Here are skincare products that you probably… don’t need to dig into your wallet to buy!

Do we really need a shelf full of moisturizers, serums, exfoliants, cleansers, and beauty devices for our skincare routine?

Summary: What do we really need? We might not need any products? Makeup remover wipes Topical collagen Skin cleansing devices Eye cream Peel-off masks and sleeping masks Stretch mark cream Neck cream and expensive cosmetics Facial mist Face rollers Spot treatment lotion

Pay attention to the term “Skinmalism” because it will be one of the beauty trends of 2024. No more extensive skincare routines, shelves filled with moisturizers, serums, toners, exfoliants, and cleansing devices. It’s time to seek out a more limited selection of essential, effective skincare products and stick to them. No more layering multiple moisturizers, anti-aging products, active ingredients, and any magical elixirs promising eternal youthfulness for our skin.

The beauty technology industry preys on our insecurities and excels at convincing us to buy products that we probably don’t need. Coupled with reviews or advertisements from influencers, before-and-after images, and often controversial (yet convincing) opinions from beauty experts, we find ourselves almost unable to resist purchasing another product promising to lift and rejuvenate our wrinkles with snail slime, bird’s nest extract, and angel wings… Ultimately, we look back at our bank accounts with a few extra zeros and a shelf full of cute, Instagram-worthy bottles, which are not always useful.

What do we really need? Despite persuasive marketing strategies, our skincare routines don’t necessarily require 20 types of serums, 40 jars of moisturizers, and sheet masks for every day of the week. If we don’t have specific skin issues (if we do, you should consult a dermatologist), if we drink enough water and follow a balanced diet supporting both physical and mental health, then we can rely on our body’s natural ability to produce most of what our skin needs. Our skin has mechanisms for self-moisturizing, exfoliating dead cells, and protecting itself. Our skin’s protective barrier has a special function: it’s a self-producing lipid layer that covers the skin, protecting it from harmful environmental factors and retaining essential elements such as water. What we need to do is actively maintain and enhance our skin’s protective barrier, and for this purpose, we only need 5 basic products: makeup remover, cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Despite persuasive marketing strategies, our skincare routines don’t necessarily require 20 types of serums, 40 jars of moisturizers, and sheet masks for every day of the week.

10 tips to determine the shelf life of skincare products – and how to extend it – Beauty magazine for women in Malaysia – Beauty tips, discounts, trends and more

Cleansing the skin will remove excess oil, dirt, dead cells, and accumulated makeup, which can cause clogged pores and acne, as well as environmental pollutants that can stimulate the production of free radicals, one of the culprits of skin aging. Those who don’t have dry or sensitive skin should cleanse and remove makeup twice a day, and always choose cleansers and makeup removers based on their skin type. Creamy cleansers are suitable for dry skin, use gel or foam types if you have oily skin, and opt for fragrance-free products for sensitive skin. After cleansing, the next step is daily moisturizing, with products tailored to individual needs. For example, those with acne-prone skin should use a moisturizer that is not too heavy and provides enough moisture to avoid clogged pores. The final step before going out: never forget sunscreen. Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, with at least SPF 30.

We might not need any products? Once the skin’s protective barrier is strengthened and protected, secondary issues such as dark spots, acne, and signs of aging can be addressed. Remember that there are no miracle products and “magic potions” guaranteeing eternal beauty. There will be reasonable products to add to the skincare routine, such as basic antioxidants, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid, precious ingredients that help retain moisture and make the skin brighter and more hydrated. But there are many other products that we don’t necessarily need to use, even though they contain interesting ingredients and come in cute packaging.

Here are 10 products we probably don’t need (or at least aren’t as useful as the brands claim).

Makeup remover wipes The quickest way to improve the skin is to cleanse it properly. Although makeup remover wipes are very convenient and useful when we don’t have enough time to cleanse, they can damage and erode the skin, causing irritation or even tiny scratches. Moreover, although they seem to remove makeup and impurities, all makeup remover wipes do is move dirt instead of removing it, leaving behind more dirt that the naked eye can’t see but can potentially harm our skin. It’s best to choose gentle facial cleansers with water or Micellar water, which have been proven to be more effective in removing makeup and less damaging to the skin.

