Is skinimalism for you? Find out about 2021’s biggest beauty trend

Ever feel overwhelmed with the seemingly never-ending list of skincare products you ‘should’ be using? Some people swear by their 15-step morning skincare regime… but let’s face it, it’s not for everyone.

If you’re nodding your head in agreement, you may already be a skinimalist at heart - and it turns out you could be on to something!

Excessive skincare regimes can leave your skin barrier very vulnerable, as well as increase redness, irritation, and sometimes even breakouts. And skinimalism is here to combat that.

What is skinimalism?

According to Pinterest’s Trend Predictions Report,  ‘Skinimalism is the new glow up’.¹ Gone are the days of glorified plastered on make-up and cake-y faces; more and more people are embracing ‘slow’ beauty to let their natural skin texture shine. Not only is skinimalism a breath of fresh air for your skin, it’s also refreshingly simple and sustainable.

Is skinimalism for you?

Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide if this fresh new beauty trend could work for you:

How does skinimalism work?

Whether you choose to reduce the amount of skincare products in your arsenal or go easy on the foundation to let your natural skin shine through, there are no set rules when it comes to this new beauty trend.

The aim is to reduce the chances of skin irritation by keeping things simple. When we go overboard with different skin care products, swap and change techniques willy-nilly, and combine too many active ingredients, our skin can get overwhelmed and overstimulated. A bit like when we try to do too much in our own lives.

Ultimately, this can tire out our skin and means we won’t get to see any of the benefits we were trying so hard to achieve in the first place!

So, what’s a gal (or guy) to do?

Fancy giving skinimalism a try? Here are a few pointers from the H&B beauty team:

1. Find a formula that does everything

It’s drilled into us that we need multiple products to meet multiple skin need. But in reality, most people’s skin has the same everyday needs. so one well-made formula should do the trick. This could save you many pennies in the long run!

2.  Be careful combining active ingredients

A lot of people incorporate several one-ingredient serums and other beauty goodies into their routine, thinking they are being super-attentive to their skin’s every need. However, some active ingredients will work against each other, some will enhance each other, and some will simply do the same thing. Our advice is to leave this complex chemistry to the professional skincare formulators and go for fewer well-made formulas.

3. Go eco-friendly

It’s not just your skin and bank balance that can take the hit of an excessive skin routine. It can be better for the environment to take your skincare routine back to basics with minimal products. This way, you are cutting down on some of the environmental damage production lines, packaging and transport for multiple different products can amass.

The 11 best products to achieve skinimalism

We've rounded up 11 wonderful products for you to start your skinimalism journey. 

Cleansers

Even the staunchest skinimalists will want to give their skin a good wash in the morning to start the day off fresh as a daisy and again in the evening to cleanse away makeup and dirt before bed. Depending on your skin type, here are the cleansers we recommend:

Cleanser for dry and sensitive skin

Dry and sensitive skin tends to like hydrating, creamy cleansers that clear away the dirt, without stripping your skin of oils.

Cleanser for oily or combination skin

Oily skin tends to be prone to spots and breakouts, so you should go for a foaming cleanser that contains exfoliating acids like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, or AHAs / BHAs.

Cleanser for ‘normal' skin

You can’t go too wrong with a cleanser if you have ‘normal’ skin. Focus on finding a cleanser that’s kind to skin, but also effective at removing oil, dirt and makeup too.

SPF

One very, very important skincare product you should definitely keep in your arsenal is a high-quality SPF. SPF products protect your skin against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays and can help to delay or improve the appearance of signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

What’s more, most SPF is delivered with a dose of moisturisation on the side, so you don’t necessarily need to apply moisturiser beforehand.

SPF + moisturiser

Serums

Next, it’s time to get your glow on! Antioxidant-rich vitamin C serums and exfoliating hyaluronic serums are a good place to start for most. They are both kind to most skin types and are known for their gentle skin-toning properties.

Hyaluronic acid serum

Vitamin C serum

Moisturisers

There’s no doubt that keeping your skin moisturised and hydrated is key for glowing, healthy skin. But, as we discussed above, when it comes to moisturisers’ less is often more. Instead, try investing in one high-quality moisturiser instead of slathering on a both a day and night cream every day.

Moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin

A good moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin will contain rich, hydrating natural ingredients like shea butter.

Moisturiser for oily skin

Oily skin needs moisture too! However counterproductive it may seem. Choose lightweight moisturisers that help lock in moisture while keeping the greasiness at bay.

Moisturiser for ‘normal skin

If your skin is not dry or oily, you have a lot more freedom when it comes to moisturisers.

Night treatment

When the day is done and your feet are well and truly up, try extending that rest and relaxation to your skin. After cleansing the day away, a good retinoid night serum, oil or cream is a popular way to show your skin some TLC, especially if you’re 25+.

If you have dry skin, it’s advised you follow with a moisturiser (no special night cream necessary.

Please also remember that retinoids can cause irritation and sensitivity, which is why you should gradually build up to using it every day. Try using it twice a week at first and slowly increase from there while monitoring how your skin reacts to it, and always use an SPF in the day.

Summary

• Using lots of different skincare products can sometimes do more harm than good, contributing to skin sensitivity and redness
• Skinimalism is a beauty trend that encourages you to focus on skincare quality not quantity and suggests that using fewer products with high-quality formulations can be better for your skin than using lots of different types
• It also encourages people to embrace their natural skin appearance and texture – you’re beautiful enough already!
• Taking up skinimalism could save you time, money and may also be better for the environment
• It’s not for everyone though, people with skin concerns such as eczema and rosacea may need to use more products

Last updated: 1 April 2021