Skinimalism: Why Simpler, Smarter Skincare Routines Work Better

Skinimalism. It’s a neat way of saying do less, but do it properly.

At Dermatica, we believe effective skincare should be personalised to your skin. Instead of layering endless serums, heavy moisturisers, oils and sprays, this approach focuses on multi-tasking formulas and a small number of tailored, evidence-based steps. When every step has a job to do, you can save time and money and give your skin space to strengthen over time.

If you’re looking for a new year skincare routine that prioritises what works for your skin and nothing more, here’s what our dermatology team recommends.

What is skinimalism?

Skinimalism is a minimalist approach to skincare with a philosophy of: fewer steps, science-backed formulas, and maintaining a strong, healthy skin barrier.

Does skinimalism have any benefits?

1. Your skincare budget goes further
2. Less chance of mixing too many active ingredients
3. A stronger skin barrier
4. Reduced waste
5. A routine you can stick to, every day

Why simplifying helps your skin

Many of us have tried “kitchen sink” routines in the past: more products, more actives, more steps. Whether that comes from confusion or curiosity, the result is often irritation, breakouts, and a routine that’s hard to keep up.

The good news is that consistency, not quantity, gets results. Layering too many active ingredients can:

– Disrupt your skin barrier
– Trigger irritation or breakouts
– Make it harder to work out what’s actually helping [1]

Skinimalism gives you a clearer structure and more room for your skin to settle.

How to Build a Skinimalist Routine (Step by Step)

Your PM essentials

1. Cleanse
Choose a gentle, non-stripping cleanser like our Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser for dry skin types or Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser for oily to combination skin types. A calm barrier responds better to active ingredients.

2. Treat
Use your personalised formula, Retinal Serum or other active ingredient(s) you might be using. This is your “heavy lifting” step, so keep everything else simple.

3. Moisturise
A ceramide-rich moisturiser like our Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturiser for dry skin types, or Soothing Centella Gel Moisturiser for oily to combination skin types. For dry patches, a restoring balm will help seal in moisture.

That’s all you need at night. If you notice any flaky skin or mild dryness while using your active step, try the ‘Sandwich Method‘ if you need an intense hydration boost. [2]

Your AM essentials

1. Cleanse
A light cleanse to help rebalance and refresh.

2. Vitamin C: Fresh Batch Ascorbic AcidOne targeted antioxidant step to visibly brighten the complexion, while protecting skin from environmental stressors. [3]

3. Sunscreen (SPF30+)
Non-negotiable for everyone. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is the most effective way to protect your skin’s health and appearance, long-term.

Tip: If you have dry skin, you may want to add a layer of moisturiser before your sunscreen.

Make each product work harder

Skinimalism isn’t about reducing benefits, it’s about tailoring them to your needs.

For example, when you first start using a personalised formula or Retinal Serum, our dermatology team recommends a simple three-step routine, morning and night. This gives your skin a chance to get used to the ingredients, and prevent dryness, flaky skin or irritation.
To choose smarter formulas that work harder at every step, look for products that are:

– Barrier strengthening
– Multi-functional like our Advanced Dark Spot Corrector Serum, which targets multiple concerns at the same time
– Developed with dermatologists, using evidence-based ingredients
– Suitable for your skin type and your specific needs

Think of it like installing a dishwasher after a lifetime of washing up. Once you know what you’re looking for, everything becomes more efficient. Meaning far less effort, and fewer bottles on the bathroom shelf.

Simple habits for long-term results

1. Stay consistent: The best routine is the one you can realistically do, twice a day.
2. Support your barrier: A healthy, hydrated barrier helps active ingredients do their job.
3. Introduce new products slowly: Especially if you’re using retinoids or strong actives, such as in a personalised formula.
4. Be patient: Depending on the treatment they’re using, most of our customers notice changes to their skin after 8–12 weeks of consistent use.
5. Don’t double up on similar actives: More isn’t faster, and it’s often more irritating, which can set back your progress.

Mistakes to avoid when you simplify

Not all minimalist routines look the same. Try to avoid:

– Using products that don’t suit you
– Not hydrating your skin enough (add a hydrating serum if needed)
– Switching every product at the same time
– Layering multiple exfoliants or actives
– Adding a new active step while you’re still seeing results or your skin is still getting used to your current one

Think of the three-step routine as a framework, not a rulebook.

Quick wins for different skin

Acne prone
Stay consistent with your treatment. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic products that care for your skin barrier and won’t clog pores. [4]

Pigmentation concerns
Add Vitamin C alongside sunscreen to your morning routine. Also, keep your skin barrier calm and soothed as much as you can. [5]

Sensitive or reactive
Choose fragrance-free, barrier-supporting essentials. Add new steps slowly (1–2 times a week at first). [6]

Using active ingredients (such as retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs)?
Stick to one per routine (AM or PM). Keeping the rest of your products calm, simple and hydrating will help protect your skin barrier.

Progress with intention

Skinimalism is a bit like the joy of missing out. It’s about building a routine that doesn’t need all the bells and whistles. One that’s wiser, more intentional and works harder for you, with fewer interruptions.

If you’re curious about how a personalised formula or any of our products work, you can find out more on our website. We take the guesswork out of building skincare routines that work, so you can focus on consistency. That’s where the real results happen.

References

1. Baker P, Huang C, Radi R, Moll SB, Jules E, Arbiser JL. Skin Barrier Function: The Interplay of Physical, Chemical, and Immunologic Properties. Cells [Internet]. 2023 Jan 1;12(23):2745. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/12/23/2745
2. Angga Cipta Narsa, Cecep Suhandi, Janifa Afidika, Salsabil Ghaliya, Elamin KM, Nasrul Wathoni. A Comprehensive Review of the Strategies to Reduce Retinoid‐Induced Skin Irritation in Topical Formulation. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2024 Jan 1;2024(1).
3. Enescu CD, Bedford LM, Potts G, Fahs F. A review of topical vitamin C derivatives and their efficacy. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021 Sep 24;
4. Li Y, Hu X, Dong G, Wang X, Liu T. Acne treatment: research progress and new perspectives. Frontiers in Medicine [Internet]. 2024 Jul 10;11(11). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11266290/
5. Thawabteh AM, Jibreen A, Karaman D, Thawabteh A, Karaman R. Skin Pigmentation Types, Causes and Treatment—A Review. Molecules [Internet]. 2023 Jun 18;28(12):4839. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/12/4839
6. Kim HO, Um JY, Kim HB, Lee SY, Choi H, Kim J, et al. Comprehensive Approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment of Sensitive Skin. Annals of Dermatology. 2025 Jan 1;37.