How to Make Your Skincare Routine More Minimalist
Skincare Ingredients That Do It All
Of course, skincare is a top component when it comes to aging in style. As we get older, skin goes through various changes including developing fine lines and wrinkles or sunspots, and losing radiance. Fortunately, we have the tips, tricks, and products to help upgrade our routines and continue to love the skin you’re in. Using the right products for your skin type and help maintain a healthy and glowing complexion.
If you decide to pare down your routine, there are ingredients to look out for that can serve to treat numerous different skin issues in one swoop. These are my personal favorite star ingredients that do it all!
Snail Mucin
An oldie but a goodie, particularly within Korean skincare, snail mucin has many benefits. Two of the most beneficial in my extensive experience of snail mucin products has been the function of repairing the skin while soothing sensitivity and moisturizing. Snail mucin helps soothe while encouraging new cell growth to repair. Because of this, I find snail mucin a reliable ingredient when my skin is sensitive, irritated, or breaking out. By encouraging new cell growth, snail mucin can also potentially target fine lines. Snail mucin is moisturizing too, so you can see it really is an all-around option for maintaining healthy, balanced skin.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is extremely common in Korean skincare and that’s how I grew so familiar with it. I initially turned to niacinamide-packed products predominantly just for brightening my skin, as it works well for addressing pigmentation and evening skin tone. But I quickly learned it is an extremely versatile ingredient and has also been shown to boost hydration while improving the performance of moisturizing products, reduce the appearance of pores, calm redness, and overall help address the effects of premature aging of the skin.
Propolis
Propolis is an excellent choice for a multi-purpose skincare ingredient and is available in many different product types. The most famous historical use of propolis is for wound healing because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Those with acne and other skin irritations or conditions may highly benefit from propolis in healing and repairing the skin, as well as soothing and decreasing inflammation. Many propolis products are also moisturizing which helps tackle several key skincare areas in one!
Retinol
Retinol is a type of retinoid, a group of Vitamin A derivatives, and has been widely hailed as a game-changer within a skincare routine. Retinols, available both in prescription-strength or more gentle OTC products, are commonly used to reduce fine lines or to treat acne, as the ingredient speeds up cell turnover and increases collagen. This also brightens, smooths texture, evens skin tone, and controls pores. Retinol is known to produce results but should always be started slowly to figure out your skin’s tolerance.
From Multi-Step to Multi-Functional
The takeaway: Minimizing your skincare routine can mean that you still gain all the benefits of your routine while saving time, money, and space in your bathroom! Products can be utilized for multiple needs, and we’ve talked through a variety of ingredients that can address numerous issues at once. Longer routines are enjoyable, but do you know which are working for you, and are you consistent with your routine? If not, cutting down your skincare routine can ensure you are selecting products you know are beneficial for your skin needs, and you can curate a routine that is both effective and easy to maintain. Win, win!