Everything you need to know about Skinimalism
Less is more when it comes to 2021's biggest beauty trend: Skin minimalism
Over the last decade, the beauty industry has been pushing the idea of the 10-step skincare routine, inspired by the multi-step grooming practices in Korea, to help bestow us with “perfect” skin—and sell more products. This movement has created extensive skincare regimes and even become a status symbol. To witness its excess, simply scroll through the #shelfie hashtag on Instagram (which has over 2.5 million photos) and get a peek inside medicine cabinets brimming with beauty products.
But like all trends, nothing lasts forever, and the counter-trend—and newest buzzy term—is skin minimalism, also known as “skinimalism”. Learn more about this honed approach to skincare and how to create a fuss-free routine of your own.
What is Skinimalism?
Essentially, skinimalism is a return to a more minimalist approach to beauty. According to Pinterest’s Predicts 2021 report, it’s a move towards slow beauty, which prioritizes a simple and sustainable routine. It also hails skinimalism as “the new glow up” and forecasts people will wear less makeup and let their natural skin texture shine through, in real life and on social media, sans filter. At its core, it’s emphasizing a simplified skincare (and makeup) routine while accepting and celebrating our skin's natural texture, using multitasking products to get glowing skin.
What are the Benefits of Skinimalism?
Layering on skincare might seem like you’re giving your complexion some much-deserved TLC when in fact, you may be weakening the skin barrier (the outer surface of the skin) by piling on too many products. This can worsen existing skin issues or create new problems like sensitized skin, dryness and breakouts. Truth be told, if you ask any dermatologist, paring down skincare regimens is something they’ve been encouraging patients to do for quite some time.
Not only is it good to give your skin a break, but a streamlined routine can also save you from unnecessary product trial and error while also being eco-conscious since fewer products mean less packaging and less waste. And when you consider that an estimated 120 billion units of cosmetics packaging are produced annually, most of which are not recyclable, every effort is needed to curb our consumption.
It will also save you money. It's better to invest on products that you know will work for your skin rather than buying a “it” product that went viral but does nothing for your skin’s needs.
How to Build a Minimalist Skincare Routine?
When it comes to building a solid skincare routine there are two non-negotiables that should bookend the order of application: a gentle cleanser and an SPF 30, or higher, sunscreen. Once you have those two steps, you can add-on based on your specific skin concerns and type. Look for multitasking formulas that focus on protecting, preventing and reversing skin aging.
If you have oily skin, look for a powerhouse serum-like orora bioactive collagen serum. The formula harnesses the benefits of multiple ingredients in just one potent formula. The star is HumaColl21®, which is a vegan bio-identical human collagen ingredient [add link to collagen article] that's designed (and proven) to increase skin elasticity by an impressive 107%—it also targets wrinkles and boosts firmness. The protecting element in this formula is Madecassic Acid (also known as Tigers Grass) which provides antioxidant protection. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B-3, supports the skin barrier by increasing its resiliency and improves texture by making pores look smaller. Finally, Hyaluronic Acid is added because it attracts and retains moisture to the skin, creating a plumping effect.
If dryness is your main problem, you might want to combine a moisturizer on top of your serum. Try orora bioactive collagen cream, which has a midrange texture that delivers on the actives above but also has added hydration thanks to ingredients like Shea Butter (to help replenish fatty acids and emollients to your skin) and Squalane (a lightweight hydrating oil derived from olives).
The main takeaway of this slow beauty movement is about committing to a few solid products because that’s all your skin really needs to feel and look its best.
About Orora
Orora Skin Science is a holistic beauty brand dedicated to bringing the world's most unique and effective ingredients to skin care. Orora partners with cutting-edge science to make the latest innovations accessible for those seeking the next frontier of beauty.
Orora launched in 2021 with a product line formulated with the first vegan, bioidentical human collagen ingredient in a skincare product line in North America.