How To Be A Skinimalist In 2022

Throughout the last couple of years, our attitude towards beauty and skincare has changed dramatically. Previously, we were under the impression that more is more when it comes to skincare and that the more products we apply, the more radiant and glowing our skin will be. But, could this be doing more harm than good? Allow us to introduce you to 'skinimalism', the popular trend that will persuade you to strip-back your skincare regime for the better.

Made known by Pinterest, Skinimalism allows you to embrace a more minimalistic approach to skincare so that you can kiss goodbye to your current 12-step routine. Keep scrolling to discover what skinimalism actually is and our top recommendations for the best skinimalism products to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin in 2022. From multitasking serums to moisturisers and gentle cleansers, your skin will be sure to thank you for it...

What Is Skinimalism?

According to Pinterest's 2021 Trend Predictions Report, the term 'skinimalism' is all about pairing back your skincare and makeup routine to a more minimalistic approach. Although the trend became incredibly popular in 2021, it set to explode in 2022 with consumers set to embrace slow beauty, reducing the amount of products and active ingredients they use along with wearing less foundation to let their natural skin texture shine through. In other words, the trend simply allows you to create a tailored skincare routine that consists of only the essential products suited to your skin's needs.

The phrase 'less is more' comes to mind here. If you ask any dermatologist, they will more than likely say that using less products is far better for your skin's health. Using too many products or trying new formulas is not only time consuming, but combining too many acids and actives overstimulates the skin, causing it to become inflamed and develop rashes, breakouts, redness and skin conditions such as peri-oral dermatitis. On the other hand, taking the 'more is more' approach doesn't allow your skin to reap all of the benefits from the products you're using and it essentially 'gives up' as a result of being too overwhelmed.

5 Ways To Be More Of A Skinimalist:

1. Taking It Back To Basics

When you open your bathroom cabinet, what do you see? If the answer is tens upon tens of half-used products then chances are you're due a skincare Spring clean. Skinimalism allows you to use up your creams, lotions and potions from start to finish, as you're simply focusing on one routine that consists of everything you need for nourished, happy skin. This also gives you the chance to check the expiry dates of your products as this is incredibly important for maintaining skin health. Using a product that's out of date could negatively impact your skin and potentially cause a reaction (and no one wants that).

2. Respecting The Environment

When it comes to sustainability, skinimalism doesn't just support your skin, but the environment too. Statistics reveal that 120 billion units of packing is produced annually by the global cosmetics industry. This includes a mixture of non-recyclable materials including complex packaging components, collophane and much more which piles up in landfills and ultimately ends up in the ocean. With the United Nations predicting 11 million tonnes of plastic to be making its way into our oceans each year, if this continues we'll have more plastic in the sea than fish by the year 2050. That's less than 30 years away.

However, hope is not lost. Skinimalism encourages consumers to adopt the 'slow beauty' movement, which is about using fewer, more effective products to help reduce unnecessary consumption and waste. So not only will your skin thank you for it, but the planet will too!

3. Avoid Overdoing The Acids

It seems that a plethora of exfoliating and skin renewing ingredients are constantly being launched into the beauty industry. From AHAs to BHAs, PHAs and retinols, there's a long list of exfoliants to choose from. But, have you ever considered that you might be unknowingly using all of these ingredients at the same time?

Exfoliation is essential for the skin to appear bright and fresh, but combining all of these ingredients could cause your skin to become damaged and inflamed. In general, you should only be exfoliating your skin 1-2 times per week to help increase skin cell turnover without causing irritation. If you've been overdoing it, signs can include redness, inflammation, flakiness and you might even develop a rash like texture on the skin. Another sign of over exfoliating is small, rough, bumpy pimples.

These acids aren't just included in your typical exfoliating toners, they can be hidden within cleansers, serums, moisturisers and even masks. So, it's important to check the ingredients list to make sure that you're not using too many acids at one and causing your skin any harm.

4. Streamline Your Routine

According to dermatologists, all skin shares the same everyday needs. The key to becoming a skinimalist and streamlining your routine is to find a good, effective formula that does it all. For example, do you use two different moisturisers - one for day and one for night? The good news is, you can just buy one moisturiser that is tailored to your skin's needs and use it both in the morning and evening. Not only will your skin thank you for it, but your bank balance will too!

