GUIDE TO SIMPLIFIED SKINCARE

 
In a world of overflowing bathroom shelves and complex 10-step routines, more people are embracing a quieter, calmer philosophy: skinimalism.

Rooted in the Japanese tradition of simplicity and self-care, skinimalism – also known as skin minimalism – is the approach that less truly is more.

What's skinimalism?

Skinimalism is more than a passing beauty trend; it’s a thoughtful, carefully curated approach to skincare that values simplicity, consistency, and care. At its core, skinimalism prioritises fewer, high-quality products tailored to your skin’s unique needs, helping to maintain optimal skin health without overloading it.

This philosophy aligns with the Japanese concept of beauty – rooted in simplicity, mindfulness, and respect for your skin’s natural functions. Unlike 10+ step K-beauty routines that aim for ‘glass skin’, Japanese skincare routines typically follow a more minimal, 5-6 step ritual that emphasises maintaining a strong skin barrier and designed to achieve healthy, ‘mochi’ skin - leaving it soft, supple, and hydrated.

At its heart, skinimalism is about using fewer products, more mindfully. By focusing on essential steps and choosing gentle formulas, this approach supports your skin barrier, avoids overstimulation, and helps your skin thrive in its natural state.

What’s the difference between J-Beauty and K-Beauty?

While both Japanese and Korean skincare celebrate hydration and healthy skin, their methods differ.

K-beauty often embraces an experimental 10-step regime, layering multiple products and treatments to achieve ‘glass skin’ with a smooth, radiant, and dewy finish.

J-beauty, by contrast, takes a more minimal route - typically just five or six steps - to achieve what is often referred to as ‘mochi skin’ - skin that’s soft, plump, and deeply nourished with a healthy glow.

Curél is firmly rooted in the tradition of Japanese skincare rituals. Our approach emphasises quality over quantity, with carefully developed formulations designed to work in harmony with sensitive skin.

The core principles of simplified skincare

Less is more: Start with the core essentials: double cleanse, hydrate, and protect. Reducing product overload can help maintain a healthy skin barrier and avoid irritation. You can opt for a skin-specific serum as an additional step if you’re looking to incorporate a targeted treatment to suit your skincare needs.

Build a mindful ritual: Skincare should be as much about how it feels as what it does. Taking a moment to slow down and engage with your routine can make it more effective and emotionally restorative.

Take time for relaxation: Incorporating relaxation techniques such as facial massage into your routine can improve circulation and reduce tension. Taking your time not only enhances product absorption but also nurtures a positive connection with your skin.

Choose gentle products: Look for pH-balanced, fragrance-free products that are designed with sensitive skin in mind. Formulas with a complete ceramide care approach are especially important for reinforcing and maintaining the skin barrier.

Building a J-beauty skinimalist routine

Step 1: Double cleanse

Double cleansing is an essential first step to building a simple skincare routine that ensures your skin is thoroughly purified without being stripped of hydration - a balance especially crucial for dry, sensitive skin.

• Begin with Curél Hydrating Makeup Cleanser to gently purify skin and remove makeup, SPF, or daily impurities while preserving and replenishing ceramides. This product can also be used alone for a light morning cleanse to refresh skin.
• Follow with Curél Foaming Facial Wash to complete a Japanese-style double cleanse. It cleans your skin without stripping essential moisture.

Step 2: Prime your skin for moisture

After cleansing, it’s important to hydrate and nourish your skin. With traditional J-beauty routines, the approach is to follow a double moisturising technique, starting with an essence and finishing with a richer moisturiser.

This Japanese skincare ritual involves using two moisturisers of different consistencies to help maintain an optimal moisture balance.

• Apply Curél Hydrating Water Essence, the first step in double moisturising. It replenishes ceramides and preps the skin to better absorb the Curél moisturiser, enhancing its deep hydration benefits.

Step 3: Moisturise

Finish the double moisturising technique by choosing a moisturiser with a texture that suits your skin:

• Our Moisture Facial Milk is a lightweight, milky emulsion ideal for combination or normal-to-dry skin types, or if you prefer a lighter moisturiser.
• Our Intensive Moisture Facial Cream is a richer, deeply nourishing option for dry to very dry skin. Both are formulated with Biomimetic Ceramide Technology to strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.*

 
*2023 Clinical Usage Study, n=60

Step 4: Protect against sun damage

• Daily sun protection is essential all year round. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning to protect skin against UV damage and premature ageing.

Optional skin treatments

• Tailor this step to your skin needs - whether that’s dryness, sensitivity, hyperpigmentation, or healing scars.
• For drier, more mature skin, try our Anti-Wrinkle Hydrating Serum to replenish ceramides and smooth fine lines caused by dryness.
• If you’d like to add an active serum or exfoliator for specific concerns, consult a dermatologist to ensure it suits your skin and routine.

Simple skincare for different skin types

If your skin has a challenging set of needs - for example, if it’s oily or mature - we offer expertly-formulated, tailored skincare to address any concerns.

For oily, sensitive skin, our Skin Balancing Care range offers lightweight hydration that helps control excess oil and sebum while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

For mature skin, the Restorative Aging Care range delivers deeper nourishment with formulations designed to visibly firm and revive the skin for a plump, youthful glow, while restoring hydration and comfort.

These options allow you to build a simple yet effective routine that addresses your skin’s specific needs, without adding unnecessary complexity.