Maybe you’re already convinced of why you should ditch your toxic skincare products (even the supposedly “natural” ones are full of iffy ingredients more often than not), but you don’t know where to start or you deplore that you just don’t have time to dedicate to concocting lotions and potions (I call shenanigans on that excuse by the way, most recipes are so simple that you could whip up a few in less time than a trip to the cosmetics department takes). BUT, I know any transition takes time and it’s usually best to start slowly, so here’s a simple way to give this whole natural beauty thing a try without risking any expensive ingredients on your alchemy skills.
This simple skincare routine requires no measuring, or mixing, or tempering, just straight-up ingredients applied straight to your skin. You kind find all of them at the grocery store and most of them are likely lurking in your kitchen cupboards already. Perform this routine (minus the exfoliation) twice a day for naturally clean, glowing skin.
Cleanse Your Face
I only recently started washing my face with honey on the recommendation of a friend (hi, Jessi!) and had a “how did I not think of this?!” moment. I knew that honey is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial (helps fight acne), as well as incredibly moisturizing, but the more I looked into it the more benefits I found. Honey has just enough drying power to combat any pimples you already have, its gentle but effective enough for any skin type, and it is packed with enzymes that helps repair acne scars and has some anti-aging benefits. It may seem counterintuitive to rub something sticky on your face to clean it, but trust me, it works.
Wash your face of makeup (I use olive oil soap) before warming up approximately 1/2tsp of honey in your hands. Massage over your entire for for a minute or two and then rinse off with warm water.
If you’re vegan, I’d recommend giving the oil cleansing method a try (more on this another time).
Tone
Apple cider vinegar makes a great astringent because it will remove any remaining dirt, minimize pours, and fight acne-causing bacteria. Pour a liberal amount on a cotton pad and rub over your face and neck. Orange blossom water and rose water are great alternatives, but more expensive and also more difficult to come by.
Moisturize
Maybe one day you’ll want to foray into the world of making fancy whipped face moisturizer, but it’s really not necessary. I always come back to using pure plant oils. Whether it’s jojoba, coconut, olive, sweet almond, avocado, or castor, you’ll just need a few drops (this article is helpful when choosing the right oil for your skin). Massage thoroughly into your face and neck. Without the emulsifiers used in commercial moisturizers, it will take a few minutes to soak in, but I promise, this is not going to make your face oily and you can apply makeup directly over top.
Exfoliate
In keeping with the theme of simplicity, I only exfoliate once or twice a week, any more is irritating for my skin but hey, everyone’s different. Perform this step after cleansing and before toning/moisturizing as needed to keep the pesky flakes at bay. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon onto a cotton pad and sprinkle 1tsp. of sugar over it. Massage the pad over your entire face and neck in circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Once a month or so you might want a more vigorous exfoliation. Mix 2-3tsp. with 1tbsp. baking soda (you want to create a thick paste). Using your fingers or a clean makeup brush, apply a thin layer of the paste over your face (there should be enough to share with a friend). Allow to dry for 15-20 minutes (it may itch a little, that’s normal). Wet your fingers and massage the baking soda into your skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
And that’s it! No impossible to pronounce ingredients, no fancy techniques or equipment, no excuses. Let me know if you give this routine a try and what your results are like.
What’s your skincare routine? Do you have any natural beauty tricks up your sleeve? I’d love to hear!
xx S.
I’ve recently ditched the hard to pronounce skin care products. I’ve been in my kitchen mixing salts, sugars, and oils. This is an amazing blog. I’m excited and ready to try the apple cider vinegar as n astringent and the monthly exfoliate idea.
having read a lot about it on nomoredirtylooks.com, i’ve just started using honey on my face too, and propolis as a moisturiser. they are both pure magic! x
I haven’t heard of propolis as a moisturizer. I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for the tip!
xx Sarah