Skin streaming is a new skincare strategy that involves simplifying your routine. You’re basically streamlining your skincare to optimize results! Oh and better still, a streamlined skincare routine is easier to maintain and stay consistent.
Not sure if skin streaming is for you? We can help you find out…
What is Skin Streaming?
Skin streaming encourages the simplification of your skincare routine. For the past few years, people have been encouraged to develop a complex routine that can involve many steps and products. Routines with too much detail and specific product usage can be exhausting! So now many people are turning to skin streaming and sharing their love of this method online.
To effectively embrace skin streaming, you must start by recognising your skin type, skin concerns and skincare needs. Determining the focus of your skincare will serve as a guide to selecting only the most beneficial products and ingredients to keep as part of your routine. Ultimately, successful skin streaming means using just four key products – a cleanser, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. More on the specifics of this routine down below!
Benefits of Skin Streaming
There are more benefits to skin streaming than you might realise! Of course, the most important benefit is the efficiency of the method for targeting specific skincare concerns. Rather than using a variety of ingredients that might be incompatible, it’s far more effective to choose a select few products that truly benefit your skin. Start by getting to know your skin and determining your skin type. Knowing your skin type will help you recognize your main skin concerns and choose the right products for treatment and prevention of issues. Through a personalized and targeted routine that has no ‘fluff’ you are more likely to see improvement in your skin!
Many people don’t realize that overusing skincare ingredients can result in a damaged skin barrier. Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin which works to remain hydrated and protect your body from external factors. Incorrect or overuse of skincare ingredients can cause the skin barrier to dry out and become compromised. Unfortunately, a compromised skin barrier can also cause skin concerns to get worse! Skin streaming takes better care of the skin barrier and overall bodily health.
Since skin streaming a simpler way to take care of your skin, it is easier to commit to. Instead of spending too much time on your skin – a simple and effective approach makes this habit easier to maintain. In the long term, this makes a big difference because consistent skincare routines end up being more effective!
Of course skin streaming is also less expensive because less products are used, and the use of products is minimized. While this might seem an obvious benefit, if you can save money and get clearer skin then why not! It’s a win-win situation.
Skin Streaming Routine
When it comes to skin streaming, there is no ‘one size fits all’. The routine that we outline is a great place to start, although ideally you would customize it further to suit your skin concerns.
In the morning:
- Cleanser
- Antioxidant serum (e.g. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea, Reservatrol, Ferulic Acid, Coenzyme Q10 etc.)
- Moisturizer
- SPF
In the evening:
- Cleanser
- Retinoids / Retinol product (optional – not for everyone!)
- Moisturizer
Sound too simple? Yes, that’s the point! The key is to use the right products for your skin.
You might like to start with this basic routine, and then consider your skin type, associated concerns, and skin needs. For example, those with a dry skin type might prefer to use a more intense moisturizer or products that contain hyaluronic acid. Alternatively, someone with oily skin who is prone to acne might intermittently use BHA products like salicylic acid to help. Remember to do your research before adding in new products or ingredients to ensure they complement what you’re already using.
So why do we warn against retinoids? Honestly – retinoids are a great ingredient to include in your routine. However, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Avoid retinoids if you have sensitive skin, sun damage, eczema, rosacea, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are taking certain medications. If you have more questions then it is best to consult with a dermatologist or medical professional.
Another interesting point is the lack of daily exfoliation. It is not always healthy for skin to be exfoliated daily! Consider exfoliation to be an ‘additional’ step in your routine that can be added occasionally as your skin requires. Find out more about the best exfoliants for your skin here >>
Tip and Tricks
Be careful not to ‘streamline’ your skincare routine too much! When you decrease skincare products too much you can risk starving your skin of the hydration and care that it needs. An overly minimal routine can end up causing increased skincare concerns like dryness, irritation, acne, or other blemishes. Try to keep the basic routine detailed above, and then add products that work for your skin requirements.
To even further boost your ‘streamlined’ routine, look for products that are multipurpose or contain a number of ingredients to benefit your skin. For example, some moisturizers will also include SPF – which means you are getting hydration as well as sun protection! When streamlining your skincare routine don’t be afraid to explore new products, read reviews online, and see if ‘tester’ or ‘trial size’ options are available. If you purchase something new always remember to patch test first.
Final Thoughts
Skin streaming holds great potential for refreshing your skin and achieving your glowing skin goals! Like anything, a perfectly streamlined routine will take some time to master, so stay consistent and monitor the use of products over time for your desired results. A routine is allowed to be flexible and can change as your needs change. So don’t ever feel ‘locked in’ – be ready to address skin concerns as they arise.
As always we recommend speaking with a dermatologist or other skin professional to address specific or severe skin concerns. Healthy skin is a priority, and is the first step towards getting that glow!
