What Is Skip-Care And Why It Works

It’s spring! The sun is out more often, the trees are green again, and our moods are lifted and brighter. What else is changing? Our skin! It’s the time of year for our heavy creams and hydrating serums to return to the top shelf to make room for lighter moisturizers and facial mists. It’s also the perfect time to focus on a new skincare routine: Skip-Care. The latest skincare trend to emerge from Korea, Skip-Care is all about giving your regime a detox by skipping or minimizing the products you use.

Why is layering skincare products sometimes bad for your skin?

Sometimes, when we feel like pampering ourselves, we might think that layering on serums and masks will give us glowing skin the next day. But layering on too much too often can actually have an adverse effect.

The first step of “minimizing” your routine is to evaluate where your skin is today is and where you want it to be. Does it appear dry, oily or acne-prone? Do you want to get rid of breakouts or lighten hyperpigmentation? Step two is to evaluate the products you are using. For example, instead of using three products that target blackheads, find out “which three ingredients are best for blackheads?” and “how do they work on the skin?”.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are common ingredients in acne products. But how do they work? Salicylic acid exfoliates the surface of the skin to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells, which ultimately unclogs pores. Similarly, benzoyl peroxide penetrates pores and kills acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation. When paired correctly, these two ingredients can heal acne, but when used incorrectly - such as applying too high of a percentage, they can overdry the skin and cause more irritation.

When minimizing steps, what’s most important to keep in the skincare routine?

 We spoke with Heyday Facialist Liana about the most essential steps in a routine. She says “too many steps can be counterproductive and actually knock your skin out of balance, rather than help it maintain balance.” Her skincare staples are: Cleanser, Exfoliant, Serum and Moisturizer (one with SPF for daytime). That’s only four steps!

No one can tell you which products you should or shouldn’t use; you know what works for best your skin. So just check in with your skin periodically to see what it needs! If your skin has been clear lately, then perhaps you can skip the drying lotions and BHAs for the week. Opt for a routine that focuses on brightening or soothing to maintain balance. Liana is also a firm believer in the KISS rule - Keep It Simple Silly!

Sunscreen

We should all be wearing sunscreen year round, but it’s especially important during the warmer months. Liana recommends using one with at least SPF 50 for adequate sun protection. A broad spectrum SPF provides protection from UVA and UVB rays, which are both year-round factors that intensify acne and aging skin.

Fewer products, better skincare

To sum it all up, when transitioning your skincare from winter to spring, first ask yourself: what does my skin need? Skip-Care doesn’t necessitate cutting down to only three or four products, but thinking about your skin’s primary concern and finding the best (and gentlest) ingredients to treat it.

Protecting your skin from the sun should be a year-round goal, but more sunshine means it’s even more essential to be extra vigilant so you can avoid skin discoloration and aging effects!

TIP: Incorporating Vitamin C into your routine can build collagen and clear the free radicals that cause dark spots!

What’s in your spring skincare routine? Share your most essential steps and products!

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