What Does The Minimalist's Perfect Skincare Routine Looks Like

Every few months there is a strong urge to declutter our homes and even our busy lives. With easy access to social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, we are constantly engaged in the virtual world more than the real world. It induces stress and anxiety which can have a negative impact on our health and also cause premature skin ageing or stress lines. On top of that, we have work schedules that keep deprive us of organising our lives better and prioritise our health or even our diets. Once back home, there are clothing cupboards to be organised or packed to be given away among other tedious tasks. But have you ever heard of someone say, “Less is more”? This has also been associated with the idea of ‘minimalism’: a lifestyle dedicated to living an uncomplicated or a simple life with fewer material items around you.

The same can apply to your skincare routine. It can be underwhelming when celebs dish out their flawless skin secrets and their daily regimen would only include steps as easy as moisturising using an essential oil or splashing some cold water. High-end beauty stores are stacked with expensive products which would all seem necessary for impeccable skin, but you can never be so sure about the number of products you need. Four or five? Or maybe just one? Let’s break it down for you.

CLEANSE AWAY

Whether you wore makeup or not, never miss this step. It is important to cleanse your face twice a day – morning and evening to get rid of dirt, excess oil and even debris since we’re all mostly living and travelling in cities. Any regular cleanser can do the job just fine and if you want to go natural, you can use a squirt of coconut, jojoba, castor or olive oil and lightly massage your face and neck. This will also help remove make up. Post the light massage, you can keep a hot towel which will help open your skin pores and then wipe away till your skin feels clean and fresh. Using makeup wipes is a big no as it can cause breakouts and you may see signs of early ageing. For the rest of your body, you can skip purchasing heavy bottles of liquid and instead opt for organic soaps packed with herbs and oils. They are also easy to carry around too if you’re travelling.

TONING FOR BALANCE

Balancing your skin’s pH or “power of hydrogen” levels is another pivotal step. But what does it mean to maintain your pH levels? It refers to how alkaline or acidic is your skin which is measured on a scale of one to 14. One would mean that the skin is too acidic and 14 is highly alkaline which can lead to dry skin and sensitivity. The perfect pH level is 7 and can be achieved if you use a toner on your skin. To do it organically, you can use mix one tablespoon apple cider vinegar with one cup of water and use a cotton swab to wipe your face. You can also make some by boiling water and a few mint leaves. Cool the water infused with the fresh mint and wipe your skin with a cotton pad. Aloe vera gel also helps neutralise pH levels.

MOISTURISE FOR SUPPLE SKIN

Another key activity in your skin care routine that is not to be missed is applying a moisturiser that will leave you with smooth and plump skin. We’ve seen enough advertisements and tried plenty of moisturisers to know what suits our skin type. If not creams, then you may also use oils. For oily skin, you can apply hemp seed or argan oil and for dry skin, you may use coconut, olive or avocado oil. Before stepping out during a sunny day, do not forget to apply the broad-spectrum SPF which protects against both UVA and UVB.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE EYES

The skin around your eyes is very thin and delicate. Various reasons like lack of sleep, stress or genetics, can make the eyes look puffy and also causes dark circles. For treating these issues, you may pick serums or creams that are specifically made for the eye area because other moisturisers may cause eye irritation since the area is sensitive. You also need to protect it from the sun broad-spectrum SPF. The natural remedies would include applying aloe vera gel, placing sliced tomato or cucumber on your eyes. You may also lightly massage around your eyes using almond oil mixed with a few drops of lemon juice. Almond oil is also nourishing for your eyebrows and can help make them thicker. And you’re done.

This four-step routine can help maintain a bright and healthy skin and if you’re going au-natural or eco-friendly with your skin products then you’re also helping save the planet. It is important for you to know what suits your skin best and what makes you feel good inside and out. Including too many skin products laden with chemicals in your
daily routine can be harsh and rob the skin of its glow. It is also advised to seek help from a dermatologist if you want to understand your skin type better.
Apart from what you apply on your skin daily, it is extremely essential to keep a tab on your diet as well. Remember what you feed your mouth also feeds your skin. From vitamin and fibre-rich green leafy veggies to a handful of nuts and seeds like chia or flaxseed can do wonders for your skin as well.