Topical collagen Collagen is a well-known term in the skincare world. The reason is that collagen is a type of protein that keeps the skin firm, elastic, and plump. Over time, as we age, our natural collagen layers will decrease because the natural collagen production process slows down, and signs of aging become more apparent. In today’s society, aging is frowned upon. Therefore, we will do everything to prove that our skin is still youthful, and products containing collagen and serums promising to help you achieve this become extremely popular. But are they effective? Skincare products containing collagen do not affect the deeper collagen layers in the skin, as collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the uppermost layer of the skin. They can only help moisturize the skin and make the surface more plump.

Skin cleansing devices Will facial cleansing devices help cleanse the skin better? Not necessarily. In fact, in some cases, using devices with hard bristle surfaces and using them too much can be harmful, as they can damage the surface layers of the skin, affecting the function and health of the skin’s protective barrier. The negative result is dry, irritated, and sensitive skin. Most experts prefer using exfoliating acids for deeper skin cleansing, but they agree that using hands to cleanse the face is sufficient, and facial cleansing devices are a waste of money.

Eye cream Eye cream can be described as moisturizer in smaller and more expensive packaging. Swollen eyes, dark circles, and fine lines around the eyes are common issues that many of us want to eliminate, and therefore, we are willing to spend money. But is it worth it? The truth is that most eye creams only slightly improve minor skin issues besides moisturizing the skin’s surface. They can only temporarily plump up wrinkles. As we age, thinning of the skin around the eyes and the appearance of dark circles are normal occurrences. Often it’s a genetic predisposition to this imperfection or that, but in any case, an expensive cream, no matter how expensive, is not enough to solve the problem permanently. Instead, we should focus on factors that affect the severity of the signs we want to eliminate, such as quitting smoking, adopting a balanced diet instead, getting enough sleep, and following a healthy lifestyle.

Peel-off masks and sleeping masks Peel-off masks and sleeping masks often contain harsh ingredients that can harm the skin, causing irritation, dryness, and damage to the protective barrier. Moreover, although they can help temporarily clean the pores and moisturize the skin, the benefits are short-lived, and the risks outweigh the benefits.

Stretch mark cream Stretch marks are small tears in the skin’s middle layer, caused by sudden weight changes or hormonal imbalances. Although it’s impossible to eliminate stretch marks completely, and there is no evidence that any product can effectively eliminate stretch marks, the good news is that stretch marks will fade over time and become less noticeable.

Neck cream and expensive cosmetics As we age, signs of aging appear not only on our faces but also on our necks and bodies. Therefore, many people believe that using a separate neck cream is essential for maintaining youth and beauty. However, is it really necessary to buy another product? Neck creams are essentially the same as facial moisturizers, with the only difference being that they are sold in a separate package and at a higher price. A good facial moisturizer containing antioxidants and SPF will also benefit the neck and décolleté area. Instead of using a separate neck cream, save money by applying the moisturizer to your neck and chest as well.

Facial mist Facial mists are usually used as an additional moisturizing step after cleansing or throughout the day to refresh the skin. Although they can help relieve dryness and provide a temporary feeling of hydration, they are not a necessary step in skincare routines. Tap water is generally free and does the same job, but if we prefer facial mists, it’s important to choose those without harmful ingredients such as alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives.

Face rollers Face rollers, or jade rollers, are used to massage the face and neck, improve blood circulation, reduce puffiness, and help products penetrate the skin better. Although facial massages can have positive effects on the skin, the benefits of face rollers are often exaggerated, and they are not essential to a skincare routine. If we want to massage the face, we can use our fingers to do the same job, and if we prefer a face roller, we should choose a less expensive one made of quartz or other materials, as jade rollers are usually more expensive.

Spot treatment lotion Spot treatment lotions are products specifically designed to reduce the size and redness of acne and pimples, using active ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. However, they are not necessary in all skincare routines, and many people can effectively treat acne with gentle facial cleansers, exfoliants, and moisturizers without the need for spot treatment lotions.

In conclusion, it’s time to simplify our skincare routines and focus on essential products that are truly effective. We should stop wasting money on unnecessary products that promise miracles but often disappoint, and instead, invest in high-quality products with scientifically proven ingredients that meet our individual needs. Finally, we should remember that everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it’s important to listen to our skin and adjust our skincare routines accordingly.