If you rummage through your cabinet right now only to find barely used or forgotten items from impulsive online or mall shopping, you’re not alone. Buying products for your skincare routine with items you weren’t sure about is not unique to you.
Craze in Skin Care Routine
Last year saw an unprecedented boom in the skin care industry with Korean companies suddenly dominating global markets. Vice reveals that even dermatologists thought that their patients used too many products. Check-ups resulted in recommendations to cut down routines that are doing more harm than good.
Thankfully, the craze surrounding elaborate 12-step skin care routines has died down. More and more women around the world are realizing that they don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars…nor do they want to waste two hours every day on their faces…at least not when a few affordable products can do the trick.
Find out which products are truly essential in building your own minimalist skin care routine.
Facial Cleanser
Cleansers are not usually the star of the show, with last year’s trends proving that the simpler they are, the better. However, depending on your skin type, you may benefit from a cleanser with more than one appeal.
For example, tea tree and sulfur cleansers can fight oil and acne, while cleansers with nourishing oils and glycerin can keep skin from getting dry. There are several other cleansers in the market with multiple ingredients. Most of them are targeted at specific skin types and concerns, such as the Cosrx Good Morning Gel Cleanser or the Snail White Whipp Soap. Pretty Me’s review of the Snail White Whipp Soap highlights its multitasking ingredients like black currant seed oil, balloon vine extract, and snail concentrate. These ingredients are ideal for dry and combination skin types that need all the help they can get to lock in moisture, while evening out skin tone and fighting inflammation at the same time.
Multitasking Serum
Serums have become a staple in every skincare routine, with brands like The Ordinary presenting a long line-up of cheap single-ingredient products. Unsurprisingly, you’ll likely find yourself spending a lot for these supposedly cheap products since you need five of them in one regimen.
That being said, it’s better to invest in one multitasking serum that addresses most of your skin’s needs. For instance, there are great anti-aging serums from Olay that prevent fine lines while also getting rid of dark spots and hydrating your skin.
Exfoliator
Acids became a big deal in skincare last year, with influencers and forums touting them as the ultimate exfoliators. If you have a favourite BHA, AHA, or PHA that works for your skin, then stick to it! The important thing to remember with exfoliators — whether they’re acids or scrubs, don’t overdo it.
Exfoliate with your chosen product twice or thrice a week instead of every day to avoid damaging your skin. If you can’t find an exfoliator that agrees with you, just grab a Korean Italy Towel and gently wipe away dead skin every other day to achieve the same results. Whatever you do, a I’ve recommended before staying away from abrasive physical exfoliators and microbeads.
Moisturizer
At the heart of every skincare routine is a good moisturizer. This is often the hardest product to buy since there are so many choices in the market that promise so many things. Keeping this step simple is beneficial for all skin types. This is evident in the popularity of moisturizers from Cetaphil, Vanicream, and CeraVe.
Simple Skincare Science’s review of the latest formulation of CeraVe Cream details how it is chock-full of ceramides and glycerin. These ingredients work together to give the skin a plump and refreshed look and feel. It’s what earned the brand a much-deserved cult following with its straightforward moisturizer.
Sunscreen
Finally, the step your mother told you never to overlook…the ideal sunscreen does its job without much of a fuss. If you’ve found one you can wear every morning without a white cast, oiliness, or heaviness, then your routine is done. You get bonus points if it’s reef-safe, too.
The Gist of it
Ensuring your skin is in tip top shape does not have to be a 12 step process involving multiple products. It only takes a few basics products that can do the job such as a cleanser, exfoliator, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
What is your skincare routine?
P.S. If you enjoyed this post, sign up to my newsletter to get the latest advice, tips, and giveaways right into your inbox!
Rhonda Albom says
I agree with this post, less is more when it comes to skincare. I wash, moisturise and apply an spf foundation. I also use an overnight cream. I have not used serums before but may have to look in to it – thanks for sharing!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
I look forward to your thoughts about serum, they really feed your skin.
tweenselmom says
A skincare routine is important but like all other routines, it can be a challenge to keep when it’s very complicated. So I try to follow the simplest wash, tone and moisturize.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
I totally agree, it sure is but I think if anything is important to you, you can make time for it.
Bindu Thomas says
These tips are a god send for busy women. Thanks for sharing.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Glad you enjoyed them!
chad says
I know my wife has a skincare routine but in all honestly, i don’t know much about it. I will flip her your post. Thank you.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Many men don’t think skincare is important but actually if you check the previous post I wrote, you will find how men’s skincare is just as important to slow down aging.
Czjai says
I love multi-functional serums! Skincare is life, yes, but the time that goes with applying every single product on your face twice a day can indeed be very time-consuming. 🙂
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Haha I love that, skincare is life. IT really is!
Jeannette (Jay Joy) says
I just don’t understand how acid-based exfolliators could be good for our sin unless they don’t burn at all or dry up all the oils in the face. I wonder…
The Wardrobe Stylist says
It’s important not to overdo it. Vitamin A can act as an exfoliator but even with that it’s important not to overdo it because it can burn your skin.
mudpiefridays says
I am so much concerned with my skin no that I used to be. I always makes sure I had the best skincare routine using a trusted brand, especially in Moisturizer.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Completely agree, it is really important, and we need to take care of it so it lasts.
Elizabeth O says
I always use moisturizer everyday. I think it is very important to moisturize the skin so it won’t get dry and dull.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
OMG yes! Go a day without out and your skin feels so tight especially in cold weather.
Melanie Frost says
I’m loving all the multi-purpose skincare products on the market! I’m lazy and don’t want to spend a lot of time and money on my skin so I’ll definitely use some of your suggestions!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
I like the ones that cleanse and exfoliate.
Jayashree Sengupta says
Well I follow the cleanser>exfoliator>mask>toner>moisturiser twice a week in the night…. before going to sleep. Am I doing it right?
The Wardrobe Stylist says
That’s pretty on the ball! You got it girl!
LavandaMichelle says
This is a very important post, skin care is a very necessary & this shares a lot of information about it, thanks!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Elizabeth O says
I always use moisturizer everyday. I think it is very important to moisturize the skin so it won’t get dry and dull.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Oh 100% agree with you on that!
Dalene Ekirapa says
I also prefer having a minimalist skincare routine because when I’m busy, it is really hard to keep up with a full skincare routine. I love the idea about a multi-tasking serum. I should get one.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
I know, I find when there is too much, it gets overwhelming and you don’t follow.