My Super-Simple All-Natural Skincare And Beauty Routine
Body DIY DIY Skincare & Beauty Natural Beauty Natural DIY
Looking to make the switch to an all-natural skincare and beauty routine? Wondering where to start and which products actually perform!? Take a peek inside my super simple routine, targeted to prevent blemishes and fight the signs of aging… naturally of course!
A lot of readers ask me for all the details on all the things I put on my face.
(Oh hey!)
If you’ve been around these parts before, you’ll know this is because I struggled with adult acne in my early 20s.
During this time, I spent a small fortune on dermo appointments and skincare products, wasted countless hours orchestrating the daily battle between my concealer and blemishes, cried a lot (true story), and put a ton of unhealthy chemicals on my face — harsh, kill-all-the-acne-causing-bacteria-there-ever-was chemicals.
As I learned more about health and body burden, I knew I needed to get these chemicals out of my life but was scared. What about my skin!?
Didn’t I need these chemicals?
Ironically, doing a full 180 and adopting a very gentle, totally natural skincare and beauty routine (along with a nutrient-dense diet, of course!) finally helped me achieve the clear skin of my dreams.
Nowadays, my skincare routine is also geared towards anti-aging.
(Hello, 33!)
And since I geek out on natural skincare and beauty more than anything else in this whole wide world, it seemed only appropriate to finally put a post together about my natural skincare and beauty routine.
My routine is actually very simple and I hope will be inspire you to go natural or simply try something new!
Now you may still be wondering…
Do natural skincare and beauty products actually work?
Oh absolutely!
Yes, once upon a time it was pretty hard to find a natural mascara that lasted more than an hour without flaking under your eyes.
But as demand for safer products and the natural beauty market has grown, we know have a ton of safe, natural, high-performing options to choose from.
So no, you don’t have to sacrifice beauty in the name of health or vice versa!
And many natural, non-toxic skincare ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10, charcoal, and niacinamide are so effective that they’ve even snuck into mainstream beauty lines. And skincare practices like exfoliation help prevent blemishes and increase collagen production — whether you’re using a natural exfoliant or nasty-filled exfoliant! So why not choose the nasty-free version, I say!
OK so let’s get to it!
My Super-Simple All-Natural Skincare And Beauty Routine: Skincare
CLEANSER
I wash my face just once a day, every evening. Yes, just once a day!
Over-washing your face can easily throw off the pH and microbiome of your skin, both of which are key for keeping skin healthy and clear.
I alternate between InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Cleanser which is a very gentle gel cleanser, and InstaNatural’s Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser so as not to over-exfoliate my skin. That being said, glycolic acid is a wonderful exfoliant that helps to both keep blemishes and signs of aging away. Win win!
EXFOLIATION
Exfoliation is an absolute MUST. So if you’re not doing it yet, you need to start ASAP, my friend. Because it helps to keep pores clear and stimulates collagen production. Plus, it improves skin texture and helps makeup go on much more smoothly.
But when it comes to exfoliation, it’s so important not to overdo it! Those with oily skin should exfoliate 1-2 times a week while those with more sensitive or dry skin should exfoliate no more than once a week. And since I do use an exfoliating face wash every other day, I exfoliate just once a week.
I prefer and recommend chemical exfoliants (acids and enzymes) over granular exfoliants (scrubs). Currently loving: Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask and my own Body Unburdened Pink Perfect & Protect Customizable Mud Mask mixed with yogurt (which contains exfoliating lactic acid)!
FACE MIST
I have a small hydrosol obsession! They smell amazing and provide skin with the benefits of these pure botanical extracts. I’ve honestly tried nearly all of them (embarrassing to admit!)… but love lavender and neroli most.
VITAMIN C SERUM
Vitamin C does it all. As a powerful antioxidant it helps to reduce blemishes by preventing sebum oxidation, increases the production of collagen, and helps lighten dark spots.
Now I’ve tried A LOT of different vitamin C serums and my favorite is definitely Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C Serum. Rather than l-ascorbic acid (which can be very irritating and oxidizes easily), it contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is very gentle, much more stable, and studies have found to be beneficial for fighting breakouts and acne. It also contains a bunch of other skin-loving goodies like hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant ferulic acid, and konjac root (which helps fade hyperpigmentation). So much to love!
NATURAL MOISTURIZER
It’s all about the face oils, baby. Whenever anyone compliments my skin (it still blows my mind when that happens!), I immediately blurt out “FACE OIL!” and start gushing all about it the way a young child gushes about a day at the beach/their favorite movie/mermaids/anything remotely exciting — you know, very quickly and with an intense enthusiasm.
