How to Practice Skinimalism

Take a look at the entire beauty and fashion sector and you’ll notice a trend: we’ve all scaled back—and in a big way. Full glam and 10-step routines are a distant memory—and in their place we’re seeing trends like soft rom com lips, barely-there skin tints, and skin care routines pared down to the essentials. Enter: skinimalism, an apt portmanteau that combines “minimalism” and “skin care.” So how do you embrace skinimalism? We’ve got all the pro tips ahead.

What Is Skinimalism?

Skinimalism is all about simplifying your skincare routine by doing less. It doesn’t mean that you’re skipping out on the rewards of a good regimen, but rather that you’re streamlining everything to make your life easier. 

“It’s about focusing on essential, multitasking products,” says Ian Michael Crumm, celebrity esthetician. “It’s a balance between doing what’s necessary for healthy, glowing skin and avoiding the clutter of excess. Think fewer steps and less waste.” 

After many years of 10, 15, even 20-step regimens, this is a natural response from the skin care community. The approach is also sustainable in that it cuts back on excess consumption, and it encourages people to reassess how much they’re spending on skin care, too. 

“People are realizing that more isn’t always better—especially for their skin or the planet,” Crumm says. “There’s also a growing desire for sustainability in beauty, both in terms of reducing packaging waste and being mindful of how we consume products. Skinimalism is a way to pare back, save time, and still see results without overwhelming yourself or your skin.”

Benefits of Skinimalism 

• Streamlines your routine to save time and money
• Reduces over-consumption 
• Can improve your skin by not overwhelming it with too many ingredients 
• Is a sustainable option that reduces waste
• Makes traveling with skin care way easier 
• Keeps your bathroom less cluttered 
• Allows skin to breathe and re-calibrate
• Makes it easier to stick to a consistent routine

5 Ways to Practice Skinimalism 

If you’re intrigued by the idea of minimalism, you’re definitely not alone. This “trend” may not be a trend, but a new path forward after years of unmitigated over consumption. Here are some steps you can take to enter your skinimalist era. 

Audit Your Current Collection 

This one may hurt at first, but trust us. Take an assessment of every skin care product you own and throw away anything that’s expired, doesn’t agree with your skin, or is a duplicate (especially items you don’t use often). 

Jeannette Graf, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, says duplicates include products with similar ingredients (e.g. vitamin C serums, retinoids, moisturizers). Most of these products last for two to four months, so you’re unlikely to use them before expiration if you own multiple of the same thing, anyway. Keep your favorite of each type of product.

Create a Core Daily Routine 

Next, create a simple routine that you can use in the morning and evening. “Start with a cleanser that suits your skin type—something gentle yet effective. Follow that with a treatment serum that addresses your specific concerns, whether it’s hydration, brightening, or other. A moisturizer is non-negotiable, even if you have oily skin,” Crumm says. 

Slightly Expand for Morning and Evening 

From here, you can slightly expand your regimen to accommodate morning and evening routines. Stick to no more than one or two products. For example, in the morning you should have an excellent SPF, and you may want an antioxidant serum. In the evening, a retinoid or gentle exfoliant is a great option. Masks are another option, says Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MD, a general surgeon and founder of Borghese. 

Keep Auditing 

It may take some time to figure out your skinimalist routine. Pay attention to what products work best with your routine, which items you reach for often, and which products seem to sit and collect dust. 

“When you streamline your routine, you’re choosing products intentionally and giving your skin the space to shine,” Crumm says. “My advice? Invest in quality over quantity, listen to your skin’s needs, and remember that consistency beats complexity every time.”