TikTok hype and beauty trends has made users relentless to try new products for ‘perfection’ – but less is always more.
Franchesca Villar, Beauty Editor at Cosmetify, highlights the benefits of adopting a ‘less-is-more’ approach to skincare in light of people overloading their skin with new products and skincare routines.
Social media has always had a reputation for making users feel as if they are inadequate, resulting in them jumping on trends in order to perfect their skin. A trend today may be debunked tomorrow and then replaced with another abhorrent trend, with the cycle repeating itself.
While trends are good to try in moderation, people fail to recognise is that constant use of unnecessary product, chemicals, or even exfoliation can affect your skin health.
If you have tried numerous skincare hypes and trends from TikTok, it is advised to give your skin some TLC and adopt a minimal skincare routine.
Here is a ‘skinimalist’ routine you can adopt
Cleanser
The foundation of a skinimalist routine is a gentle cleanser. Choose one that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural barrier.
Avoid cleansers containing alcohol or sulphates, as these ingredients are known to dehydrate the skin and cause excess oil production. For sensitive or combination skin, creamy or balm-based cleansers are ideal. If your skin is oily, you can opt for a gel-based cleanser, though some may find these drying.
Look for cleansers with a simple ingredient list; there will be opportunities to apply topical treatments later in the routine.
If you wear makeup, you may want to double cleanse, starting with an oil-based cleanser. This may seem counterintuitive if you have oily or combination skin, but oil-cleansers are a great way to remove heavy makeup if used correctly. Always follow up an oil-cleanser with a water-based or gel-based cleanser.
Moisturiser with Active Ingredients
A moisturiser with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides is essential for maintaining the skin’s moisture balance, especially during colder months.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Retains up to 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping skin hydrated, plump, and radiant.
- Niacinamide (optional): Ideal for those concerned about blemishes, blackheads, or acne. Niacinamide unclogs pores and clarifies the skin without the need for excessive products.
Allow your moisturiser to absorb fully before applying any additional products. A couple of minutes is usually sufficient, though waiting up to ten minutes can ensure better absorption.
To prevent any irritation, you may want to opt for a fragrance-free option or if you have oily skin, a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser may be the best option.
Eye Creams (Optional)
Including an eye cream in your skinimalist routine is optional and depends on your specific concerns.
If you experience issues like dark circles, puffiness, or dryness, an eye cream may be beneficial.
If you have no concerns in the eye area, avoid using an additional product. A gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser can often suffice for resolving mild dryness.
For dark circles, choose an eye cream enriched with vitamin C. For puffiness, opt for one containing caffeine or green tea extract. Multi-purpose eye creams with caffeine are especially effective and economical, addressing both dark circles and puffiness.
Broad-Spectrum SPF
Sunscreen is the ultimate anti-ageing product and an essential part of any skincare routine. It should be applied daily, regardless of the weather, to protect against a wide range of skin concerns.
These are the benefits of SPF:
- Prevents sunburn and shields against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
- Reduces the risk of skin cancer, melanoma, and other sun-induced health issues.
- Slows premature ageing caused by UV damage, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity.
- Prevents hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and dark spots.
Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to ensure adequate protection, and make sure to re-apply every two hours when in constant sun exposure.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a mineral sunscreen – mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, though a downside to this is that it can leave a white cast over the skin.
Products to use as needed
Exfoliants
Harsh physical exfoliants, such as gritty scrubs, can cause microtears and damage the skin barrier. Instead, incorporate a gentle chemical exfoliant, such as a mild AHA or BHA, once a week.
Apply at night after cleansing and before moisturising. Avoid using other active ingredients, like retinol, on exfoliation days to minimise irritation.
Serums with Conflicting Actives
A common misconception is that all skincare ingredients can be layered together. In reality, some serums can counteract each other or cause irritation.
For example, retinol disrupts the pH balance of vitamin C, reducing its effectiveness. If using both, apply vitamin C during the day and retinol at night.
Choose one or two actives that suit your skin type and stick with them to avoid overwhelming your skin.
Adopting a skinimalist approach to skincare focuses on simplicity, effectiveness, and skin health. By using only essential, multi-functional products and avoiding harsh or conflicting ingredients, you can achieve healthier skin with less effort. Plus, it’s a cost-effective and sustainable choice for the long term.