Minimalist skin care is an easy-to-follow, inexpensive approach to skincare that uses mostly or completely natural ingredients. It consists of pared-down routines with less focus on specific products and more attention to gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting the skin barrier.
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The basic principles are simple enough
please keep it clean, moisturize, don’t over-exfoliate, wear sunscreen each day. Yet, for many of us, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of products on the market or overwhelmed by information online or in magazines about new “miracle” formulas and ingredients.
There is much confusion surrounding many skincare terms such as acids, exfoliants, and boosters. And a multitude of often-conflicting advice from beauty magazines and blogs convinces us that we’re doing damage if we don’t have a 10-step routine or can’t tell the difference between glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
Minimalist skin care is an antidote to such complicated regimens. By focusing on daily cleansing, moisturizing (preferably with moisturizing cleansers), and limiting the use of exfoliants to once or twice a week, we can achieve a healthier complexion that glows with vitality.
Here are tips for creating your minimalist skin care routine:
Use warm water to cleanse: Water is ideal for the skin because it’s gentle and doesn’t strip away too much natural oil. Use lukewarm water to avoid opening up the pores, increasing bacteria in the skin.
Cleansers are your friend: Not all cleansers are created equal. Many contain harsh ingredients that strip your skin of natural protective oils or irritate it with fragrances and dyes. When shopping for a cleanser, look for products that contain soothing and moisturizing ingredients and minimal surfactants (cleansing agents).
Don’t over-exfoliate: Exfoliation is a great way to slough off dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover, making your skin brighter and more even. But many of us exfoliate too often or with too much force, irritating our skin and leaving it red and inflamed. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and only use gentle physical exfoliants such as scrubs. Avoid products containing AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), such as glycolic and lactic acids, as well as BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), such as salicylic acid, which can damage the skin if overused.
Exfoliants to try: Superficials Medi-Peel Resurfacing (not natural, but gentle) CosRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
Moisturize daily: Good skin starts with the right amount of hydration—about one-third of your body weight in ounces each day. After cleansing in the morning and evening, moisturizing is the next step in your routine. It is especially important to use a moisturizing cleanser that contains ingredients such as ceramides that help replenish lipids naturally present on our skin’s surface.
Please don’t neglect your lips: Chemical exfoliants are not the only culprits when it comes to dry, flaky lips. Your daily skincare products can be just as guilty if they contain drying ingredients such as alcohol or menthol. Keep your pout moisturized by applying an SPF balm such as Cerave or Vaseline with a q-tip each morning and keeping a lip balm handy throughout the day.
Avoid parabens and sulfates: These common preservatives in skin care products can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergic reactions. The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database is a great way to research the safety of your beauty products, but it’s always best to avoid parabens and sulfates whenever possible.
Thoroughly rinse off your skin after showering: Shower gels are too harsh for daily use. They strip the skin of their beneficial oils and contain fragrances or other ingredients that irritate when used over time. Try a moisturizing body wash instead, especially if you have dry skin.
Shower gels to avoid: Neutrogena Rainbath, Dove Shower Foam, Passion Fruit Seed Oil Ginger Cleansing Bar
Use coconut oil as a natural SPF replacement: If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to protect your skin from sun damage, look no further than pure coconut oil! It’s safe for all skin types, free of chemicals and fragrances that irritate sensitive skin and won’t leave you looking like a ghost.
Coconut oil to try: Artisana 100% Pure Coconut Oil
Avoid unnatural products with harsh chemicals: Chemical sunscreens are irritating to the skin and harmful to marine life. Look for mineral sunscreens that protect skin by deflecting or absorbing UV rays; they are available in powder or liquid form and work best if applied 20 minutes before sun exposure.
Mineral sunscreen to try: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (beware of the mess) Sunology Natural Sunscreen Spray
Please don’t rely on your cleanser to exfoliate: While some gentle cleansers such as Cerave and Cetaphil contain ingredients that will help slough off dead skin cells, they’re not enough on their own. Add a physical exfoliant such as Superficials Medi-Peel Resurfacing or CosRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid to your regimen for a more thorough exfoliation.
Products for a Cleaner and Healthier Complexion
Some of the following products contain very small amounts of potentially irritating or harmful ingredients, so use them cautiously and do a patch test before using any new product. Use all-natural and chemical-free ingredients whenever possible:
Olay Regenerist Retinol Eye Cream
Olay Regenerist Retinol Eye Cream is an overnight hydrating eye treatment that features Olay’s Vitamin B3 + Retinol Complex to transform skin while you sleep. This cream has a rich, lightweight feel and absorbs quickly into your skin to moisturize and nourish all night long. Olay Regenerist Retinol Eye Cream also features a revolutionary Retinol complex that combines Vitamin B3 + Olay’s most transformative Retinoid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, wrinkles, dark circles, and pores.
