What Does A Minimalist Skincare Routine Look Like?
Recently, the importance of taking care of one’s own skin has been emphasized with the rise of Korean beauty and lots of skincare conversations started by skincare YouTubers like Hyram and Liah Yoo. Even five years ago, almost no one was talking about skincare. It was all about makeup back then – using loads of foundation and concealer to cover up and using eyeliner and false eyelashes to make the eyes look bigger. Makeup is still very much talked about now, but there is a huge shift. Instead of talking about how to cover up dark spots with concealer, now we’re talking about how to use Vitamin C serum to get rid of dark spots. Instead of using false eyelashes, we’re embracing that natural look.
Needless to say, the beauty industry has changed a lot. Now, with all the craze around skincare settling down, people are embracing a more minimalist approach to skincare where they are only using the most essential products. Here are the five aspects of a minimalist skincare routine.
1. A good cleanser
A cleanser is a must-have step in a skincare routine. There are two types of cleansing methods I like to use. If I have makeup on that day, I would use a double cleanse method. This includes using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. The oil-based cleanser helps remove all the makeup and clean out clogged pores. The water-based cleanser cleans out the rest of the dirt that is on your face. When I don’t have makeup on, I like to use a gel cleanser.
Youth to the People Cleanser
Green tea is an amazing ingredient for preventing acne. This water-based cleanser from Youth to the People is my favorite and many skincare experts love it as well. Read more about the product here.
2. A good toner
Many people say toner is not really necessary in a minimalist skincare routine, but I personally cannot live without it (and I’m not exaggerating). It may be because I have dry skin and I absolutely need that extra layer of hydration. So if you have dry skin like me, I think your skin will also desperately need toner.
Indie Lee Toner
This toner from Indie Lee contains hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, sage, papaya, and other ingredients that are hydrating and soothing. It also contains CoQ10 which is an ingredient that builds collagen and protects skin against harmful UV rays. Indie Lee is a vegan and cruelty-free brand.
3. A good moisturizer
Applying moisturizer is non-negotiable. Regardless of whether you have oily or dry skin, this step is crucial to add to your minimalist skincare routine. Since I have dry skin, a hydrating moisturizer can help prevent your skin from flaking and will give you healthy, supple skin. For those with dry skin, it’s equally important to apply moisturizer because if you don’t, your skin will actually be dehydrated.
Ren Moisturizer
An ultra-hydrating moisturizer I always recommend is the Ren Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm. Read more about the key highlights of the product here.
4. Serums
Serums are essentially treatment for your skin. They’re usually applied when you want to address a specific skin concern. For a minimalist skincare routine, the serum step is not necessary but would definitely improve skin health if you’re using the right ones. If you want to prevent aging, use serums that contain retinoids, Vitamin C, or CoQ10. If you want to fade dark acne spots, use niacinamide or salicylic acid.
5. Listening to your skin
The most important thing about curating your minimalist skincare routine is to listen to what your skin actually needs. There’s no need to layer on dozens of products if your skin doesn’t actually need it. Sometimes, it can be harmful to your skin. For example, if you’re exfoliating too much, it can lead to dryness and irritation. Putting on too much product can also sensitize your skin. Your skin is telling you you’re overdoing it when your skin feels super tight, you notice increased breakouts, or it’s just getting irritated. Start small, then begin to apply more products to your face and see how your skin reacts to it.
