David Rose from Schitt’s Creek had me convinced that the success of my beauty routine was highly contingent on the number of products I assaulted my skin with. I bought into the claim quickly in the name of self-care, and my multi-step routine soon catapulted into something horrific. I experienced blots of redness around the sides of the nose and lips. My under-eyes had long surrendered to dryness, and dullness ran rampant in the background.
And while I sleuthed around on the Internet to understand why my clear, crease-free skin had devolved into a nightmare, a friend of mine informed me that the culprit was, in fact, my 9-step routine. While I tried processing my shock, she proceeded to introduce me to the concept of ‘Quiet Quitting’. Here’s what it is and how it saved my skin.
Not Skin Cycling, Here’s Why You Need To Try Quiet Quitting ASAP
I Was Borderline Addicted To Skincare Until Quiet Quitting
Quiet Quitting is not innately associated with skincare. It’s the Internet’s antidote to work-related burnout. It advises employees to step back once in a while in the interest of prioritising their mental and physical well-being. Many are now applying the philosophy to skincare — advising us to pare back our routines until we’re down to the very basics and fundamentals.
But Quiet Quitting is not new. It’s a tenet of skin minimalism, and it’s a concept that dermatologists have always maintained a bias toward. While brands might have misconstrued the truth in order to peddle more products to you, the truth is that assuming a less-is-less approach is sacrosanct. Not everyone needs a 10-step routine, minimal skincare routines are just as powerful.
Ever since my discovery of the concept, I have quit indulging my bottomless, never-ending appetite for skincare. Because like any other relationship, respecting each other’s space is key to achieving a balance in the long run. My skincare-lined shelves don’t jostle for my attention anymore, and it’s a relief.
Quiet Quitting Made Me Realise The Importance Of Patience
This philosophy anchored me. Not only did I learn how to forfeit the pressure of fast-paced beauty, I realised that it was this approach that sustained my skin in the long term. Never once did I feel dissuaded from doing skin care. It’s because I didn’t dread having to schedule an hour just to do my skincare.
Remember that a well-curated routine needn’t have roots in instant gratification either. I don’t rush to camouflage my flare-ups with DIYs or quick fixes anymore. I let them heal slowly — drawing strength from the simplicity and resilience of my routine.
The Approach Is Beginner-Friendly & Time-Effective
This skincare trend doesn’t intimidate you. Because it’s rooted in minimalism, it’s one of the best ways to acquaint yourself with beauty without feeling like you’re constantly missing out on something. I just cleanse, exfoliate, slather on a serum (or two), and conclude with a moisturiser (SPF during the day). Dr. Sushma Yadav, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon & Founder of Skinology Centre in Bangalore, agrees, “Just the very bare minimum of skincare — cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and SPF,” she says. See? You really can live without that toner.
The key is to enlist the expertise of multi-tasking, hyper-functional ingredients instead of investing in two products that tackle two different issues. Niacinamide, for instance, controls the production of oil while diminishing the appearance of wrinkles. You can invest in multi-ingredient products too. For acne-prone skin, Dr. Chytra Anand, Internationally-Renowned Award-Winning Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist, suggests looking for a product that contains Niacinamide, Salicylic acid, Retinol, and other such acne-control ingredients instead of layering each one onto the skin in the form of a new product.
Even sunscreens infused with Vitamin C, for instance, do away with having to brighten and sun-proof separately. It’s all about strategy. What do they call it at the workplace? Working smart. Another factor that plays into the maintainability of the approach is that I don’t have to reserve 45 minutes for skincare anymore. I’m done within minutes, and my skin isn’t missing out on anything either.
Here Are All The Products I Use Every Day
Do keep in mind that my skin is not sensitive, acne-prone, or pigmented. While I do run into these issues on occasion, my routine focuses more on hydrating, repairing my barrier, and cleansing. You can tweak yours based on the needs of your skin.
But if you do struggle with major skin-related issues like acne and pigmentation, you might want to consult your dermatologist on building a routine that’s unique to your conditions. Do remember, though, that texture, acne, and pigmentation are a part and parcel of life. Let’s limit the Instagram filter to Instagram and indulge in acts of self-care that bring joy to us.
Featured Image: Instagram