I'm Never Going Back to Overcomplicated Skincare Routines Again—Here's Why

As a beauty editor, it's tempting to try every new skincare product in my email inbox, on my Instagram feed, or recommended by fellow beauty enthusiasts and experts on other major social media platforms. Much of the content here at Who What Wear centers on discovering many of these products, which absolutely deserve recognition. Unfortunately, getting my hands on so many products—whether they are classic best sellers or recent launches—can lead to major overcrowding on my vanity. As we head into the warmer months, I think it's time I do some spring cleaning and simplify my collection of skincare products and my admittedly lengthy routine.

"Skinimalism" is a movement toward using fewer products and focusing on basic skincare steps such as gently cleansing and moisturizing the skin, followed by SPF application. "It's all about getting back to basics and taking a more mindful approach to self-care," beauty industry mogul Priscila Fadul says. "The industry has always encouraged us to live in a culture of nonstop novelty, but skincare doesn't need to be complicated. Adding more steps to our routine doesn't automatically mean better skin." Rather than overcomplicating your skincare routine to combat specific skin concerns, Fadul recommends investing in effective, high-quality products. "A minimalist routine is a great way to reduce waste, minimize the use of energy, and do your part for the environment." she continues. "If you're tired of complicated skincare routines, give skinmalism a try." 

Fadul is a Latinx engineer and beauty insider who hails from a family with over 50 years of experience in the beauty space. She highlights efficiency as a top priority for her, calling it the key to marrying effectiveness and aesthetics. "After years of sifting through the noise and separating fact from fiction in the skincare industry, I realized what truly matters is quality over quantity," says Fadul. She founded the skincare brand Lendava with the goal of simplifying routines using high-quality products and ingredients. She also aims to help people have healthy skin without sacrificing the effectiveness of simplicity. So what does it take to simplify your skincare routine? For one, investing in luxurious and highly effective products can mean cutting down the number of products you use.

"The goal with Lendava is to offer skincare that is simple and pleasurable—savvy skincare with all the right priorities," the beauty mogul explains. "We're all about keeping things minimal and being objective. Our products are designed to optimize skin's function, with carefully chosen ingredients that are backed by science—no fluff, just what works!" Lendava is an example of how brands embracing the skinimalism movement also attempt to create formulas that prioritize transparency, ethical practices, and eco-friendly production.

When simplifying your skincare, Fadul recommends focusing on products that contain ingredients with proven efficiency. This includes peptides complex, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, B3, and C. "When it comes to your actual routine, start off with a gentle, soap-free cleanser, then apply your favorite products afterward," Fadul explains. "Always, always remember to protect your skin from the sun. It's the ultimate skincare sin to skip the SPF."

If you'd like to dive into the world of chemical exfoliations or retinol treatments, Fadul recommends limiting the use of these products to just two or three times a week. For Fadaul, less is more when it comes to keeping your skin healthy.

Keep reading to discover what products I've been using to begin my skinimalism journey.

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