I’ve tried dozens of different face oils over the years — I’m fascinated by the different fatty acid compositions and the impact this has on different skin types. Their unique vitamin and mineral contents, scents, and textures. And I’ve recently taken this years of obsessing research and bottled up my very best blends for you too — Body Unburdened Beauty Blends!
At night after cleansing, exfoliating, and toning, I very generously apply Beauty Blend No.1. While I used to apply oils both day and night, I now often use a natural CC cream during the day (see below) for some SPF coverage and sheer color.
FACE MASKS
Oh goodness, do I love a good face mask. I apply a mask about twice a week — an exfoliating mask like mentioned above once a week and either a clay-based or hydrating mask depending on my skin’s needs.
If my skin is dry/irritated, I’ll just slather on some organic raw honey — honey is a natural humectant that draws and holds water to the skin.
Most typically though, I mix the honey along with some water into one of my Body Unburdened Customizable Mud Masks for the added benefit of pore-perfecting clays, hydrating marshmallow and aloe, and powerful fruit and herbal extracts! (Yes, I had a lot of fun formulating and testing these!)
The cult classic DIY All-Natural Blackhead Busting Blackout Mask is also still occasionally on rotation 🙂
My Super-Simple All-Natural Skincare And Beauty Routine: Beauty
NATURAL SPF + COLOR
I’m obsessed with
On days when I need a little extra coverage or to prevent shine, I apply 100% Pure’s Fruit Pigmented Powder Foundation on top.
I also use 100% Pure’s Long Last Concealer with Super Fruits under my eyes. Thanks to genetics, I have pretty bad dark circles AND eyes that scrunch way way up when I smile. So a lot of concealers look cakey and accentuate my expression lines around my eyes — not a good look. This is the only concealer I’ve found so far that doesn’t!
NATURAL MASCARA
100% Pure’s Black Tea Mascara. Hands down. The best. Enough said.
EYESHADOW
I’m obsessed with creamy eye shadows that give a little bit of color and shine without making me look like a 13 year-old from 1998 (in other words, really glittery) — they somehow make my whole face seem brighter and all glowy. Little miracle workers!
My favorites: RMS Beauty Eye Polish (in just about every color!).
LIP COLOR
Ahh I love a colored lip! Even when I’m a total mess, it makes me feel pulled together and lady-like.
For a night out or more bold look, Jane Iredale’s Forever Pink Lip Stain is where it’s at — as the name suggests 🙂 it’s a bright pink that lasts forever.
That’s it! Pretty simple, huh?
My morning beauty routine only takes about 2-3 minutes using the above products and THAT is a beautiful thing. Honestly, I spend more time staring at the fridge deciding what to eat for breakfast.
And like I said, it’s ironic that adopting a very simple, natural skincare routine was able to totally change my complexion — I used to think that I really needed all of those harsh chemicals in the products I was using, and the more the merrier. Now I know better (heck, I even only wash my face once a day!) and my tears are spent on much more important things, like the movie Up (seriously, I had no idea it would be such a tear-jerker!!).
What are your natural skincare favorites? Anything in particular that’s really saved your skin? Or do you have any questions or comments? Share below in the comments!
Interested in natural skincare and beauty? You’re in the right place!
Here are some popular posts you may also enjoy…
- The Best Face Oils By Skin Type
- The Top 10 Essential Oils for Skincare
- DIY All-Natural Blackhead Busting Blackout Mask
Hey, Erica! I just replied to your comment on Facebook LOL 🙂 That’s really depending on what you’re looking for — the cleansing balm is really rich and moisturizing (and leaves your skin super soft) whereas the charcoal bar is great if you tend to have blemishes (even if you don’t, it’s a good basic cleanser). Let me know if you have any other questions!!
Hi Nadia, Would you recommend BeautyCounter’s nourishing cream cleanser over the charcoal cleansing bar? I want to give one a try, but not sure which one would be better for every day cleansing. THanks!! Erica
Oh thank you, Sandi! *blushing*
I just started this regimen and I’ve only started seeing MORE pimples, some painful, and lots of tiny whiteheads. Just a sign that this is not for me? It’s a bummer. I had high hopes since it sounds like we have a similar skin type.
You’re flawless girl!
