Simple Minimalist Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin

Sometimes you don’t want to go through the whole K-Beauty 10-step skincare routine. You just want something simple, minimal, effective and you are on the go. This is why I created this blog post to give you the best minimalist skincare routine to make your skin glow without having to go through too many steps.

This is a 5 basic step skincare routine that takes you through each layer of the skin. When you understand how the skin layers work, then you can create your own personalised skincare routine. I will always recommend that you simplify your skincare routine so you don’t over-indulge your skin.

This post ensures that every step you take in your skincare routine has a reason why. Also, there is a bonus step at the end of the post. Make sure not to miss it. Now let’s go through each step one after the other.

You may also be interested in the best body skincare routine for glowing skin.

1. Skin Layer One – The Epidermis

This is the first skin layer you see when you look into the mirror; the epidermis. The epidermis is slightly thicker on our palms and the soles of our feet. It is a mixture of glycerine, salt, cholesterol, ceramides, fatty acids, squalene and triglycerides. All these combined together serve as a protective film against harmful bacteria and fungi.

How To Protect The Epidermis

The First Step Is To Cleanse

Cleansing is the first step to protecting the skin layers and is the most basic form of skincare. Cleansing helps to rid the epidermis of dirt, pollutants, makeup and excess secretion such as dirt and sebum. Cleanse gently and not too often such that the skin becomes dry and sensitive.

Look for cleansers that are mild and close to the skin’s natural PH and choose cleansers that work best for your skin condition. I particularly like these cleansers, you can check them out.

How to Do It:

• Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
• Cleanse your face twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed.
• If you wear makeup, consider double cleansing at night using an oil-based cleanser followed by your gentle cleanser to ensure all makeup and impurities are removed.

The Second Step Is To Exfoliate

Yes, exfoliation is the next step to protecting the skin layers. Although the skin does exfoliate itself. But without our assistance, it might not slough off dead skin cells properly. Removing the dead keratinocytes improves the skin’s surface, making it look clearer and smoother

For this reason, exfoliation is important and should be done every week or two. Ensure you are not exfoliating too much, as this may cause depletion of the skin’s natural oils.

There are several ways to exfoliate, you can either go the mechanical way or the chemical way. This depends on your preference.

The Third Step Is To Tone

I hear people say toners are not that necessary, don’t listen to them. Toners are amazing if you want that moist and well-hydrated feeling. Toners will not only remove leftover residues from cleansers but will also prep and repair your skin barrier for moisturizers. Aside from these benefits, toners also lower the PH of the skin after cleansing.

Be careful about the kind of toners you buy, I personally don’t like astringent toners because some are made too harsh for the skin. But if you have really oily skin, you might have to look out for astringent toners made with gentle ingredients.

The hydrating toners help with dry skin. They are packed with humectants that hydrate and refresh your skin. Check these ones out!

2. The Dermis

The dermis is the second skin layer. It is a thicker layer compared to the epidermis and it performs its own magical functions. The dermis controls our body temperature, supplies oxygen and nutrients to the epidermis and has a significant role in the immune system.

The dermis is that layer that gives us healthy youthful skin because you find collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid there. As we age, there is a decline in these protein activities which is a normal process. However, this normal process can be accelerated a hundredfold with factors such as poor diet, excessive alcohol, smoking, pollution, and dangerous levels of sun exposure to name a few.

How To Protect the Dermis

The Fourth Step Is To Moisturize

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Moisturising is not just hydrating otherwise we will all just take a shower and call it a day. Moisturising is helping your skin to retain moisture, hydrate and rejuvenate and to do that, we would need ingredients that help keep the skin plump and healthy. While moisturizing, give your skin a gentle massage – this helps to increase penetration and effectiveness.

How to Do It:

• Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer if you have oily or combination skin, or a richer cream if your skin is dry.
• Apply your moisturizer right after cleansing, while your skin is still slightly damp, to lock in moisture.
• For those who prefer simplicity, look for a moisturizer that also contains SPF, so you can combine steps.

The Fifth Step Is To Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the best protection against the sun. Without that, the sun will continuously break down enzymes within the dermis leading to wrinkles, discolouration, saggy skin and uneven skin tone. There are no other benefits sunscreen provides aside from sun protection.

How to Do It:

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, even on cloudy days.
• Reapply every two hours if you’re spending extended time outdoors, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
• If you’re looking to streamline your routine further, opt for a moisturizer with SPF to combine two steps into one.

3. Hypodermis

Hypodermis is the third skin layer and the deepest layer of the skin. It is also referred to as the subcutaneous layer. It is designed to protect us from cold. The hypodermis contains a large number of fat cells, blood vessels, nerves and lymph nodes.

The hypodermis is the home of cellulite. In fact, 85% of women have cellulite. This is common in women because men have thicker skin and it is a completely natural phenomenon.

4. Treatment (Optional)

If you have specific skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines, you might want to incorporate a treatment product. This step is optional and should be based on your individual skin needs.

How to Do It:

• Choose a treatment product with active ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, or hyaluronic acid, depending on your skin concerns.
• Apply the treatment after cleansing and before moisturizing.
• If you’re new to active ingredients, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance.

How To Protect The Hypodermis

The Bonus Step – Live a healthy lifestyle.

The food you eat affects your skin. Eat food that contains fibre, fibre is a prebiotic and that is an excellent source of food for good bacteria. You can find fibres in food such as onions, garlic, unripe bananas, beans, and cold-boiled potatoes.

In addition to prebiotics, eat food containing probiotics as well. Probiotics contain live bacteria. You can find these in fermented food such as yoghurt, kimchi (Korean cuisine), and tempeh (obtained from fermented soybeans).

Lastly, get good sleep, exercise, drink lots of water, relieve stress, have a get-together and basically do things you enjoy and do things your skin will thank you for. Read more about how to get clear skin without products here

Tips for Maintaining a Minimalist Skincare Routine

• Stay Consistent: Consistency is key in skincare. Stick to a routine that works for you and give it time to work before adding or changing products.
• Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin reacts to the products you use. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to adjust your routine.
• Avoid Overloading: Resist the urge to add too many products. A minimalist routine is about quality over quantity.
• Keep It Simple: Remember, less is often more. A simple routine with effective products can achieve better results than a complex regimen.

Conclusion

A minimalist skincare routine is all about focusing on the essentials that deliver the most benefits for your skin. By cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun, you can achieve a glowing complexion without the need for a complicated routine. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned pro looking to simplify, this approach can help you maintain healthy, radiant skin with minimal effort.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with others who might benefit from a minimalist approach to skincare. And don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts or any tips you have for keeping your skincare routine simple yet effective!