“It’s difficult to keep up with skincare trends but this is one that I can really get behind,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips. Consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite concurs, adding that skin streaming is essentially the opposite of another popular trend, skin flooding.

So, if this sounds like something that might be right up your street, here’s what you need to know.

What is skin streaming?

“Skin streaming involves streamlining your routine and whittling it down to only the essential products. This process cuts out unnecessary steps to ensure your skin-care routine is as effective as possible,” says Dr Phillips.

What are the benefits of skin streaming?

“Skin streaming has a few benefits. It can be more cost-effective as fewer products are being used. Those with more sensitive skin are also likely to benefit as the more products used, the higher the risk of potential irritation,” says Dr Granite. “However, it all comes down to what is being used.”

That means it’s best to shop smarter and use products that are targeted towards your particular skin concerns. “If you over-strip skin, or over-exfoliate it, there is the potential that you could end up damaging the skin barrier, so skin streaming may help to reduce that risk because you’ll be incorporating fewer ingredients,” she explains.

It’s also worth noting that both Dr Granite and Dr Phillips have seen rising cases of perioral dermatitis among their patients, a condition that can often be directly attributed to having an overly complicated skincare routine.

What are the main skincare products most people benefit from using every day?

“Most people can benefit from a daily skincare routine that includes a gentle cleanser to remove impurities, a moisturiser to hydrate the skin and repair the skin barrier and SPF in the morning for UV protection,” says Dr Phillips.

“These fundamental steps help maintain skin health, prevent premature ageing and establish a solid foundation for additional targeted products if needed. I would also recommend incorporating vitamin C into your morning routine to brighten the complexion, boost collagen production and protect against harmful free radicals.”

The best streamlined, dermatologist-approved routine

Skin streaming is set to be one of 2024’s biggest trends – here’s what you need to know