It’s the era of simplification. The popularity of pick-up, thrift stores overflowing with junk, and minimalist design aesthetics echo the “less is more” sentiment. How does this apply to self-care? Is there a balance between using fewer products while achieving the results you desire? Creating a minimalist skin care routine can save time and money. Dermatologists agree, find a simple routine and be consistent to see the best results. Here’s what we recommend for your minimalist skincare routine.
Cleanser
Save your $$. Keep it simple when it comes to cleaners. For heavy or waterproof makeup, you may need an oil-free makeup remover, but for light makeup and sunscreen, a gentle cream cleanser (if you’re dry) or a foaming cleanser (if you’re oily or acne-prone) should do the trick. The key is to take at least 30 seconds to work the product into your skin, giving the formula time to dissolve oil and impurities. Rinse and proceed to step 2.
Treatments
Serums, tonics, tonics and many other names. These products are designed to target the major concerns you may have with your skin, such as sun damage, large pores and fine lines. These are the first products applied after cleansing, aiming to allow these powerful ingredients to quickly absorb and work. Some favorite ingredients include vitamin C, niacinamide, retinols, beta-glucans and other acids such as BHA or AHA. BREVENA’s Night Renewal Serum is designed to minimize the appearance of redness and pores, brighten and add hydration, while ensuring that the ingredients we selected were suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive. Irritation can often be caused by using too many products with different active ingredients. By simplifying and finding a unique formula that addresses your concerns, you minimize the chances of irritation. Finding an effective serum is key to a minimalist skincare routine. After letting your treatment dry, you can move on to the final step, moisturizer.
Moisturizing cream
Many serum formulas will add hydration to your skin. Moisturizers also add hydration, but in addition, they work to lock moisture into your skin using ingredients that help create a healthy skin barrier. Ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, cetyl alcohol, petroleum jelly, shea or cocoa butter, and oils like jojoba or squalene. These ingredients add moisture but also prevent moisture loss in your skin. We have two different moisturizers. Our daily moisturizer is lighter in texture and is best for oily to normal skin. Restore & Hydrate Night Cream is rich and best for dry or mature skin. They can be used interchangeably, depending on your skin’s needs. You may prefer the thicker formula for both day and night, like many of our customers. During the day, make sure you follow an SPF after your moisturizer. Or, I like to mix equal amounts of a high SPF lotion and my moisturizer together on my hand before application to save time in my minimalist skincare routine.
Slugging
Does your skin need even more love? A thick, emollient type of balm can instantly soothe your skin after a day of burning or fix a dry patch that just won’t go away. You can apply it over your moisturizer before bed (this will stick and add shine to your skin, so it’s best to do it at night). The other option is to apply a balm to wet skin immediately after washing. The goal is to seal in super moisturizing ingredients for maximum benefits. This is a great addition to minimize flaking and irritation if you are having any prescription retinoids or drying laser treatments.
Additional treatments
If a little pampering sounds nice, you can always incorporate extra treatments into your routine. A mask is a great way to target specific concerns, from excess oil with a clay-based mask to a hydrating hyaluronic acid mask. Gommage Cream offers a gentle way to manually exfoliate dry, flaky skin, leaving it refreshed and ready for moisture. Our video here shows you how. You can also apply it overnight as a sleeping mask and gently wash it off in the morning.
The last step is to evaluate the remaining products. Those products you never reach for? Check the expiration date and toss them if they’ve passed, or give them to someone who might enjoy trying a new product (keep in mind, if fingers touch the product directly, trash is the right move.) your way to a simple and streamlined minimalist skin care routine. Take those extra minutes you save and tackle the next piece of clutter that comes your way.
