There’s a growing shift toward simplifying skincare, and it’s a helpful one. Using fewer products makes it easier to see what your skin responds to and what it doesn’t. This is skinimalism, and for many people, it’s all they will ever need.
If you wear little or no makeup, prefer a minimalist skincare routine, want to save time and money, or simply want to avoid the pitfalls of using too many products, this is the routine to start with. You can add more steps later if you want to, but you don’t have to. Everything else in this book builds on this foundation.
This routine uses just three products:
That’s it.
The routine below references products from Simple DIY Skincare: The Complete Guide to Easy, Natural Recipes for Beginners. If you don’t have the book yet, you can still follow the routine using products you already own.
Choose the cleanser that feels most comfortable on your skin. Most people will use the Hydrating Cleanser, but you may also choose the Oil Cleanser instead. If you are dealing with an active eczema flare, broken skin, or ultra-sensitive skin, use the Baby Wash or a very gentle, soap-free, water-based wash. If your skin feels clean, rinse with water only.
Choose one and apply to slightly damp skin to lock in hydration (see table below).
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). While essential for everyone to prevent UV damage, choosing the right texture matters for your specific skin type:
A standard, hydrating mineral sunscreen cream works well and can often pull double duty as your morning moisturizer.
Stick to physical (mineral) sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They sit on top of the skin like a shield rather than absorbing into it, which helps prevent the stinging or burning that can set off eczema flares.
Avoid heavy creams. They often contain fatty acids and esters (many ending in -ate) that feed the yeast. Opt for ultra-lightweight fluids made from silicones or formulas explicitly labeled “fungal-acne safe.”
Look for formulas labeled non-comedogenic. “Fluid” or “gel” textures that dry down to a matte or satin finish will prevent that heavy, greasy feeling and keep breakouts at bay.
Brush-on mineral powders are a helpful, irritation-free option for sensitive, eczema-prone, and fungal-prone skin because they contain no oils, fragrances, or yeast-feeding lipids.
However, do not rely on powder as your primary morning sunscreen. To actually get the SPF listed on the bottle, you would have to apply an unrealistically thick layer. Instead, apply a liquid sunscreen as your morning base, and use the powder throughout the day for easy touch-ups or to blot away excess shine.
Double cleanse. Start with Oil Cleanser and follow with the Hydrating Cleanser. If you are dealing with an active eczema flare, broken skin, or ultra-sensitive skin, use the Baby Wash or a very gentle, soap-free, water-based wash instead.
Apply your chosen moisturizer to slightly damp skin.
This routine is complete on its own, but you may choose to add additional steps if you have specific goals:
These are optional — not required.
Your skin will tell you when (or if) you need more.
| Moisturizer | Texture | Finish | Best For | Fungal Concerns | Makeup Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meadowfoam Oil | Silky oil | Soft glow | All skin types | Not fungal‑safe | Good |
| MCT Oil without lauric acid | Ultra-light oil | Satin‑matte | Sensitive, fungal-prone | Fungal‑safe | Excellent (dry‑touch) |
| Malassezia Moisturizer | Ultra-light oil blend | Satin‑matte | Sensitive, fungal-prone | Fungal‑safe | Great (smoother than plain MCT) |
| Repair Cream | Silky cream | Smooth, cushioned | All skin types | Not fungal‑safe | Excellent (primer‑like) |
| Face & Body Oil | Medium oil | Dewy | Normal–dry skin | Not fungal‑safe | Fair |
| Balm Base | Soft balm | Dewy‑rich | Dry patches, winter skin, brightening spots | Not fungal‑safe | Poor |
| Balm Stick | Firm balm stick | Protective, wax‑cushioned | Dry patches, winter skin, on-the-go protection | Not fungal‑safe | Poor |