A couple of years ago, I started embracing some makeup-free days each week. I had begun to question my motivations for wearing makeup constantly, uncovered a few hard-hitting truths, and, long story short (you can read the full story here), I felt much better when I began to cut down on it all.
At the same time – through writing about skincare – I realised how many chemicals & dubious processes went into creating a lot of the skincare products out there. With a growing number of more natural, sustainable & ultimately, more effective products coming to market, I readily made the switch.
Through doing all of this, I found my bathroom shelves became decluttered as the number of products I needed to use decreased. In a nutshell, I felt happier & my skin was undoubtedly happier too.
It turns out I’m not the only one to make this switch. This scaling down of product use is a growing trend.
It’s called Skinimalism.
It’s about buying less, using less and wearing less – letting natural, healthy skin be the focus. And I’m all here for it!
Introducing Skinimalism: The Healthiest & Simplest Skincare Routine Around
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What is skinimalism?
Skinimalism or skin minimalism encourages you to love the skin you’re in. The trend moves us away from heavy makeup looks into celebrating our natural features and complexion.
It’s a significant shift from the complicated 12-step skincare regimens and focuses on utilising products that actually benefit the skin (not ones just there to make up the numbers!)
What skinimalism is not:
We’re not talking about anti-makeup or anti-skincare products here. Skinimalism isn’t about ditching everything and running around screaming, ‘I’m free, I’m free, bask in my naked facial glory‘ (although you can if you want). It’s simply about switching down and getting back to basics. I certainly still wear makeup when I want to.
What are the benefits of Skinimalism?
There are quite a few. Firstly, and most importantly, in my opinion, it’s backed by dermatologists because, quite frankly, it’s much better for the health of your skin. Practising Skinimalism provides your skin with the opportunity to repair and rejuvenate on its own. Which is something your skin gets much better at the more it’s given a chance!
Did you know? During the pandemic, more and more of us naturally started to wear less makeup and pare down our skincare routines. The result? Many people saw an improvement in the condition of their skin.
Now, if better skin isn’t reason enough, here are more skinimalism benefits you could realise…
- Time-saving: with less to do, you’ve got more precious time on your hands.
- Money-saving: a back to basics approach means reduced spend.
- Easy maintenance: less fuss & effort breeds more consistency, which produces better results.
- Greater skin understanding: using less makes it easier to recognise what isn’t working or is causing problems. You can address your skincare concerns with more confidence.
- Sustainable: skinimalism is conscious consumerism at its finest.
But what if you’re reading this with problem skin? I remember reading ‘summer beauty’ articles back in the day, wanting to chastise the beauty journo who exclaimed, ‘Just add a dusting of bronzer before heading to the pool’ Just a dusting of bronzer? With my acne covered chin? What planet was she on? It was a complete foundation application and nothing less for me. Unfortunately, this reactive, hide away at all costs approach to skincare made my skin worse. In fact, by adopting a skin minimalist approach, ‘problem’ skin benefits the most.
How do you adopt skinimalism?
Get back to basics.
As I’ve mentioned before, it’s about going back to basics. As a starting point, reduce to using a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF daily. The cleanser helps to remove dirt & grime. The moisturiser provides hydration, and the SPF (broad spectrum) will give protection from sun damage – even on cloudy days – and help reduce premature ageing.
Go as natural as possible.
My advice is to find products that contain natural ingredients. For example, I use By Sarah London Organic Facial Oil which is 100% natural, and in my opinion, fantastically effective. I have to say since I upped my natural skincare, my skin has looked much better.
How can you tell a product is natural? Check the ingredients list. If there are many chemically sounding ingredients where you can’t explain what they are, then you know it’s unlikely to be all-natural. Keep in mind that some natural ingredients will be listed in Latin, but their more recognisable name is stated in (brackets). This is common for essential oils.
Address individual skincare concerns.
If we consider that our skincare needs are as individual as our fingerprints, what counts as ‘basics’ will differ from person to person. It may be that a 3-step system isn’t enough to address a specific skincare concern; that’s when you need to add something in to tackle the issue. I still exfoliate twice a week and use a serum at night, plus I use a prescribed cream for any hormonal acne flare-ups on my neck and jawline.
Give it time.
As with any change, you need to allow it time to work. You can’t expect acne or rosacea to disappear overnight. Your skin needs space to rejuvenate itself.
Enjoy the skin you’re in!
I wanted to write ‘enjoy’ here for two reasons: Embracing skinimalism is empowering; you’re finding joy in a more natural you. But also, to acknowledge you can be a skin minimalist and still maintain a skincare/makeup routine you find enjoyable at the same time. Skinimalism is flexible and totally respects you as an individual.
Remember, you have to be happy and comfortable with what you do; because when we feel good, we look good, and that’s the real winning skincare formula.
RELATED: How to Get the Most Out of Your Skincare Products
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Have you heard of Skinimalism before? Is it something you already practice? How would you feel about reducing the products you use, or do you think you already have the balance just right? Whatever you’d like to say – or ask – please do. I’m happy to help, and I always love to hear from you.
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I love your comments, Alex. My skin is very dry and sometimes on my eyelids I get a flare up of eczema. I’ve tried numerous pricey creams and if anything more sore patches were developing, then a couple of weeks ago I read from dermatologists that even unfragranced cream products when applied often can worsen the situation. They suggested oil, and I have been using oil with a little water to cleanse and moisturise ever since. Hey presto – skin and face are much happier. Sometimes, less is more.
I’m so happy to hear you found the best solution for you, and yes, I completely agree with you, sometimes less is more! x