Paulas Choice-SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
Looking for a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliator? Look no further than Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant. With 2% BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to unclog and diminish enlarged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles, brighten and even out skin tone, this product is perfect for dramatically improving your skin’s texture. Packaging may vary.
Mighty Patch Clear Collective Clarifying Probiotic Moisturizer
Looking for a pore-purifying daily moisturizer that will keep your skin clear and balanced? Look no further than the Mighty Patch Clear Collective Clarifying Probiotic Moisturizer. This lightweight face cream is the final step in your daily routine for clear skin and handles 3 common acne-prone skin issues: purifying skin, fueling good bacteria, and smoothing and softening texture. Plus, it’s free of any harsh chemicals or fragrances, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion is a powerful exfoliating body lotion formulated with 12% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). This moisturizing cream contains an optimal balance of AHA and a pH level of 4.0 to encourage collagen production and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Our anti-aging body lotion gently lifts away dead skin cells so new, healthy skin can emerge; your skin will immediately feel smooth and fresh; over time, you will see a more radiant, even skin tone.
SAVIA MARINE THETIS FACIAL OIL SOAP
Looking for a facial soap that will help to boost your skin’s hydration? Look no further than Ovaco Savia Marine Thetis Facial Oil Soap. This soap is formulated with 13 different pure oils, including olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil, which help relieve inflammation and redness while calming and soothing your skin.
Mineral Fusion Overnight Renewal Charcoal Gel Cleanse
Mineral Fusion’s Overnight Renewal Charcoal Gel Cleanse is a detoxifying, multi-tasking Active Charcoal cleanser that helps to remove makeup, extract impurities (like blemishes brewing below), and minimize the appearance of pores to create smooth skin for the smoothest makeup application. This gentle formula gets that squeaky clean feeling without stripping your skin thanks to a gentle blend of Active Charcoal, Aloe Vera, and Grapeseed Oil, plus nutrient replenishing Mineral Water to keep skin hydrated. Nourish your skin and look younger while sleeping with Mineral Fusion Overnight Renewal Charcoal Gel Cleanse.
Honest Beauty Honestly Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream
If you’re looking for an eye cream that will instantly diffuse dark circles, look no further than Honest Beauty’s Honestly Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream. This vegan and cruelty-free formula is made with hyaluronic acid and squalane to hydrate and illuminate yours under the eyes. The light-reflecting pearl helps brighten the area, and the packaging may vary between a tube or pot – both of which are 100% tree-free paper cartons.
Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Bar Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap is an all-one! This mild and versatile soap can be used for everything from cleaning your body to washing your dishes, laundry & even pets. Our 18 in 1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Bar Soap contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or foaming agents. Our family has been making certified organic soaps since the late 1940s.
Henné Organics Luxury Lip Balm
Introducing Henné Organics Luxury Lip Balm! Our creamy, delectable formula is packaged in a sleek black metal tube. A convenient and must-have everyday balm.
Only the highest quality natural ingredients are used. Coconut oil, beeswax, avocado oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E oil make sure that your lips are moisturized. We’ve carefully chosen the most nourishing and sumptuous ingredients to give you beautiful, healthy lips.
Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation
Looking for a mineral foundation that will even out your skin tone and help control shine? Mineral Fusion’s Pressed Powder Foundation is perfect for you! This foundation comes in various shades to match all skin tones, and it is formulated with natural ingredients to give you a flawless, matte finish.
FAQ’s
Q: What is minimalist skincare?
A: Minimalist skincare is a routine that focuses on healthy skin rather than appearance. It consists of fewer but more effective products to simplify the skincare process and improve results.
Q: What is the minimalist skincare routine?
A: The minimalist skincare routine consists of a cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream, sunscreen, and night cream. These are the only products that should be used as part of a minimalist routine as they are what people with good skin use.
Q: How do I become a minimalist with skincare?
A: You can start a minimalist skincare routine with only a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Many people include an eye cream and night cream as well. Minimalist skincare does not mean that you do not need any of these products; rather, it means that they are the only ones needed to cleanse and moisturize your face.
Q: What brand makes minimalist skincare products?
A: There is no specific brand that makes all minimalist skincare products, and many brands offer a variety of different ones, including Clean & Clear, Kiehl’s, Pantene Pro-V, and Olay. You can find these and many more at your local drugstore or superstore.
Q: Is Minimalist an Indian brand?
A: Minimalist skincare is a routine and not a brand. Many brands sell minimalist products and work well for different people, but no one brand, in particular, is known as “The Minimalist Brand.”
Conclusion
Have you tried any of the minimalist skincare tips or products we’ve mentioned? If so, what did you think? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. And if you haven’t yet given minimalism a try when it comes to your skincare routine, now is as good a time as any! These simple tips and products can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your complexion, so why not give them a shot?
