Were you also someone who succumbed to the hype of the 10-step Korean skincare routine and ended up trying it? Just because you can use a hydrating essence, brightening serum, moisturizing face mask, and whatnot, doesn’t mean you absolutely have to. Using the right amount of products can also help you achieve the radiant skin you’ve been wishing for!  It is essential to remain mindful of the number of products you’re purchasing and the impact it's having on our Earth ( and on the skin as well). 

With skincare, the internet might tell you that more is more. When you can get the goodness of an AHA, BHA, and a retinoid, why wouldn’t you use them to try to get the brightest, smoothest skin you possibly can? But if you cocktail too many products all at once, in an effort to get the most efficient results super quickly, you could be overwhelming your skin instead of giving it the tools to thrive. Enter: Skinimalism, which urges you to do the least, instead of the absolute most.  

What is skinimalism?

Skinimalism ascribes stripping back your skincare routine in favour of a simpler approach. Think about reducing the number of products and active ingredients in your regimen or using two-in-ones that have more than one benefit. If you follow an intuitive skincare route, you can give your skin what it needs at the moment. As opposed to overwhelming it with everything all at once. So, instead of layering on 12 products, you’re hydrating with a hyaluronic acid-based serum when you feel dry, calming it with a face mask when it’s irritated, and exfoliating when your skin is breaking out or peeling.

Why is this a good idea?

1.Saves time and money-

This is probably the most obvious benefit of Skinimalism. When you’re conscious about the amount of money you're investing in skincare, you focus only on the products you actually need. If doing that complicated skincare routine took you thirty minutes, following skinimalism will help you finish it off in 10. 

2.Enjoy full benefits-

Often when you layer too many products on your skin, you might not be giving it the appropriate time to properly settle onto the skin. Skinimalism ensures you use fewer products, in that way your skin can take advantage of the product to its best potential.  

 3.Less reaction-

Experimenting with too many products can actually wreak havoc on the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is made of skin cells, lipids, cholesterol, amino acids, and fatty acids. This layer acts like a protective sheath, so if you break it down with too many AHAs or retinoids, you can cause inflammation and irritation. 

It also messes with the skin’s PH. The skin’s acid mantle is slightly acidic for a reason: to keep moisture in, and bacteria out. But if it’s too alkaline thanks to the extra-clarifying soap you’re using, or too acidic, you could cause inflammatory conditions like eczema or acne. 

Who is this good for?

Everyone! But especially those with sensitive skin types. If you’re finding that your skincare products have been causing more harm than good, you’re likely trying too much too fast, and it’s giving your skin information overload. The same goes for those with acne-prone skin—if you break out, you might be trying too much to get rid of your zits but may land up causing inflammation or barrier issues instead.

What are the products under Skinimalism?

The products that your skin absolutely requires should be included in your routine, followed by products that address your other skin concerns relating to acne and pigmentation. Here’s how to build a routine and stick to basics! 

1.Cleanser

Whether it is a 10- step or 2-step routine, a cleanser is a must. It allows your skin to breathe after a day of being exposed to pollutants, dust, and sweat. How? It helps remove all the dirt and grime that has accumulated on the face, just like Hydrating facewash, which is a deeply hydrating cleanser that’ll help you to unclog pores and brighten the skin simultaneously. 

2.Moisturizer 

Using moisturizers that are rich in antioxidants and ceramides will help in fighting free radicals that might be damaging to the skin and effectively hydrate it as well. It facilitates improving hydration. Ceramides can increase hydration and help to retain moisture. Foxtale’s smoothening moisturizer will help your skin achieve a smoother texture and maintain its barrier. 

3.Sunscreen 

Layering your skincare products without sunscreen can render them ineffective. Sunscreen is an essential part of your routine and should be included (if you're looking for a sign, this is it). It not only protects you from the sun's harmful UV rays, but it also reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. 

If you're someone who has oily and acne-prone skin, Foxtale’s matte finish sunscreen will be your best friend. It leaves no white cast and gives the perfect matte finish, along with protecting your skin. People with dry skin, don't feel left out. Our dewy finish sunscreen will do the perfect job of protecting you from harmful UV rays and giving it the hydration it deserves!  

Additional concerns 

While cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen are the ABCs of your routine, there must definitely be some more concerns that your skin must be having. If you’re suffering from hyperpigmentation, use a Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C serum will help reduce pigmentation and brighten your skin. If you want to tackle acne, use products containing salicylic acid as it unclogs pores and cleans them deeply, and decreases sebum production leading to fewer breakouts. Foxtale’s Acne spot corrector gel will help reduce pimple-related inflammation and redness. 

The conclusion- 

Skinimalism is all about being conscious of the products you use on your face and not getting caught up in the hype of using a thousand products. It is an excellent start towards a more sustainable way of life. The lesser, the better.