Discover the Perfect Minimalist Skin Care Routine with Just 3 Essential Products.
Discover the Perfect Minimalist Skin Care Routine with Just 3 Essential Products
The skin, being the largest and most visible organ of the body, is a top priority for many individuals when it comes to skincare.
According to Statista, 1.68 million people in the U.S. spent a minimum of $500 on skincare products in the final quarter of 2020.
However, what if professionals advised that expensive products are not always necessary to provide the skin with the care it requires?
Morgana Colombo, MD, FAAD, and co-founder of Skintap, states, "We do not advocate for overwhelming the skin with numerous products. Our approach involves using essential items with proven effective active ingredients."
While the specific ingredients may differ from person to person, the fundamental products for skincare remain consistent.
According to Statista, 1.68 million people in the U.S. spent a minimum of $500 on skincare products in the final quarter of 2020.
However, what if professionals advised that expensive products are not always necessary to provide the skin with the care it requires?
Morgana Colombo, MD, FAAD, and co-founder of Skintap, states, "We do not advocate for overwhelming the skin with numerous products. Our approach involves using essential items with proven effective active ingredients."
While the specific ingredients may differ from person to person, the fundamental products for skincare remain consistent.
Dermatologists have outlined essential skincare products that everyone
should use, along with optional items that are nice to have but not
necessary.
Must have skincare products
Dr. Angelo Landriscina, MD, FAAD, emphasizes the importance of simplicity in skincare routines. He warns against using an excessive amount of products, as this can potentially harm the skin rather than improve it. In the morning, he suggests a straightforward 3-step routine for optimal skin health.
- cleanser
- moisturizer
- sunscreen
According to Landriscina, it is unnecessary to use sunscreen during the night. Instead, you can opt to cleanse your skin and apply moisturizer.
Cleanser
Landriscina and Colombo both emphasize the importance of thoroughly washing your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser before applying any other skincare products. This initial step ensures that you start with a clean canvas and prevents other products from being washed away.
According to Landriscina, it is crucial to keep your skincare routine simple and avoid using products that strip the skin. However, determining what works best for your skin may require some trial and error, as it is not an exact science.
"It's a trial and error process," Landriscina explains.
Additionally, what may work well for your skin now may not be the most suitable option in the future. As we age, our skin tends to become drier, so it's essential to adapt our skincare routine accordingly.
"The right skincare routine may change," Landriscina advises. "As we get older, our skin becomes drier."
To minimize the risk of irritation, Landriscina suggests starting with a product specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Colombo recommends selecting a cleanser that is tailored to your specific skin type. For instance, individuals with oily or acne-prone skin often benefit from using a foaming cleanser, while those with normal or dry skin typically prefer gentle, non-foaming options.
For oily skin, Colombo suggests trying the Cetaphil Dermacontrol Foaming Cleanser, while for dry skin, the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser is recommended.
According to Landriscina, it is crucial to keep your skincare routine simple and avoid using products that strip the skin. However, determining what works best for your skin may require some trial and error, as it is not an exact science.
"It's a trial and error process," Landriscina explains.
Additionally, what may work well for your skin now may not be the most suitable option in the future. As we age, our skin tends to become drier, so it's essential to adapt our skincare routine accordingly.
"The right skincare routine may change," Landriscina advises. "As we get older, our skin becomes drier."
To minimize the risk of irritation, Landriscina suggests starting with a product specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Colombo recommends selecting a cleanser that is tailored to your specific skin type. For instance, individuals with oily or acne-prone skin often benefit from using a foaming cleanser, while those with normal or dry skin typically prefer gentle, non-foaming options.
For oily skin, Colombo suggests trying the Cetaphil Dermacontrol Foaming Cleanser, while for dry skin, the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser is recommended.
Moisturizer
Landriscina elaborates on how the skin serves as a barrier to keep
external elements like dirt and bacteria out, while also maintaining the
internal organs, bones, and joints within.
Nevertheless, the skin can lose moisture, which is where moisturizer
plays a crucial role.
"By using a quality moisturizer, the skin's barrier function is restored
and water retention is improved," Landriscina advises.
Landriscina suggests:
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 is perfect for those who suffer from dry skin.
- Naturium Multi-peptide Moisturizer is designed for individuals with normal skin types.
- Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel Cream is ideal for individuals with oily skin.
Sunscreen
It is crucial to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every 2 hours when exposed to the sun, even if your moisturizer has SPF 15. Landriscina and Colombo emphasize the importance of using a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. According to Landriscina, consistent and correct use of sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer, as UV rays are a significant risk factor. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.