Trends come and go over the years, and particularly in the beauty industry, trends seem to fluctuate at an even more rapid pace than anything else. One of these beauty-focused trends is the size of our skincare regimes. The number of steps in a skincare routine developed over the years from simple, to more complex, to a 12-step routine, and for several years now, the latter has been seen by society as the normal required number of steps in order to achieve amazing skin. We have completely normalised the concept of having two cleansers, six serums, two moisturisers and a sunscreen, but is this really necessary? Is it really a case of ‘the more, the better?’ Or could simplicity be the key to healthier skin?
Are you using too many skincare products?
Despite the continued popularity of the heavy-handed skin routine, we are noticing a comeback in the more simplified routine, as many skincare lovers are growing weary of complex, time-consuming rituals twice a day. The new trend has been coined ‘skin minimalism, for those who wish to pair their routine back to basics. Aside from tiring of complexity, there’s another reason why ‘skin minimalism’ has become one of 2021’s biggest beauty trends. Complex routines that involve a number of serums and active ingredients can often result in irritation, impaired barriers, redness, sensitivity, breakouts, and dermatitis. This is particularly true for those using too many AHAs, BHAs and other exfoliating agents.
Creating your own simplified skin routine
April Brodie sees a number of clients experiencing skin disruptions such as these as a direct result of combining too many products, and always recommends simplifying things as a first step. “I do believe it is better to use less products and concentrate on technique!” says April.
“On my clients’ first visit, I build out their routines, often pairing them back to basics ensuring they are using and applying products correctly.”
If you’re looking to pair back your routine at home, here are some essentials to keep your skin in good health before working your way back up to more active ingredients.
- Cleanse – this is always the most crucial step, ensuring your skin receives an effective clean every morning and night in order to rid skin of bacteria and blockages that occur externally (dirt, grime and environmental pollution) and internally (sweat and oil excreted from the pores) while also providing a fresh canvas for products to be absorbed effectively.
- Hydration – if you must incorporate a serum, include a gentle, nourishing, non-irritating and hydrating one such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, that will reduce inflammation, facilitate better skin healing, and attract water molecules to the skin.
- Barrier – prevent hydration being lost through the skin’s surface with a quality moisturiser or face oil, and seal in any nutrients you feed the skin via your serum.
- Sunscreen – a must for every single day, even when indoors, as a small portion of UV radiation can penetrate through your glass windows and cause cellular damage and ageing.
- Gua Sha – replace some of your serums with an effective Gua Sha technique. The manual nature of Gua Sha means there are no ingredients for your skin to be irritated by, but you can continue to boost your skin health by manually improving your circulation and oxygenation, stimulating cell turnover for a beautiful brightness, soothing muscle tension for a relaxed effect, and creating a tightened, more lifted look using sculpting anti-ageing movements.
To make your shift towards a simpler routine at home, head to our online store, where you can find our illuminating SkinSculpt Face Oil along with a range of expertly crafted facial tools to lift, sculpt, drain toxins, and relieve muscle tension. Alternatively, for an in-depth consultation, personalised skincare recommendations, and luxurious facial treatment, join April’s Sydney or Melbourne waitlist to experience her renowned signature facial.
