There are definitely times when I read my fave skincare boards and blogs and am completely overwhelmed. New products, new science, people chatting effortlessly about pH levels, layering and throwing references to scientific studies left and right. Most of the time, I find that inspiring, and it pushes me to learn more about a topic that I find fascinating. But sometimes, I crave a simple, easy and quick routine – a 5-minute essential skincare routine, you know?
Studies (hah!) and dermatologists seem to agree on one thing when it comes to skincare – cleansing, moisturising and using sunscreen are the important parts of a routine. It is, coincidentally, a pared down routine I do often when I’m travelling and can’t lug a gazillion skincare products around. And my skin never seems to begrudge me a very minimalist routine. (Granted, I throw in a hydrating serum as well.)
And while I like an elaborate routine, and the whole self-care thing that accompanies skincare, here are my best products for a minimalist skincare routine. These products are all favourites of mine, and except two items, I have used them for a long time. I listed products for different occasions and different skin types, but basically you can pick one of each category, mix and match.
Cleansing
I cleanse my face in the morning and in the evening, and yes, there are, as with every step of skincare, different schools of thoughts around that. I try to be on the middle ground and while I will cleanse, I try to do it as gently as possible.
My favourite cleansing products are cleansing oils for all occasions (all the ones I tried don’t leave an oily residue, but leave skin whisper soft), cleansing balms for makeup removal, and micellar waters for times when I can’t be bothered. (Keep in mind that even with miceallar waters, tiny bits of surfectants remain on your skin, so if you’re suffering from super sensitive skin, go in with a thermal water spray afterwards.)
If you absolutely need a foaming face wash, I rather like cosrx’s Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (amazon), which isn’t too stripping.
Great micellar water: L’Oreal Micellar Water (reviewed here).
Cleansing balms I love: Clinique and banila co (review).
Cleansing oils: balea cleansing oil (Reinigungsöl) (review) and Hada Labo gokujyun cleansing oil.
Astrid also loves Niod’s Sanskrit Saponins lately (review), for a deeper cleanse.
Moisturing
I’ve been loyal to the two moisturisers I use mainly for a loooooooooong time. Holy Grail alert!
For all skin types
My main moisturiser that has it all – no filler ingredients, with plenty of anti-oxidants and vitamins, pleasant to use: Beyer & Söhne Hautcreme+ (get it in any pharmacy in Germany, but they also ship worldwide). It’s rather pricey though with nearly 50€, but comes in three formulas for dry, normal and oily skin. I’m good with ‘normal’ (review).
For extra sensitive skin
When my skin throws a fit, I go back to Bioderma Crealine Toleriance+ (called Sensibio Tolerance+ outside of France) that’s exactly the opposite from Hautcreme+ – nearly no active ingredients in there. It has been developed for highly reactive skin, and does nothing but moisturise gently (review).
For dehydrated, over-exfoliated skin, or anyone whose skin barrier needs a little TLC
Lately I’ve been using Stratia Liquid Gold after reading raving reviews. It’s a pleasant, rich moisturiser with lots of oils, ceramides, and niacinamide. I guess it’ll be a little too rich for my combination skin during the warmer months, though.
For oily skin, or for hot and humid weather
Speaking of warmer months, nothing can ever beat my love for cosrx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask, super hydrating and lightweight (review). You can easily use this as a moisturiser.
Sunscreen
All day, eeeeeveryday – because not only anti-aging, but also skin cancer is a thing I’m happy to skip. Sunscreen has come so far, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. My love runs to chemical filters, maybe mixed with mineral ones. I’m diligent to look out for formulas that don’t brim with alcohol, too.
For all skin types, for people who don’t like sunscreen
Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF50 gets a thumbs-up from both Astrid and me. It has only chemical filters, and comes with a lot of antioxidants in the pleasant and light formula. We both use the ‘normal/oily/combination skin’ formula, but it also comes in one for dry skin. Pricey, though, and the broad spectrum claim is a bit meh (review).
For ‘normal’/combo skin, but with better broad spectrum protection
Skinceuticals Brightening UV Defense SPF30, which was my go-to for many many years, especially in winter (review).
Cheap and cheerful, solely chemical, for dry and normal skin
A’Pieu Pure Block Natural Sun Cream SPF45/PA+++ has a great formula, and became my favourite last summer. Can easily be bought for around 10$, and for that you’ll get a very good sun protection (review).
Mineral AND chemical filters, great formula, AND cheap, for a range of skintypes
Japanese brand Canmake’s Mermaid Skin Gel SPF50+/PA++++ (Amazon) is an incredible sunscreen with a light gel formula. Don’t be deterred by the name and the mermaid packaging. For me, it works best in the warmer months, not so much when my skin is drier. I think this shines when you’ve got normal/combo to oily skin. It’s simply incredible under a lot of foundations, cushions, BB creams, because it leaves skin glowy, smooth, but totally dry to the touch. I love it and wish I had brought back numerous tubes from Japan, because it’s around 6$ there.
What would be your picks for a minimalist skincare routine?
