What is "Skinimalism"?

For a long time in the world of skincare, more has always seemed to be better; more serums, more active ingredients, more stuff. I’m a self-admitted skincare product addict. I like reading about them, researching them, trying them out, and scrolling through social media to see what everyone else is trying. It’s like Sephora threw up in my linen closet. By no means do I have the beautifully lit and color coordinated medicine cabinets of Instagram. There are bins and baskets of new and half used products that got lost in the shuffle when the “next best” thing came out with amazing claims that I was sure were going to give me perfect skin (note: there is no such thing). In the meantime, my face would breakout because of all the product shifting so, of course, I’d switch to something else in the hope it would be the magic cure. My rational mind knew this wasn’t doing me any favors yet I couldn’t help myself. And then, to my own skin’s relief, the idea of skinimalism started trending.

Skinimalism emphasizes a paired down approach to skincare and makeup - a skin professional’s dream concept. The growing obsession with products seems to stem from two things: the democratization of products and the pandemic. In the past, skincare was a thing of luxury, a sign of social status. If you could afford a $350 tub of cream you ultimately must have a better life, and skin, than everyone else. Then new companies started to emerge with accessible products that contained potent ingredients with a price tag most could handle. When the pandemic hit and people were staying at home searching for things that would make them happy all while trying to balance the effect that looking at themselves on Zoom all day had on them, product purchases soared. According to The NPD Group’s 2020 Women’s Facial Skincare Consumer Report, 40% of facial skincare users reported using their products more. “When asked specifically about the pandemic, 22% of women have changed their skincare routine because of COVID-19. Most are washing or moisturizing their face more often than pre-pandemic; one-third have expanded their routine to include more products; and the majority of those using more products intend to stick with their new routine when things normalize.” (More Women Are Using Facial Skincare, 2020) This makes my skin hurt just reading it.

The tables have turned and it’s all about doing more with less. Gone are the days of 10-step Korean glass skin regimens; in are simplified, concern-oriented programs with fewer products. This will be a breath of fresh air for the time strapped, the budget conscious, and the overly sensitized consumers. This minimalistic trend may seem to be everywhere right now but the idea has been dermatologists’ holy grail for a long time. Patients who layer AHAs, vitamin C serums, retinols, niacinamide, peptides, BHAs, etc. have a much higher risk of red irritated skin because of a compromised barrier function. With so many active ingredients it’s hard to ascertain which one is creating the problem.

Skinimalism embraces 3-5 steps to maintain good overall skin health. An ideal routine would be a facial cleanser, an active serum or treatment, moisturizer, and sunscreen. The active serum or treatment can differ from morning to night depending on what you’re trying to correct, but using only one at a time is important to reduce possible irritation. This way of thinking isn’t suggesting that you throw everything out but to think more mindfully about what issues you really want to focus on. Multi-tasking products are an ideal way to slim down the amount of bottles on your countertop. Whatever products you choose, stay consistent and simple to see the results over a period of weeks. You just might be shocked at how well a minimalistic approach works.

Here are some of our multi-tasking office favorites:

Sente Bio Complete Serum: This product combines vitamin A and heparan sulfate analog to help rejuvenate the skin. The low molecular weight of Heparan Sulfate Analog in Senté’s vitamin A serum allows for improved skin absorption to help target the underlying causes of inflammation that cause damage. HSA supports the skin’s natural ability to repair itself, leading to healthier-looking skin with less visible redness, dryness, and fine lines and wrinkles.

Obagi-C Rx C-Clarifying Serum: This product has the best of both worlds when it comes to correcting hyperpigmentation and anti-aging. The vitamin C is a potent anti-aging antioxidant with brightening effects and the hydroquinone is the gold standard in suppressing pigmentation.

Revision Intellishade: This is a 5-in-1 powerhouse. It’s an anti-aging treatment, has antioxidant properties, is a moisturizer, a sunscreen, and a tint.