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On social media, lengthy skin care routines are gaining popularity. But according to Dr. Pat Nicolas, skin minimalism is the way to go.
On TikTok, there is a certain genre of skin care and wellness videos you may have seen across your feed: lengthy skin care routines, using all sorts of devices and products similar to what you would use on a spa day. The layers of masks, serums, gua shuas, rollers, and creams have even given birth to the rise of the “morning shed” routines, which are routines of skin care you put on at night and “shed” in the morning.
If we’re just talking about entertainment for skin care fiends, these lengthy skincare videos sure are fun to watch. But for board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pat Nicolas, less is more. “A simple routine is often more effective than a complicated one,” she says. “Using too many products can increase the risk of irritation, dermatitis, and eczema.”
Below, Dr. Nicolas shares what you need to know about minimizing your skin care routine.
What are the signs that your skin care routine is too complicated?
While products individually can be good for your skin, overusing them could lead to redness, rashes, irritation, and breakouts, with active ingredients triggering allergies, eczema, or skin irritation. Once you see these signs, you may consider dialing it back to a simpler routine.
What skin care steps are essential?
Dr. Nicolas has five tips for your skin care routine. First, to drink plenty of water: “Water talaga is very essential to your skin because it helps to hydrate it,” she says. Cleansing is also a must, followed by the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type. Another non-negotiable is sunscreen. “In the morning, you have to apply your sunscreen. If you have SPF 50, you can reapply every four hours.” And if suitable, she recommends adding retinoids to your nighttime skin care routine.
How to build a skin care routine?
Finding the right skin care routine involves trial and error, and consulting a dermatologist could help shorten the process. “But once you find the proper regimen for you, you really have to stick to it,” she says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skin minimalism is a beauty philosophy advocating for a pared-down, “less is more” approach. It focuses on ditching elaborate, multi-step regimens in favor of a streamlined routine using only a few high-quality, essential products tailored to your specific skin needs.
Dr. Pat Nicolas is a licensed medical doctor specializing in Aesthetic Medicine based in Metro Manila, Philippines.
The “morning shed” is a viral social media trend where content creators apply an excessive layer of beauty products, masks, and accessories before bed. When they wake up, they “shed” these items such as mouth tape, chin straps, and patches.
The most basic and essential steps to a skin care routine are cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sun protection. Depending on your skin needs, you may also add additional steps to your routine.
To build a sustainable skin care routine, you may consult a dermatologist or go through a process of trial-and-error with different products.
