In a world where there’s a seemingly endless amount of products promising to transform your complexion, it’s no wonder most of us are left feeling confused and overwhelmed when it comes to skincare. From 10-step routines to skincare cocktailing, maximalist beauty has reigned supreme for the past decade. Thankfully, the latest trend to dominate the beauty industry is far more simple, focusing on quality over quantity.
Skinimalism is all about finding solace in simplicity. Complex routines and overflowing bathroom shelves have been replaced with a pared-back approach using fewer products to achieve radiant, healthy-looking skin.
Curious to find out if a minimalist routine would work for you? We sat down with Samantha Swan, Advanced Skin Technology Clinical Educator & Academy Lead, to learn more about the skinimalism trend and how to make it work for your skin type.
What is skinimalism?
“Skinimalism is an approach to skincare that is designed to reduce steps in a routine by using multitasking products, saving not only time but money as well. It’s about selecting the right products, with the right combination of ingredients, at the right concentrations, with the right delivery systems to transform the skin.”

Why do you think skinimalism has become one of the biggest skincare trends this year?
“Part of the movement for skinimalism is about achieving skin health with less products. Consumers worldwide are feeling financial pressure and are more discerning about what they purchase. The other bonus of a minimalistic skin routine is time! The appeal of a ‘1,2,3,4, and out the door’ regime, or omitting a step and having a ‘1,2,3, more time for me’ approach, speaks to so many of us that have busy lives.”
What does a minimalist skincare routine look like?
“The minimalist skincare regime focuses on the must-haves or the basic steps to achieve healthy skin. An example would be a cleanser, one specialty serum to address numerous skin concerns, a hydrating, barrier repair or protecting moisturiser that can double as an eye cream for day and night and an SPF.”
Should you customise your routine based on your skin type?
“With a minimalistic approach, you can still customise to your skin type, it just requires understanding your skin’s particular needs. If you’re outdoors a lot and very active, then a moisturiser with antioxidants and hydrating factors could be ideal. The product choice should be based on ingredients that can work the best for your skin, and if the ingredients are multitasking, even better! [Think] Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic acid.”
What are your minimalist must-haves for dry skin?
“Cleansing is vital! You need truly clean skin before you start your program. Vitamin B [is] Berocca for the skin! [It offers] boosting, balancing, brightening and barrier support. Aspect has a great oil called Red-less 21. Red-Less 21 is a calming, antioxidant oil serum formulated with essential fatty acids and antioxidants to nurture and protect sensitised skin and act as a replacement barrier to the skin.”
“Invest in a moisturiser like Aspect Phytostat 9. Phytostat 9 is a medium-weight moisturiser that adjusts to the specific needs of your skin. It is suitable for all skin types and is particularly ideal for those concerned with skin ageing, photodamage and dehydration. Consider adding an eye product like Aspect Eyelift 3, which is a lightweight and fast-absorbing eye cream formulated to help illuminate the delicate eye area by minimising the appearance of dark circles, under-eye puffiness and wrinkles.”
What are your minimalist must-haves for oily skin?
“Aspect Exfoliating Cleanser combines the power of AHAs and BHA – dull skin is clarified by removing excess oil and build-up of dirt and debris. Follow with Aspect Extreme B17 to balance the skin. Aspect Sheer Hydration is a lightweight moisturiser that delivers effective hydration and environmental protection without the sticky feel. It’s ideal in the summer months, particularly in humid conditions, and is a favourite for all ages. It’s also a favourite for men that may not like the feel or shine of a heavier moisturiser or for those that are hesitant to use a moisturiser if they are prone to breakouts.”
What are your minimalist must-haves for acne-prone skin?
“Aspect Purastat 5 to remove debris from the skin and thoroughly clean. It provides gentle exfoliation in a foaming cleanser to thoroughly free the skin of embedded dirt, makeup, excess oil and environmental pollutants without stripping the skin – the perfect start for someone new to exfoliating cleansers.”
What are your minimalist must-haves for sensitive skin?
“My go-to here is Aspect Red-less 21 oil to start. Slowly introduce a Vitamin C like Aspect Extreme C 20 to build strength in the skin. The Aspect Phytostat 9 moisturiser is helpful to comfort the skin. It’s important to build barrier protection [before] starting a gentle program.”
What are your minimalist must-haves for combination skin?
“Aspect Purastat 5 for cleanser. For serums, try Aspect Extreme B17 and Aspect Extreme C20. At night for Vitamin A, I recommend the Aspect Retinol Brulee for ageing, acne and anyone whose skin isn’t impaired. Vitamin A is like the skin’s personal trainer – it makes it work harder and more efficiently.”
What is non-negotiable for all skin types, even in a minimalist routine?
“Everyone should be using sun protection every day. It should be next to your toothbrush so you don’t forget to apply. Regardless of your activity, we all are exposed to UV directly or indirectly every day. If you have pigmentation, you will also need a serum to help manage this, like Aspect Pigment Punch +, which helps to minimise the appearance of dark spots gradually and effectively.”
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