When it comes to skincare, sometimes less is more. With so many products on the market promising to combat all kinds of skin concerns, it can be overwhelming to know what you actually need. If your bathroom is overflowing with dozens of serums, lotions, and potions you've only used a handful of times, it might be time to take a minimalist approach to your skincare routine... a practice with a trending new name, "skinimalism"!
I'm a licensed Master Esthetician with over two decades of experience, so I've got you covered for everything you need to save your skin — and your sanity! — with a minimalist skincare routine.
Why Skinimalism?
In addition to making your life easier by shortening an overwhelming skin care routine, skinimalism can simply be better for your skin. Using too many products — or combining active ingredients incorrectly — can damage your skin barrier and upset your skin's natural balance. Instead of a myriad of trendy items, use just a couple of high-quality, effective products. Simplifying makes it easier for your skin to adjust to new products, since you won't be overwhelming it with a ton of harsh product combinations. Plus, a pared-down routine is easier to commit to, so you're more likely to stick to it. Like anything in life, consistency is key when it comes to healthy, beautiful skin!
Whether you have sensitive skin, are struggling with hormonal acne, or want to fight signs of aging, a minimalist skin care routine could help improve the appearance and health of your skin — and help you embrace the beauty of the skin that you're in.
The 3 Pillars of Skinimalism
You can finally relax — there's no 20-step skincare routine ahead! Like I promised, skinimalism is all about keeping it simple. You can revamp your at-home regimen by following these 3 pillars:
1. Cleansing
The foundation of any skincare routine, even a super simple one, is proper cleansing.
Cleansing your skin should be the first step in your routine, whether you're prepping
for the day ahead or washing off makeup, grime, and dead skin cells before bed. The most important part of cleansing is choosing a product that works for you, your skin type, and your skincare goals.
- For oily or sensitive skin: A gentle gel cleanser like my CBE Botanicals Clean + Gentle cleanser will prevent irritating the skin or sitting too heavily on your face.
- For dry skin: A richer, creamier formula will be better for your skin type — I love this NeoGenesis Cleanser, which will leave your skin feeling refreshed without drying it out.
- For aging skin: Choose a product that contains lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or vitamin C. One of my favorite workhorse cleansers is the HOUSE OF PLLA® HOP+ Pro Volumizing Mousse-Daily Foaming Cleanser, which features poly-L lactic acid to stimulate collagen production, fight wrinkles, and soften the appearance of fine lines.
2. Moisturizing
Moisturizers pack a serious punch — in addition to hydrating the skin, many moisturizers have added active ingredients that make them fantastic multi-taskers. Because they can target more than one skin concern, a great moisturizer is the perfect addition to a minimalist skin care routine. I recommend moisturizing twice a day, as part of both your morning and bedtime regimens.
As with cleansers, it's important to choose the right moisturizer for your skin. If you have oily skin, choose something lightweight and non-pore-clogging. If your skin is chronically dry, you're better off using a thick, luxurious-feeling moisturizer. And if you're ready for your moisturizer to do double (or triple!) duty, look for a formula that contains these ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid: This powerhouse anti-aging ingredient can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, lines, and scarring. You'll find two kinds of hyaluronic acid in this Dr Esthé Dual Barrier Cream.
- Peptides: Help protect your skin's barrier and retain more moisture with peptides, like the ones in this NeoGenesis Intensive Moisturizer.
- PLLA: This patented ingredient, found in HOUSE OF PLLA® HOP+ Promoter Repair Cell Moisturizer, helps to stimulate collagen production, which can help your skin appear plumper and more youthful.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E can help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental and lifestyle factors, like chemical pollutants, smoking, or drinking. You'll find both of these vitamins in my CBE Botanicals Fresh Face Whip Moisturizer.
3. Sunscreen
The all-important final step in your daytime minimalist skin care routine is sunscreen
application. Here are some of my top sunscreen picks for your new skinimalism routine:
- For acne-prone or sensitive skin: I love this Dr Esthé Sun Protection Mild SPF 50 for any sensitive skin care routine. It's formulated with gentle ingredients and botanicals to prevent irritation.
- For dry skin: Protect your skin from UV rays and cover up any blemishes with this hydrating KLAVUU Blue Pearlsation Cushion SPF50+.
- For aging skin: This Dr Esthé Sun Protection Cream contains plant stem cells and regenerative peptides to reduce wrinkles, maintain skin elasticity, and improve moisture while it protects your skin.
Pro tip: Choose a moisturizer that has at least 30 SPF, and you can skip this step completely!
For Bonus Points...
Got the hang of those 3 pillars? Now, try adding a retinoid, exfoliant, or at-home device to elevate your skincare!
Adding a retinol to your regimen is my top recommendation for anyone looking to
fight signs of aging. I love the Dr Esthé C. Tox Retinol Eye Cream, as an add-on to your morning regimen. (Goodbye, puffy, tired eyes!) And my CBE Botanicals Sleep On It Retinol Serum is the perfect way to wrap up your nighttime skinimalism routine.
Exfoliation is a key part in improving the appearance and texture of your skin — and because you don't have to exfoliate every day, it's a perfect add-on for minimalist skincare. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, I recommend exfoliating just 1-3 times per week. You can choose an exfoliating cleanser that does double duty, like my CBE Botanicals Scrub Away the Day Cleanser, or try an exfoliating serum like my CBE Botanicals Revive Exfoliating Serum.
Want to get more support with your skincare journey? Join me in the Christine Byer Beauty Club. I offer a 14-Day FREE preview with full access to everything in the Club. Get personalized support for your questions and have access to savings and the opportunity to win a FREE consultation. If you don’t find value in your membership, cancel within the 14 days at no charge.
