Discover the benefits of “skinimalism” for your sensitive skin, for your wallet, and for the world.

You may have heard the term “skin minimalism”. But what does it really mean? And how can you integrate it into your sensitive skincare routine?

Skin minimalism — also known as “skinimalism” — is all about simplifying your skincare. As in: fewer products, fewer ingredients, fewer steps. The goal of skinimalism is to use theleast amount of products that still make your skin look and feel its healthiest. 

Why is skin minimalism good for your skin? Layering too many products can be very triggering for sensitive skin. It can damage your natural skin barrier, causing frustrating side effects like bumps, dryness, redness, acne, or a buildup of blackheads and whiteheads. This is also known as sensitized skin (which you can learn all about right here).

Skin minimalism is a way to avoid sensitized skin. With the right ingredients and daily support, it gives your skin space to breathe and repair itself naturally. And since skinimalism involves fewer products, it targets your main skin concerns without overwhelming your skin and causing irritation. 

What else is skinimalism good for? Your wallet and the world. A recent report predicted that Americans will spend about $15,000 on skincare products in their lifetime. Minimizing your skincare routine is not only a skin-saver, but a major money-saver. Plus, skinimalism creates less product waste and allows you to be a more mindful consumer. 

Although skin minimalism is a newer trend, the long-lasting benefits mean it’s not going anywhere soon. Here’s how to ease into a more minimalist skincare routine. 

How to Practice Skinimalism 

1. Downsize your routine. 

This is the first step to becoming a true skinimalist. At Iremia, we believe effective skincare is about quality, not quantity. The same is true for all minimalist skincare. 

Sometimes, the routine that will make the biggest difference in your skin is the one with only 3 to 4 steps. This is especially true for those of us with sensitive skin, including rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Too many products applied at once can irritate and inflame sensitive skin and even trigger flare-ups. 

That’s why it’s important to focus on the products and ingredients that will have the most positive impact on your skin. For some, that might mean starting your routine from scratch. For others, that might mean removing a few steps from your routine that aren’t serving your skin or perhaps feel redundant. 

Start slow and take your time—downsizing is a process, but your skin will thank you in the long run. 

2. Use products that do multiple jobs.

Instead of using 10 products that all have individual purposes, choose products that pack several benefits into one jar. 

Take our Soothing Lotion, for example. It uses powerful, natural ingredients to calm and rejuvenate stressed out skin, like African Mahogany Tree Bark Extract. This superstar ingredient is also proven to boost collagen production and minimize pores and wrinkles—making your skin more youthful in just 28 days. That’s why the Soothing Lotion is both a transformative facial lotion and an incredibly effective under eye cream. All in one jar. 

Jojoba oil is another ingredient that can multitask. It’s the closest natural replacement to sebum, which is the oil produced by the human skin that protects it from external toxins. Jojoba oil also contains essential vitamins the skin needs to thrive, like vitamin B, E, zinc, and copper. On top of all that, it reduces inflammation, naturally hydrates and retains moisture, reduces wrinkles, and even has antibacterial properties to fight bacteria growth. 

Yes—one ingredient can really do all that. Best of all, it’s soft on your skin and a safe option if you’re prone to reactions and flare-ups. Psst. You can find it in our balancing and revitalizing Restorative Facial Oil. 

When searching for a multi-purpose product, don’t shy away from contacting the skincare brand directly to learn more. They know their ingredients best and can point you in the direction of a product that will meet your skin needs. 

3. Avoid overapplication.

Hands up if you’ve ever used a big dollop of moisturizer, when all you needed was a pea sized amount? We’ve all been there. But the truth is, most skincare products are designed to be used sparingly. Be mindful of the amount of product you’re applying and you’ll be surprised how far a little bit can go. 

By avoiding overapplication, you can get the most out of the product, reduce excess product buying, and still reap all the amazing skin benefits. Win-win-win. 

4. Commit to your new routine.

Changing up your routine is always going to be a transitional time for your skin. It can take up to 56 days for your skin to fully turnover—and that time frame only increases as we age. That’s why skin minimalism is all about patience, slowing down, and creating space for the benefits to shine through. 

Make sure to give your new minimalist routine a try for at least 3 to 4 months before making any changes (unless, of course, you’re experiencing skin irritation). That means using a product until it runs out, instead of tossing a half-full jar of goodness into the trash. Trust us—if it’s the right set of products, the wait will be worth it. 

Want to learn more about how to ease effortlessly into a new skincare routine? Read our blog and discover our natural, Canadian-made sensitive skincare collection.