It's also important to find multitasking products that can combat a number of skin concerns/issues that you want to target. Think about it, how many times have you layered serums upon serums to try and achieve a specific result? Chances are, this didn't work. We as consumers aren't dermatologists, so it's important to invest multifunctional products developed by skincare experts you trust. There's so many choices, you just have to know where to look. From serums that do it all to masks that can be used as moisturisers, if you do your research you'll be a pro skinimalist in no time.

5. Invest In Higher Quality Products

When practicing skinimalism, be sure to invest in high quality products that actually work on the skin. This means investing in skincare that contains good levels of active ingredients that have been created for your skin's needs.

Although being a skinimalist means that you'll be using less products on your skin, you can be rest assured that the products you're applying are truly working and delivering the results you desire.

Your Skinimalism Routine:

Allow us to take you through the key steps to embracing the skinimalism trend, plus some of our top product recommendations for healthy, radiant and brighter skin. Don't worry, there's a product for every skin type, as we've suggested a couple for each category.

1. Cleanse

Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse

One of the most important steps in any skincare routine is cleansing. Without a fresh, clean canvas the next steps in your skincare routine will be less effective as they won't be able to penetrate your skin as deeply. Formulated with mild AHAs, this gently exfoliating daily cleanser refreshes and cleans the skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight. Infused with a triple threat of Mandelic, Lactic and Salicylic acid, this mild cleanser helps to decongest blocked pores, remove dirt and unwanted bacteria leaving your skin feeling clear, clarified and luminous.

Medik8 radiance cleanse skinimalism product

Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

Suited to all skin types, cleanse and hydrate without damaging the skin's natural protective barrier with this creamy, gentle hydrating cleanser. Perfect for even the most sensitive skin, this nourishing cleanser is formulated with three essential ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid is a non-foaming lotion the effectively removes all dirt and oil, boosting skin's hydration after just one use.

2. Serum

IS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+

Formulated with scientifically advanced Vitamin C time-release technology combined with Vitamins A and E, this clinically proven multitasking serum delivers high levels of antioxidant protection and incredible healing properties on the skin. Perfect for those looking to treat skin conditions including cystic acne, rosacea and mild scarring as well as repairing all skin types, this unique formula reduces redness, inflammation and helps to stimulate collagen production in the lower layers of the skin whilst also repairing external damage.

IS clinical pro-heal serum skinimalism product

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum (Hyaluronic Acid)

Suitable for all skin types, even oily/spot-prone skin this ultra-hydrating serum restores moisture levels in dehydrated skin whilst reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and increasing skin's suppleness. Infused with a skin softening Vitamin B5 and buzzworthy Hyaluronic Acid, this serum has the unique power to enhance the penetration of active ingredients within the rest of your skincare routine leaving you with a smooth, soft and luminous complexion.

Medik8 hyaluronic serum skinimalism product

3. Moisturise

Weleda Skin Food

The ultimate natural moisturiser for rough, dry skin everywhere since 1926. This little green tube of magic is a universal saviour for dry skin on the face, elbows, hands, feet or wherever you could do with some nourishment. Supercharged with extracts of Calendula and Chamomile, this rich moisturiser will bring your skin back to its best. If you're after a more lighweight texture, try Skin Food Light.

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask

Not just a face mask, this multi-functional product can also be used as a sleeping mask and daily moisturiser. Fortified with the antioxidant power of Vitamin E and Niacinamide, this multi-use product helps brighten the skin and prevent signs of ageing. Use during the day to help protect your skin from UV damage, or use it at night for skin regeneration. The rich, memory foam consistency melts onto skin when applied and leaves your skin feeling more firm, brighter and hydrated.

Klairs vitamin e mask skinimalism product

4. SPF

Colourescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50

SPF is a non-negotiable in any skinimalist's routine, and this one certainly doesn't disappoint. Lightweight and oil-free, this antioxidant-rich and hydrating sun protection cream contains Niacinamide and Bisabolol that both help to calm, soothe and support the skin's natural defence barrier. Thanks to it's universal shade, this nourishing formula helps to calm redness along with protecting against UV rays, pollution, blue light and infrared radiation without feeling chalky or heavy on the skin.

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50

If you prefer more of a gel texture, look no further than Heliocare's 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50. Featuring a unique oil-free dry touch texture, this formula contains advanced filters and a Biosheild System that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, infrared radiation and visible light. Also enriched with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and sebum controlling technology, making it perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin and it is also ideal for normal, combination and oily skin types.