How to embrace skinimalism in 2025
Less is more! Here's why you should say goodbye to complex beauty routines and embrace minimalist skincare.
Every year brings a new skincare product (or 100), but do you really need to add another peptide cream to your 10-step beauty routine?
It's easy to be tempted by product marketing campaigns that promise to make your skin glow and reverse the ageing process.
The skincare industry continues to churn out scores of new products, but the good news is that "less is more" is making a comeback in 2025.
Have you ever heard of Skinimalism?
Skinimalism first gained popularity during COVID-19 when millions of people were forced to stay indoors. With nowhere to go and no need for glamorous makeup routines, many turned to minimalist skincare.
However, as brands rushed to incorporate the latest skincare ingredient trends into their products, people returned to the days of putting 101 products on their faces.
While multi-step skincare routines work for some, not everyone needs them.
"I was once on an eight-step routine but have significantly cut back now. It feels like a breath of fresh air in a world where more is often marketed as better," one Reddit user said.
Celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Hailey Bieber, and Pamela Anderson have embraced skinimalism, opting for routines that favour simplicity over complexity.
Here's why you should too.
What is skinimalism?
Glamour magazine describes skin minimalism, aka skinimalism, as an ode to our natural beauty. Simply put, it is about focusing on a few key ingredients to help solve your skin problems.
Unless you have a complex skin condition that requires a dermatologist's attention, skinimalism works for different skin types.
The concept also applies to makeup routines.
Part of skin minimalism puts a focus on utilising products that really benefit the skin so you don’t feel the need to cover up or wear as much make-up. The practice of reducing the number of products you use on your face sits within the theory that your skin will then have the ability to repair and rejuvenate on its own.
What are the benefits of Skinimalism?
There are many benefits to taking a minimalist approach to your skincare. They include:
Less skin irritation and breakouts
Trying 101 skincare products just because they have trendy ingredients can have less-than-desirable results. Layering different active and formulas on your skin can lead to breakouts and skin irritation, especially if you don't do your research.It's cost-effective
Skincare is expensive. Using a few high-performance products in your routine will save you money as you won't waste money buying into every trend. The focus is on quality over quantity.Good for the environment
Less products also mean less waste from skincare packaging.Time saver
Cutting down on your multi-step routine can also save you time, especially in the morning when you have to rush out the door.
What skinimalism products should you include in your routine?
You can start with the basics: a cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, and a day/night serum or treatment.
Some people also opt to buy multi-purpose skincare products, like a moisturiser with an SPF or a toner and serum combo.
How can you make the switch to skinimalism?
Start your skinimalism journey by doing a skincare audit. Go through your current products and decide which ones make sense for your skincare needs.
You don't have to throw out the ones you bought just because a TikTok trend told you to buy them.
But think carefully about what you want your skincare routine to look like and make purchases that support a basic routine.
Skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides and vitamin C have many benefits, but it is important to understand your skin type, problem areas and needs.
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