Sarah Mourtos We ask two dermal therapists how skinimalism fits into their clinics.
I am across all the buzzwords in beauty. From glass skin to fox eyes, there aren’t many phrases I haven’t heard before. I even remember a time when dolphin skin was trending.
With every new season comes a new beauty trend and the flavour of the month is skinimalism. Essentially, it’s stripping back skincare to the bare minimum. As we Marie Kondo our houses and reduce our wardrobes to several tones of beige, it was only the natural progression.
But could this trend indicate something more permanent? In the height of the 2010s, skincare was all about more is more. YouTube tutorials were saturated with elaborate 11-step skincare routines. You could expect a double cleanse, toner, essence, three different serums, moisturiser, all sandwiched under an oil. Now, consumers are aspiring to more simplified routines, and skin clinicians are noticing this too. Dermal therapist and founder of Flawless Skin Science Shanyn Capodiferro says that while it’s client-dependant, she has witnessed a shift towards minimalism.
“Some clients relish a skincare ritual with multiple steps and lots of layers of luxurious products, but for many clients, a simple three step routine has a lot of appeal,” she said.
It’s a simple cause and effect situation. Clients are time poor and want a skincare routine that doesn’t bite into too much of their day.
High expectations
Beyond the attractiveness of a condensed routine, there are changing expectations from consumers. Technological advancements mean we expect more from the products we use. Director of Skin Therapy at Main St Cosmetic Skin, Simona Barta, says that new research and technology constantly reshapes the cosmetic industry.
“Cosmetic consumers have become more aware of effective skincare products that have great benefits for skin,” Simona said.
“We expect more from our products. We want to know that each ingredient is working hard, has an effective delivery system and is going to make an impact to the overall health and appearance of our skin. Especially when investing in professional cosmeceuticals, the higher price tag often means clients want to use less and achieve more,” Shanyn adds.
More harm than good
Both Simona and Shanyn believe the simplest skincare routine should include a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF. For clients with healthy skin, these products are enough to keep things ticking along nicely. Those who are battling skin issues or want to refine their skin can add a serum or active concentrate to really see results.
“There is always a desire to try a new skin product that helps to prevent skin ageing and minimise cellular damaged caused by free radicals. However, sometimes overusing and mixing too many skincare products does less for the skin and can reduce the benefits of the products,” Simona said.
Shanyn often puts her clients on a ‘skincare diet’ to help simplify their routines. She says that once they minimise exposure to toxins, harsh actives and ingredient overload, they see an improvement in the skin barrier, reduced inflammation, and improved overall skin health.
Profit or products?
On the flip side, the skinimialism trend isn’t conducive to the idea of consumerism. In an industry that, for better or for worse, has been built around new product innovation and encouraging consumers to buy into the next big trend, this goes against the grain. However, Shanyn feels skinimialism can result in much happier clients as they are satisfied that their select number of products are actually working.
“For me, there is no question that skin health comes first. With this ethical decision at the forefront of all my business decisions, I know the profit will follow. I think clients appreciate honesty and are more likely to make a purchase when they feel in control of the decision-making and less like they’ve been sold to,” she said.
Is this really a trend?
As we unpack the idea of skinimalism, it seems like it’s the default method of skin treatment most therapists follow. That is, cutting out the unnecessary and understanding what the skin truly needs.
“In my business, skinimalism is achieved in different ways for different clients,” Shanyn said.
Shanyn says it really depends on the client to understand what their ‘perfect’ routine looks like. She likes to encourage the use of multitasking products, like a cleanser that can also be used as a treatment mask.
“A skinimalism approach is about recommending effective and yet simple skincare routines without compromising the skin results,” Simona finishes.
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