How to create a minimalist skincare routine

Skincare can be a daunting subject for most people. The skincare industry launches every year different products, adding even more steps to a routine that you aim to do twice a day. This can be challenging for us to create a routine that works for our lifestyle, as well as, for our skin.

It is also important to know that a skincare routine with lots of intricate steps does not automatically mean that it is the best option.

That is where the concept of a minimalist skincare routine comes into play!

While each product you use can be beneficial to the health and appearance of your skin, using too many skincare products can damage your skin and worsen its appearance. A minimalist skincare routine uses only a small number of skincare products to produce fantastic results. All you need is a few clever multi-tasking go-to’s to get your skin looking healthy and glowing.  

There are plenty of reasons why you should consider using fewer skincare products daily, the primary of which is that using a large number of products each day can lessen the effects of the products and create problems with the condition of your skin. If your skincare regimen is too complicated, your protective skin barrier could become damaged, which could create issues with the natural pH of your skin. When these changes occur, it's much more likely that your skin will be irritated.

Another reason why you should consider maintaining a minimalist skincare routine is that is much more affordable than the alternative. If you believe that a minimalist skincare routine is ideal for you, the right number of products for this routine is around 5-6. If you've been using upwards of 10-12 skincare products, you may notice that your skin has an improved appearance when you alter your routine and reduce the number of products you use.

How to build your minimalist skincare routine?

1. Choose a gentle cleanser for your skin

Most dermatologists recommend steering away from harsh, foaming cleansers because they strip the skin’s delicate barrier. One option in the market is micellar water. This hard-working product is comprised of lipid molecules, which act like tiny magnets to help draw out impurities with a few quick wipes of a cotton pad.

Another option is choosing a 100% natural cleanser that is gentler on the skin since it is not made with ingredients that could irritate the skin. The Gamila Secret Cleansing Bars can be a great ally. You just need to choose the one most indicated for your skin type. It is also a solid cleanser, perfect for travelling and decreasing plastic usage.

2. Use one active ingredient every 12 hours

Actives are an important part of any good skincare routine, but they can react adversely if mixed, and some are better used during the day vs. the nighttime. If you want to brighten your complexion and treat pigmentation, vitamin c is considered the best option for the morning.

You can switch to retinol at night to target fine lines and wrinkles. Make sure you patch test all the products beforehand and be aware that you may need to start using them slowly before building up to regular use. If you have sensitive skin, you should be extra careful – read our previous blog on top tips for sensitive skin.

3. Moisturize

There’s no doubt every good skincare routine needs a powerful moisturizer, but how do you choose the right one with so many on the market? This is where your skin type comes into play. If you have dry skin, opt for a rich cream. If you have oily skin, opt for a lighter lotion, and if you have combination skin, you may want to use a mixture of both. Regardless, you should always check the ingredient list: if it’s long, give it a miss, because the more ingredients it has, the more likely your skin is to react.

You can also choose Face Oil for this step. Face Oils might be daunting to many people, especially if you have oilier skin. But they can be the secret to achieving healthy, radiant skin no matter your skin type. Face Oils are full of nutrients like vitamin C, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. They penetrate deeply into the skin to transform and protect, helping to build a more resilient skin layer known as the lipid barrier – learn more about how to add Face Oils to your routine here.

4. Even in a minimalist skincare routine, Sunscreen is mandatory

Wear sunscreen all year-round with SPF 30 or higher to protect delicate tissue from aggravating rays. Look for sunscreens with physical active ingredients—such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—which are less likely to cause a reaction than chemical sunscreens. 

What to Avoid in Your Minimalist Skincare Routine?

To get the most out of your minimalist skincare routine, there are some things that you should avoid. For instance, you don't need to use toners in your routine. These products can cleanse the skin but are unnecessary if you're already washing your face correctly. It's also important that you stay away from pH-adjusting toners. While these toners are designed to prepare the skin for chemicals and other skincare products, they can lower your skin’s pH too much, which could result in skin irritation.

Also, Face Masks can be taken out of your routine since the effects are only temporary. But you can still do them in a self-care kind of step when you feel like it!

Lastly, it's recommended that you avoid using face mists. They only hydrate your skin for a short period, which can be harmful to your skin.

 

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Sources: Dermovia.com; Marieclaire.com.au