired after a long day, a speedy routine of just five minutes feels much more doable than a multi-step process.
What’s more, paring down your skincare products can also decrease the risk of irritation. Unless you have in-depth scientific knowledge, you run the risk of applying incompatible ingredients on top of one another, says Bouchard. “No one is safe from skin reactions,” she says. Keeping your routine simple limits the number of ingredients you’re applying at one time, making this trend an especially good option for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Cutting down on products also means more money in your pocket, and who doesn’t want that? Because there aren’t countless serums and moisturizers on your vanity to choose from, you won’t be cycling through multiple products and are much more likely to finish your cosmetics before they expire. That means less product wasted and less money spent on skin care.
A simplified routine can save time and money, but another important benefit is environmental. “Fewer products mean less packaging and waste, which can help reduce your ecological footprint,” says Labonté. As we become more aware of the waste created from our everyday routines (think food packaging or textile waste, for example), the skinimalism trend addresses the environmental impact of our skincare routines and urges against overconsumption, keeping these extra items out of landfills.
Prioritize packaging
Reducing the number of products in your toolkit is a great start, but if you’re looking to take it a step further, choose brands that limit waste at the source. “It’s part of the duty of the company that creates the waste to educate consumers about recycling their products,” says Marilyne Bouchard, founder of natural cosmetics and skincare company Bkind. “Packaging is an integral part of the product, and because we’re the ones who make the choices, it’s up to us to inform users about how to properly recycle or reuse it.” Prioritize products that are refillable, minimally packaged and made with easily recyclable materials to minimize unnecessary waste.
Getting started
If you're ready to try the skinimalism trend but aren't sure where to begin, we've got you covered. When you're only looking to use the essentials, try eliminating one or more of the below to streamline your routine.
Day and night creams
It’s not always necessary to have separate day and night creams, so this can be a good place to cut down if you’re looking to reduce products. Instead, find a good-quality moisturizer that addresses your skin concerns and use it twice a day.
Overly targeted products
For the most part, products advertised specifically for one part of the body can be repurposed for other areas, giving you more bang for your buck. A hand cream will work just as well on arms and feet, and a face scrub can easily exfoliate the lips or décolletage, eliminating the need for a drawer full of niche cosmetics.
Masks
Face masks, whether in gel, cream or sheet form, are a fun way to treat your skin and indulge in some “me time,” but if you’re looking to minimize your consumption, put them on pause. The active ingredients in these masks can often be found in other products you’re already using, such as serums or creams. There’s also the option to use your moisturizer as a mask, applying a generous layer on the skin when it’s in need of extra hydration.
Our product picks
On the glow
LABORATOIRES FILORGA NCEF- Reverse Supreme Multi-Correction Cream, $139
Improve the look of wrinkles while boosting radiance and elasticity every time you smooth on this nourishing cream.
Sweet 16
IDC DERMO Express Phyto-Active 16-in-1 Anti- Aging Cream, $87
Designed to target 16 markers of visible skin aging, this refillable cream replaces a 7-product routine and delivers hydration and radiance.
All made up
IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50, $63
Acting as a serum, full-coverage foundation and sunscreen, this cream with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and niacinamide is the ultimate multitasker.
Totally tubular
ATTITUDE Oceanly Phyto-Sun Tinted Oil SPF 30, $45
Part skin care, part sunscreen, part makeup, all fabulous. This tinted oil stick provides moisture, SPF 30 sun protection and a luminous finish, all wrapped up in a biodegradable cardboard tube.
Dream cream
KARINE JONCAS Ultimate+ Pro-Youth Cream, $129
This intensive cream can be used morning and night on the face, eye contour, neck and décolletage to target wrinkles, sagging, dark spots, redness, dehydration and more.
Wonder bar
BKIND Makeup Remover Bar, $22
Use this bar to wash away makeup and leave skin clean and hydrated. We love that the cardboard packaging is recyclable and there’s even the option to forgo packaging altogether by buying in bulk in-store.
The workhorse
EMBRYOLISSE Lait-Crème Concentré, $45
Used as a cleanser, makeup base, mask, moisturizer and post-shave treatment, this milky cream nourishes with fatty acids and vitamins.
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