I’ve never been one to splurge on endless makeup or skincare products. Blessed with good genes and naturally clear skin, I believe in enhancing and protecting with just the basics: a good wash, serum, and sunscreen. I’ve always felt a bit alone in this minimalist approach to beauty. Sure, I love a full face of makeup and indulgent products now and then, but not every day. I marvel at those who stick to elaborate routines—I simply can’t keep up. Instead, I prefer a few powerful products over a vanity packed with face washes, oils, creams, and lotions. Simplicity is key for me.
Enter “Skinimalism,” the trend blending skin care and minimalism, urging us to simplify our routines and focus on what truly matters: healthy, beautiful skin. This approach promotes embracing your natural beauty and paring down your skincare regimen to the essentials. Skinimalism is about quality over quantity and accepting your skin’s natural texture and look. As this trend gains traction, I’m intrigued by the idea of a simplified routine—can minimal products really lead to healthy, radiant skin, or is this just another passing fad like snail mucus and jade rollers?
So, what is Skinimalism?
Since 2021, “Skinimalism” has been celebrated as the “new glow-up” by Pinterest. This movement promotes minimalism in skincare, advocating for streamlined routines with essential products only. At its core, skinimalism is about going back to basics, focusing on quality over quantity, and embracing your skin’s natural texture and appearance. It also merges skincare with makeup, offering the best of both worlds. For instance, Supergoop’s Protec(tint) SPF 50 combines light coverage with sun protection, embodying the essence of skinimalism.
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The Benefits of Skinimalism
Skinimalism celebrates natural, minimalist, and makeup-free routines, highlighting your real skin—texture, pores, imperfections, and all. While not entirely new, it opposes the culture of photo-editing and the pursuit of ‘perfect skin,’ promoting a beauty standard based on personal authenticity rather than societal ideals.
Simplicity
Skinimalism’s primary benefit is its simplicity. Reducing skincare to a few essential steps saves time, money, and energy. Instead of spending hours on multiple products, minimalist routines encourage a mindful approach, focusing on what your skin truly needs.
Healthy Skin
According to Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, a dermatologist interviewed by CNN in 2022, extensive skincare routines often lead to skin problems due to overuse of products. Minimizing product use reduces the risk of irritation, leading to fewer breakouts, reduced sensitivity, and a more balanced complexion.
Environmental Impact
Skinimalism also promotes sustainability by reducing cosmetic waste. Using fewer products, like a concealer sunscreen, streamlines your routine and achieves superior results without overburdening your skin.
Skinimalism in Practice
Dr. Onyinye Orji, an aesthetic doctor and clinical director at Mira Skincare Centre in Abuja, recommends a minimalist beauty shelf of five products: a good face wash, moisturizer, SPF, face serum, and night cream. Here’s a simple way to implement these steps:
Morning Routine
- Face Wash: A gentle exfoliator that brightens the skin. Dr. Orji recommends Mira Skincare’s Mandelic Acid Face Wash, which combats acne and stimulates collagen production. Also Try: Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser, Simple Refreshing Facial Wash
- Face Serum/Exfoliator: Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells, revealing refreshed skin. Simple Skincare’s Clear Pore Scrub is gentle and effective. For serums, Dr. Orji suggests Mira Skincare’s Vitamin C Serum to fade dark spots and even skin tone.
- Moisturizer: Hydrates skin, enhancing radiance and plumpness. Try Mira Hydrating Face Lotion, which improves elasticity and reduces wrinkles.
- SPF: Essential for sun protection, especially during Nigeria’s heatwaves. Options include Eau Thermale Avène SPF 50 and Mira Skincare SPF 40.
Night Routine
A good night routine should include a face wash, serum, and night cream. Dr. Orji recommends Mira Anti-Ageing Face Cream with ginseng, glutathione, and collagen for rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction.
Skinimalism is a revolution in skincare that urges us to simplify our routines for healthier, more radiant skin. Focusing on quality over quantity and embracing natural beauty challenges the idea that more products lead to better results. This minimalist approach reduces clutter, promotes sustainability, and offers numerous benefits beyond skincare. Whether you’re a seasoned minimalist or new to the concept, skinimalism is a step towards healthier, happier skin and a more sustainable approach to beauty.
