Skinstreaming Is The Latest Skincare Trend Busy Mums Will Love
Skinstreaming is a huge hit on TikTok — and a trend we busy mums can really get behind. Here's why
It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of buying one skincare product after another because they’re all good for us in different ways. But if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I really need all of them?”, you’ll definitely be a fan of the latest skincare trend – skinstreaming.
Skinstreaming involves streamlining your skincare routine and using only the most useful products in your stash. The trend has over 15 million views on TikTok and is clearly something people can relate to. Minimum products that boast maximum efficiency – what’s not to love about skinstreaming? Plus, you’ll save time and money too – we call that a win-win situation.
Dr Harvey Ho, founder of Skinscape Clinic, explains that skinstreaming involves doing a routine audit to eliminate unnecessary steps and focus only on core products that work for your particular skin type or concerns. The aim is to curate a basic skincare routine that is efficient and effective. He adds that this idea, however, is not new as he has always advised his patients at Skinscape Clinic to apply only products that their skin needs and nothing more.
Dr Lim Ming Yee, founder and medical director of MY Medical Aesthetics, says that, unlike other trends such as ‘skinimalism’ or ‘skin flooding’ – which can involve elaborate steps and excessive products – skinstreaming emphasises efficiency and saving time.
“It aims to optimise your skincare regimen by identifying the essential steps and products that deliver effective results. By adopting a skinstreaming routine, you can achieve a balanced approach to skincare that is both effective and practical,” he adds.
One of the main benefits of skinstreaming is that the risk of irritation will be reduced. Dr Ho reveals that some people with aggressive skincare routines may inadvertently be weakening their skin barrier. Also, there will be better absorption of the essential products applied in a “skin-streamed” manner.
“Every layer of product applied on your skin will leave a little residue that impedes the penetration of the next product,” Dr Ho explains. “Layering too many products will dilute the efficacy of each product, and at some point, the application of another product will have no added benefit as your skin can only absorb so much.”
Skinstreaming could also benefit your mental health as a laborious multi-step routine can feel like a chore, says Dr Ho. “By using only a few essential products, you free up more time for each step, allowing yourself to be relaxed and present in the moment,” he elaborates. “This gives you the opportunity to transform your skincare routine into a daily mindfulness exercise – which will improve your sense of well-being over time.”
While there are clear benefits to skinstreaming, Dr Lim cautions against randomly eliminating products from your skincare routine. This is especially so if you’ve been prescribed or recommended certain products by a doctor or dermatologist for specific skin conditions such as acne, rosacea or eczema.
“It is highly advisable to consult with a professional who can assess your current skincare routine, identify any necessary ingredients that should be retained and recommend suitable alternatives or adjustments to optimise your results,” Dr Lim advises. “This personalised guidance will help you navigate skinstreaming effectively, ensuring you achieve the desired outcomes while minimising the risk of adverse effects or unintended consequences.”
Dr Lim advises choosing core products by identifying essential products like moisturiser, sunscreen and a gentle cleanser as the foundation of your routine. Also, always start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup and choose products with active ingredients for specific concerns like acne, ageing or hyperpigmentation. Another tip is to look for products that offer multiple benefits, such as oil control with anti-blemish or a tinted moisturiser with SPF.
Dr Ho stresses the importance of giving any new skincare routine four to six weeks before judging its effectiveness. This is because it takes about 28 days for new skin cells to form and longer than that to notice an observable change in your skin.
Makeup artist Kenneth Lee shares that while there is no shortage of trends to try, the hard part is figuring out which ones are right for you and your skin type. He says that, with skinstreaming, your skin is most likely to absorb and actually benefit from fewer, higher-impact products. So choose fewer products that effectively fulfil multiple needs, rather than using a drawer full of single-purpose-only products.
“A good way to start streamlining your routine is to stick to the basics like cleanser, toner, moisturiser and sunblock,” he says. “Also, choose products with multiple benefits, such as a moisturiser that also contains SPF or a serum that includes peptides as well as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.”
Sha Samsi, a makeup artist, is a fan of skinstreaming and says she has always advised her clients to follow it. She feels it’s important to understand your skin and lifestyle because all of us are very different, right down to the food and drinks we consume.
“Without introducing new products to the skin, monitor how it reacts to different environments, foods and temperatures (outdoors and in air-conditioned spaces) for a few days before starting your skinstreaming routine,” she says. “You’ll realise what type of products you actually need for your skin.”
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum, $68
Credit: Glow Recipe
This daily clarifying serum uses the power of strawberries to help with issues such as clogged pores, breakouts and rough skin texture – while being gentle on your skin. The power of strawberries is unleashed here as this fruit reduces excess oil as well as hydrates and gently resurfaces skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps skin, and a BHA+AHA blend, which exfoliates and softens skin.
Saborino Medical Facial Sheet Mask, $14.20
Credit: Saborino
Get an efficient 5-in-1 masking experience from Saborino. Your skincare regime will be much easier with five steps – toner, lotion, essence, cream and mask – in one weekly treatment with the mask of your choice. Pick the mask according to your skin concern – brightening, wrinkle care or acne care. The brightening mask tackles dull skin concerns and helps the skin regenerate; acne care is packed with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients (such as licorice root extract) to soothe skin; and wrinkle care is targeted at ageing skin, with nourishing ingredients such as collagen and vitamin B. The best part is, you’ll have to put on the mask for just 10 minutes.
RE:ERTH Omni Serum, $116
Credit: RE:ERTH
Forget about using toners, essences or moisturisers, all you need is this one multi-tasking serum to achieve resilient, healthy skin. Omni Serum is made with a combination of science and nature, to protect your skin against everyday aggressors and strengthen your skin barrier. Say goodbye to rough and dry skin and welcome hydrated, supple and resilient skin. Ingredients include Tasmanian Seaweed Extract, as well as RE:ERTH’s patented Japanese Spring Turmeric and Japanese White Turmeric.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, from $136
Credit: Sunday Riley
This serum is a targeted lactic acid treatment that exfoliates your skin, making it more radiant and younger-looking. Because of its high potency, this purified grade lactic acid is able to revive dull-looking skin and make it smoother and clearer. Plus, liquorice extract brightens hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, from $19
Credit: Bobbi Brown
This product is so popular, one is sold every 15 seconds globally. You won’t just be preparing your skin for makeup with this face base, you’ll also be giving it the nourishment it needs. Ingredients include the brand’s signature multivitamin blend of Vitamins B, C, and E that replenishes skin, and a complex of hyaluronic acid, squalane and shea butter hydrate, plump and prep skin for a healthy glow. Its barely-there texture means it’s easy to apply makeup over it.
Text: Balvinder Sandhu/HerWorld