Are you looking for a natural skin care routine that works for your skin type and lifestyle? Do you want to avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients that may harm your skin and the environment? If so, you are not alone. More and more people are turning to natural skin care products that are made from plant-based and earth-friendly ingredients.
In this article, you will learn how to create a natural skin care routine for day and night, based on your skin type and needs. You will also discover some of the benefits of natural skin care, as well as some tips and tricks to make your routine more effective and enjoyable.
What is Natural Skin Care?
Natural skin care is a term that can mean different things to different people. There is no official definition or regulation of what constitutes a natural product in the skin care industry. However, generally speaking, natural skin care products are those that are formulated mostly or entirely with ingredients derived from nature, such as:
- Natural oils, such as coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc.
- Essential oils, such as lavender, tea tree, rose, etc.
- Plant extracts, such as aloe vera, chamomile, green tea, etc.
- Natural butters, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, etc.
- Plant powders, such as oatmeal, turmeric, charcoal, etc.
Some natural skin care products may also include ingredients that are not derived from plants, but are still considered natural, such as:
- Honey, beeswax, propolis, etc.
- Milk, yogurt, kefir, etc.
- Clay, salt, sugar, etc.
Natural skin care products may or may not use preservatives to extend their shelf life and prevent microbial growth. Some natural products may use plant-based preservatives, such as vitamin E, rosemary extract, grapefruit seed extract, etc. Others may use synthetic preservatives that are deemed safe and effective by the FDA, such as phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, etc. Some natural products may be preservative-free, but they may have a shorter shelf life and require refrigeration or special storage conditions.
Benefits of Natural Skin Care
There are many reasons why people choose natural skin care over conventional products. Some of the benefits of natural skin care are:
- They may be gentler and less irritating to the skin, especially for those with sensitive or allergic skin.
- They may provide more nourishment and hydration to the skin, as they contain vitamins, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and other beneficial compounds.
- They may help balance the skin’s pH, oil production, and microbiome, as they are more compatible with the skin’s natural functions and flora.
- They may have a positive impact on the environment, as they reduce the use of synthetic chemicals, plastic packaging, and animal testing.
- They may have a positive impact on your well-being, as they offer aromatherapy, sensory pleasure, and self-care benefits.
How to Create a Natural Skin Care Routine for Day and Night
Creating a natural skin care routine for day and night is not very different from creating a conventional one. The basic steps are the same, but you may need to adjust them according to your skin type, needs, and preferences. Here is a general guide on how to create a natural skin care routine for day and night, based on the most common skin types: oily, dry, and combination.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production, enlarged pores, and a shiny appearance. Oily skin may be prone to acne, blackheads, and inflammation. The goals of a natural skin care routine for oily skin are to cleanse, exfoliate, tone, treat, moisturize, and protect the skin, without stripping it of its natural oils or causing further irritation.
Morning Routine
- Cleansing: Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser that can remove dirt, excess oil, and makeup without drying out the skin. Foaming and gel cleansers are usually a good choice. You can also try oil cleansing, which involves massaging a natural oil (such as jojoba, sunflower, or hemp seed oil) onto dry skin, and then rinsing it off with water. Oil cleansing can help dissolve and remove impurities, while balancing the skin’s oil production.
- Exfoliating: Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week, using a natural scrub, mask, or peel that can remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. You can make your own exfoliant using ingredients such as oatmeal, sugar, coffee, baking soda, etc. Be gentle and avoid over-exfoliating, as this can damage the skin barrier and cause more oiliness and inflammation.
- Toning: Apply a natural toner that can restore the skin’s pH, tighten pores, and prepare the skin for the next steps. You can use a simple toner made from distilled water and apple cider vinegar, or a more complex one made from witch hazel, rose water, aloe vera, etc. You can also add a few drops of essential oils, such as tea tree, lavender, or lemon, for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Treating: Apply a natural serum or oil that can target specific skin concerns, such as acne, scars, hyperpigmentation, etc. You can use a pure oil, such as rosehip, argan, or tamanu oil, or a blend of oils and extracts, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, or salicylic acid. These ingredients can help heal, brighten, and smooth the skin, while providing antioxidants and hydration.
- Moisturizing: Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that can hydrate and protect the skin, without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. You can use a gel, lotion, or cream, depending on your preference. Look for natural moisturizers that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, etc. These ingredients can help lock in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and prevent water loss.
- Protecting: Apply a natural sunscreen that can shield the skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. Look for a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these ingredients can reflect and scatter the sun’s rays, rather than absorb them. Avoid sunscreens that contain chemical filters, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, etc., as these ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause hormonal disruption, allergic reactions, and environmental damage.
Night Routine
- Cleansing: Use the same cleanser as in the morning, or a different one, depending on your needs. You may want to double cleanse, which involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, to ensure that all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants are removed from the skin.
- Exfoliating: Use the same exfoliant as in the morning, or a different one, depending on your needs. You may want to use a chemical exfoliant, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which can dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter, and clearer skin. AHAs, such as glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid, can also help improve skin hydration and collagen production. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, can also help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. You can find natural sources of AHAs and BHAs, such as fruit acids, willow bark, etc., or use synthetic ones that are derived from natural sources. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can cause irritation, sensitivity, and dryness. Start with a low concentration and frequency, and gradually increase as your skin tolerates. Always wear sunscreen when using chemical exfoliants, as they can make your skin more prone to sun damage.
- Toning: Use the same toner as in the morning, or a different one, depending on your needs. You may want to use a hydrating toner, such as one that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, to replenish the moisture that may have been lost during cleansing and exfoliating.
- Treating: Use the same serum or oil as in the morning, or a different one, depending on your needs. You may want to use a retinoid, which is a derivative of vitamin A, that can help stimulate cell turnover, reduce wrinkles, fade dark spots, and prevent acne. Retinoids are one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients, but they can also cause irritation, peeling, and photosensitivity. You can find natural sources of retinoids, such as rosehip oil, bakuchiol, etc., or use synthetic ones that are derived from natural sources. Be careful not to use retinoids with other exfoliants, as this can increase the risk of adverse reactions. Start with a low concentration and frequency, and gradually increase as your skin tolerates. Always wear sunscreen when using retinoids, as they can make your skin more prone to sun damage.
- Moisturizing: Use the same moisturizer as in the morning, or a different one, depending on your needs. You may want to use a richer moisturizer, such as a balm, butter, or oil, to provide more nourishment and protection to the skin overnight. You can also use a natural night cream that contains ingredients such as peptides, ceramides, or antioxidants, to help repair and rejuvenate the skin while you sleep
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