Something big is happening for 2022. Just as we are looking at cutting back and eliminating waste in other areas of our lives, our skincare regime is also getting streamlined. A beauty detox is one of the biggest trends for this year as we start to be a bit more conscious about everything we buy and use.

And, that includes your skincare products. For 2022, it’s all about only using the products you actually need – and the best bit? It can actually benefit your skin!

What has caused the shift?

According to Alexa Inge, the founder of Cult Beauty the pandemic is partly to blame. “The pandemic and what we are living through will impact consumption and consumer behaviours for the next five years at least,” explains Alexa.

“It has pumped rocket fuel into trends that were quietly bubbling up over the last year.

“We have disconnected from our ‘hamster wheels’ and reconnected to our homes, family units and neighbours. We are reconnecting to the digital, work and commercial world with intention, awareness and a little bit of trepidation.”

But, it’s not just the pandemic that has prompted us to cut back. The need to buy the latest skincare product just ‘because’ has left many of us feeling disappointed and underwhelmed.

Dr Anna Puri, the founder of skincare e-tailer website Skinora, agrees, “After a few trials and errors, many of our clients are starting to realise that less is more when it comes to skincare and that using too many products doesn’t guarantee effective results; it can sometimes even do the opposite,” Anna told Vogue.com. 

Which products do you ACTUALLY need?

First comes first. Cleansing is non-negotiable There is no point adding any sort of products on a dirty face, how you cleanse your skin is up to you just remember twice a day and if you want to be really thorough then do it twice – the benefits of double cleansing speak for themselves. 

After this step the golden answer is actually as simple as 1, 2, 3. Or in other words vitamin C, retinol and SPF. Yep, with these three ingredients your skin will have everything it needs.

“Simply keeping your skin hydrated and protected can make a big difference,” explains Anna. And if you look for products that contain these three you will find that your skin benefits

Vitamin C is known for its brightening and protecting properties, retinol for cell renewal and combating signs of aging and SPF, because well, come on, sun damage. Remember you only need to apply SPF when its light enough for you to read a book without turning the light on. So, yes that is pretty much all day - everyday.

Also, if you are using retinol it can make you skin more fragile and therefore it will burn more easily making it even more important.

A routine which includes these three key ingredients will have you skin smiling and your shelves minimalised.

Some products to look out for if you want to detox –

Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème, £37

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, £62