Hello, everyone! Today I want to talk to you about one of the latest skincare trends that has been making waves on social media: skin streaming. You may have heard of it, or you may be wondering what it is and whether you should try it. Well, I’m here to give you the lowdown on this new approach to skincare and how it can benefit your skin. Let’s get started!
What is skin streaming?
Skin streaming is a term that describes simplifying your skincare routine to only three or four essential products that effectively address your skin’s needs. This usually includes a cleanser, an antioxidant serum, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen. The idea is to cut out unnecessary steps and products that may be doing more harm than good to your skin, such as overloading it with too many active ingredients, causing irritation, or wasting money and resources.
Skin streaming is not a new concept, but it has gained popularity recently thanks to TikTok, where users share their minimalist routines and rave about the results. Some of the benefits of skin streaming are:
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It saves you time and money. You don’t have to spend hours applying multiple layers of products or splurge on expensive items that you don’t really need. You can focus on the quality and efficacy of the few products that you use and get the most out of them.
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It reduces waste and environmental impact. You don’t have to buy and dispose of countless bottles, jars, and tubes of products that end up in landfills or oceans. You can opt for products that come in recyclable or refillable packaging and support brands that are eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
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It improves your skin health and appearance. You don’t have to worry about overloading your skin with too many ingredients that may cause sensitivity, inflammation, or breakouts. You can give your skin a break and let it breathe and heal itself. You can also avoid potential interactions or conflicts between different products that may cancel out or reduce their effectiveness.
How to start skin streaming?
If you’re interested in trying skin streaming, here are some tips on how to do it:
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Assess your skin type and concerns. Before you start streamlining your routine, you need to know what your skin needs and what your goals are. Do you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin? Do you want to target signs of aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration? Knowing your skin type and concerns will help you choose the right products for you.
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Choose your essential products. Once you know your skin needs, you can select the products that will make up your streamlined routine. As I mentioned, the basic products that you need are a cleanser, an antioxidant serum, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen. Here are some guidelines on how to choose them:
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Cleanser: A cleanser is the first step of any skincare routine, and it’s important to choose one that suits your skin type and doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils or disrupt its pH balance. For dry or sensitive skin, I recommend the Lady Esther Soft Cleansing Gel and the Soft Skin Lotion or the Kleraderm Startup Cleansing Milk and Startup Tonic Lotion. For oily or acne-prone skin, I recommend the Lady Esther Silky Way Cleansing Gel and Cleansing Lotion or the Rosa Graf AmintaMed Wash and AmintaMed Tonic
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Antioxidant serum: An antioxidant serum is the second step of your routine, and it’s essential to protect your skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors, such as pollution, UV rays, and blue light. Antioxidants can also help brighten, firm, and smooth your skin. The most common and effective antioxidant is vitamin C, which can also help fade hyperpigmentation and boost collagen production. Other antioxidants that you can look for are vitamin E, ferulic acid, green tea, resveratrol, and niacinamide. Some of my favourite antioxidant serums are Keenwell OXIDANCE Anti-Oxidative Stress Concentrated Serum 30 ML and the Kleraderm Intensive Serum Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen 30 ml .
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Moisturizer: A moisturizer is the third step of your routine, and it’s vital to hydrate your skin and seal in moisture. A moisturizer should contain three types of ingredients: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Humectants are ingredients that attract water to your skin, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera. Emollients are ingredients that replenish your skin barrier, such as ceramides, fatty acids, or cholesterol. Occlusives are ingredients that prevent water loss by creating a protective layer on your skin, such as petrolatum, shea butter, or squalane. Some of my favourite moisturizers are the Keenwell Moisturizing Facial Lotion with Pumpkin Extract and the Hydrosphere H2O. Another favorite of mine and of many of my clients is the Lady Esther Hyaluron Cream that comes with 3 FREE Hyaluronic Acid Ampules
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Sunscreen: A sunscreen is the last and most important step of your routine, and it’s crucial to protect your skin from sun damage, which can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. You should always wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours. You should also look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. I recommend the excellent SPF50 sun creams by Dermogenesis that provide top protection along with antiagaing and moisturizing elements.
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Stick to your routine and monitor your results. Once you have your essential products, you can start using them every morning and evening, and see how your skin reacts. You may notice some changes in your skin, such as improved hydration, brightness, smoothness, or clarity. You may also experience some purging, which is normal when you introduce new products to your routine, especially those that contain active ingredients. Purging is when your skin breaks out temporarily as it adjusts to the new products and clears out the clogged pores. Purging usually lasts for a few weeks, and then your skin should improve. However, if you notice any signs of irritation, such as redness, itching, burning, or peeling, you should stop using the product and consult a dermatologist.
I hope this helps you understand what skin streaming is and how it works. Remember, skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, less is more, and your skin will thank you for it. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Until next time, take care of your skin!