Skincare diet, skin fasting and skinimalism are similar trends revolutionising how we look after our complexions. Beauty editors around the globe a buzzing with excitement over such a different approach to our skincare routine. We take a look at what all the fuss is about…
Although hailing from Japan, the epicentre of ritualised culture, the skincare diet is a beauty trend firmly rooted in the motto ‘less is more’. Over the last few years, there has been a general shift in our lifestyles. Many of us are opting to follow a more ‘Slow Living’ approach to all areas of our daily lives. How we eat, the way we dress, our home decor and now in how we take care of ourselves. An ever-increasing number of consumers are avoiding following the well-established beauty movement of the more products the better. After all, does our skin really need infinite layers of lotions and potions?
Skin Fasting or Skincare diet?
This is where confusion can arise. While ‘Skin Fasting’ advocates a radical break from all skincare products, allowing for the skin to rest, reset and regenerate itself naturally, ‘Skincare diet’ (or skinimalism) proposes doing the same but in a more relaxed way by maintaining certain products that are considered necessary.
Does our skin need a rest? Many experts agree that, yes, our skin can benefit immensely from a break from a complicated or lengthy beauty routine. Applying layer upon layer of various active ingredients is not always a sure-fire way of obtaining healthier skin. However, by opting for a radical skincare fast, you could be risking excess sebum production or dirt, pollution and dead cells clogging up your pores and causing breakouts.
What’s more, by not protecting your skin from the sun, you could be setting yourself up for premature ageing and hyperpigmentation issues. It is worth remembering that products designed to protect skin from UVA/UVB radiation also protect it from other external stressors, such as blue light emitted by electronic devices and atmospheric pollution.
The essentials: Cleanse and protect
Although experts agree that long-winded, multi-stepped routines are not always great for skin, not many believe in doing away with your skincare regime entirely. Two crucial steps to keep following for healthy skin are cleansing and protection. As with any beauty product, ensure that you choose a cleanser correctly formulated for your skin type or skin concern.
If you are looking for a targeted treatment cleanser that is also a sensorial delight to use, look no further than either Charcoal Peace Calming Cleanser or Clementine Cleansing Balm. Both products are noted for their transformative textures and deep cleansing action on the skin, whilst leaving it nourished at the same time – The main objective of the Skincare Diet.
Charcoal Peace Calming Cleanser is formulated with activated vegetable charcoal and purifying clay (kaolin, which in addition to cleansing, also moisturises). It also contains highly biocompatible vegetable oils, such as sunflower, rich in linoleic acid, which helps to improve the quality of sebum in congested and acne-prone skin. On the other hand, Clementine Cleansing Balm, with its delicate aroma and oil-based formula, gently melts away dirt, impurities and environmental pollutants while preventing trans-epidermal water loss.
The power behind this cleansing balm is its main ingredient, Vegetable Olus. This biocompatible blend of non-polar vegetable oils (cotton, safflower and corn) considerably reduces transepidermal water loss. By being non-polar, these oils very effective at removing dirt, impurities, contamination and even makeup, leaving pores clean without stripping skin.
If you tend to suffer from excess sebum, we are obsessed with keeping our pores clean with Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream. Winner of the “Best Cream Cleanser 2021” by the Beauty Shortlist Awards, this cleanser is like nothing else on the market. It contains a super high yet skin-safe concentration of vegetable squalene derived from olive oil. This means it not only renews and repairs the skin whilst removing impurities, but it also restores key lipids, leaving skin comfortable and nourished.
However, if you are a die-hard skincare diet fan, your cleanser of choice should be non-other than Dara’s Water. This incredibly mild, surfactant-free non-micellar cleansing water is quick and easy to use, yet surprisingly effective. Its innovative formula easily removes makeup, pollution and sunscreen by combining natural sugars, probiotics, and soothing organic rose and oat extracts. It is perfect for those looking for a fuss-free yet efficient start to their minimalist facial routine.
Protect, protect…
A great way to opt for a less is more approach to your skincare routine is by choosing versatile products. Take for example Artemisia Power Protection Moisturiser SPF50+, enriched with antioxidant Artemisia extract and 100% natural mineral filters (zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide). In one single formula, you have hydration, protection and soothing active ingredients.
“One of the biggest challenges with this product was combining sun and pollution protection other functions, such as hydration,” says Pedro Catalá, cosmetologist and creator of Twelve Beauty. “Finally, after three years of research, I can say that I have achieved a product that not only offers protection, but also a soothing and moisturising action. It is modern, natural, skin-safe science at its best.”
Furthermore, in addition to repairing the damage caused by UV rays, blue light and infrared thanks to its Buddleja extract, this fantastic formula also helps skin retain moisture and avoid trans-epidermal water loss. Its optimal concentration of saccharide isomerate creates a permeable film that, together with the help of Hyaluronic Acid, keeps skin elastic and hydrated.
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