Hi Nadia,
I have been an acne sufferer for many years and have used Proactiv since I was 16. Now that I’m 30 I have had mostly clear skin, using just the Proactiv facewash for the past several years. I didn’t want to be using chemicals anymore, so I decided that this sounded like a great option. In the first few days it seems to work great, my skin was looking healthier, but as time progressed I started getting large painful pimples all over my cheeks and forehead. I figured it was just a transition period, but it continued as I went through a full month of the routine. I decided that after the month was up with increased issues, I would switch to water only. I am now a week into water only and my skin is healing. I had never had such large painful acne before, it was different than anything I had experienced, and I think it was likely a reaction to one of the essential oils in the face wash or moisturizing mixtures. I think it might be important to note (though you do say that you have to find the right oils for you) that people should really test their reaction to each ingredient before jumping in. Some of these can be fairly harsh, natural or not. Regardless, I am thankful that you led me down this road, and I hope to stay chemical free permanently!
Ashley
what oil would you recommend for removing makeup? I have acne prone skin
Hey, Ashley! Definitely — they are a great company with outstanding quality. Most of their products are certified organic.
Yep I only wash at night to get rid of makeup and pollutants. I mean, I don’t do anything while I’m sleeping to get my face dirty. I experimented a bit before stopping my morning wash but I can definitively say it’s what my skin prefers.
I have read your blog and insights on the various essential oils with great interest. I am actually looking to go all natural.
one question though… Do you not wash your face in the morning?
Hi Nadia! Just a quick question. I was checking out the Mountain Rose Herbs website where you link the essential oils. I noticed that they have a lot of the ingredients that you use in your products (jojoba oil, betonite clay, castile soap, etc..) Would you recommend any of their products?
Hi Nadia!
I recently encountered your site and can’t wait to explore the whole thing! I have a question, and I am sure you have it somewhere but I can’t find it. What do you use as your cleansing routine for your body? Is there a way to go soap-free? thanks!
Awesome, Lauren! Thanks so much for sharing your routine with us 🙂
It’s awesome that you post about Manuka Honey here! I wash my face with this too, starting 2 summers ago and it has been amazing. People that I’ve told look at me like I’m a little nuts or like I’m lying, but seriously this is the thing that started me on the ‘journey to natural’ products. My skin is combination and while I never had cystic acne I seemed to be chasing a zit around my face. And then around my period it would get worse and my skin would just look blemish-y and just unhealthy. I’ve used EVERYTHING under the sun from cheap to expensive and seriously the Manuka Honey has been the best thing ever. It’s not cheap but more inexpensive than all the things I was previously using. Then I use Jojoba oil every AM/PM and sometimes put a couple drops of lavendar on a cotton pad and brush over my skin and that has been seriously working wonders. I’m so excited to incorporate some of the other tips you have here, thanks!
Thank you so much for providing this fabulous skincare routine! My skin completely shifted a couple of years ago & I began to have horrible breakouts along my chinline. I’ve been unsuccessful finding the ‘chemical’ that worked best; my dermatologist only wanted to prescribe harsher and harsher products to try and fix my acne but my skin kept getting worse. Only when I found your blog and was encouraged by your commitment to quit the ‘system’ of modern skincare did I decide to quit the chemicals and try the natural approach. I purchased products for your entire routine and have seen magnificent results in only 3 days!
My only question: I don’t want to over-exfoliate and cause more acne, how do you balance when you use your clarisonic versus when you use the baking soda mix? Or do you sometimes overlap?
Love your routine and will definitely incorporate into mine. What do you recommend for dark under eye circles? I have been battling this all my life. It looks like I have 2 black eyes! (teased as a kid for this) I use mounds of make up to cover it but was wondering if there was something to lighten them up?
Thanks
Nadia, you’re amazing. I came across your blog on Google because I discovered DIY make up wipes on Youtube, and it involved lavendar oil and I just had to do more research.
This is the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tce8OSJ0khk
What do you think of the ingredients? Also, could you please make your own DIY make up wipes video? I would LOVE to see your version. You’re an EO expert it seems like.
Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks so much for your knowledge.
Nadia,
My daughter recently sampled some makeup from Sephora and the next day she woke up in hives. The hives settled and then dried out around her eyes and lips, and then the skin started to flake off for upwards of a month. Any idea what might have caused this? She was sad to have a flaky face for the prom, but at least I didn’t have to worry about her, well, you know what they say about prom.
Hey Nadia,
I was wondering, what was your skin like before you switched to the all natural/essential oils routine? Particularly before you started using the DIY foaming face wash? Thanks.
I want to say I love you but I don’t want to freak you out (LOL) so I’ll just say I love everything about your blog! I’m also an oil – obsessed girl here and I’m still starting out, went to different sites just to expand my knowledge and came across yours. So informative! I love (you) it! I’m officially a fan! All the love from the Philippines!