Healthy and well-cared for skin with just a few products? According to "skinimalism," it's possible. Discover what this biggest beauty trend of 2021 is all about, and how saying goodbye to endless beauty routines can be very good for your wallet, your skin, and the planet.
What is skinimalism?
In short, skinimalism is about following a minimalist facial routine. Consumer habits have changed drastically over the last year, and this has driven a shift in awareness regarding what we apply to our skin, where the ingredients in our favorite products come from, and whether it's truly necessary to subject ourselves to a long and complex beauty routine.
Surely more than one beauty enthusiast will wonder, but can we achieve this without falling short? Therefore, it's worth emphasizing that this more minimalist approach to skin care has several perspectives – From using the right and necessary products without overloading the skin or creating deficiencies, to opting for multitasking products or those with sustainable packaging. It's about discovering which cosmetics truly work for you, your bank account, and the environment.
Why is skinimalism beneficial for the skin?
The vast majority of us follow a beauty routine with the goal of improving and maintaining healthier skin for longer, but that is not always achieved by applying layer after layer of products. Although trends often make us believe otherwise, overloading the skin with active ingredients or following a complex and excessive routine is usually counterproductive, as it often causes redness, irritation, and in the worst cases, weakens the skin barrier. Many of us end up over-hydrating our skin or overdoing it with antioxidants, which leads to the opposite, pro-oxidant action... in short, nothing good.
By following a more balanced and intuitive beauty routine, focusing on what I like to call the 4 golden rules of skincare: cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect – you avoid overwhelming, over-stimulating, and confusing your skin. Learn to listen to it and choose active ingredients according to its needs, instead of following the latest beauty trends on social media. Research your favorite cosmetic brands, ask them questions, and go beyond marketing words. The experience of a good formulator is key for a product to be correctly formulated. They know which ingredients do not interact well, which have similar functions, and which work in synergy.
How to follow a minimalist beauty routine?
In 2012, shortly after launching Twelve Beauty, I realized that consumers weren't waiting long enough for the cosmetics they were using to work. In fact, most were frantically changing their routines daily (which only leaves the skin super confused!). This is one of the reasons why I always say that the best cosmetic is the one that adapts to your skin, and that you certainly shouldn't give up on it. If you want to opt for a more minimalist routine, I recommend using products with different functions:
Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream: I see it more as a restorative product, as its benefits for the skin go far beyond just cleansing the skin.
Rapid Eye Treatment: This eye contour cream can be used to soothe areas prone to redness, rosacea or irritation, such as the cheeks or nose.
Clementine Cleansing Balm: An oil-based cleanser that also works as an excellent moisturizing mask if you leave it on for 10 minutes before removing it with your Twelve muslin cloth.
