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Welcome, lovelies!
You’re about to embark on a beautiful journey towards embracing the most natural and wholesome version of health and beauty.
It’s all about stripping things back to basics—where simplicity meets efficacy, and your skin gets exactly what it needs, nothing more, nothing less.
This guide will help you create a skincare routine that is kind to your skin and our planet.
Whether you’re a skincare aficionado or someone just beginning to explore beyond the high street brands, there’s something here for you.
Together, we’ll find a routine that celebrates your unique skin type, using ingredients that love your skin back.
Ready to start? Let’s dive in and discover how easy and fulfilling natural skincare can be.
Understanding your skin type
Before we roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of concocting your new skincare routine, it’s crucial to have a little heart-to-heart with your skin. Understanding your skin type is the cornerstone of all things skincare. Why? Because knowing your skin’s unique needs means you can tailor your routine to fit like a glove.
Here’s a quick rundown to help you pinpoint where you land on the skin type spectrum:
- Dry skin: Feels tight and parched, especially after cleansing. You might notice flakiness or a matte finish due to a lack of moisture.
- Oily skin: Shiny, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), with a tendency towards larger pores and frequent breakouts.
- Combination skin: A bit of a jigsaw – oily in some areas and dry in others. You might find your T-zone shiny while your cheeks crave hydration.
- Sensitive skin: Reacts to…well, just about anything. Prone to redness, itching, or stinging, especially when trying new products.
- Normal skin: The chameleon of skin types; well-balanced, not too oily, not too dry, and generally unproblematic.
Got a feel for your skin type? Brilliant! With that sorted, we can start tailoring a routine that’s as unique as you are.
If not, here’s a really simple quiz to help you find out.
A complete natural skincare routine for each skin type
Creating a skincare routine that harmonises with your skin type is a bit like choosing the right outfit for the day—what works beautifully in one scenario might not be as effective in another.
Here’s a bespoke guide to help you. Below, we will go through the natural ingredients (sometimes a little DIY is required) to (zzz).
Now that you’ve got a grasp of what your daily skincare might look like, let’s sprinkle in a bit of DIY magic. These homemade recipes are tailored to fit seamlessly into the routines we’ve just explored, enriching your regimen with natural, potent ingredients directly from the source.
Mature skin
Caring for mature skin means focusing on hydration, nourishment, and gentle anti-aging strategies. Here’s a natural routine that celebrates your skin at every age:
Cleansing: Start with a hydrating cleanse that doesn’t strip away moisture.
DIY Creamy Avocado Cleanser: Blend half an avocado with a tablespoon of olive oil for a rich, creamy cleanser that leaves skin soft and hydrated, setting the stage for further nourishment.
Toning: Boost skin elasticity and firmness.
DIY Pomegranate Toner: Steep pomegranate peels in boiling water, let it cool, and use as a toner. Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and helps in skin tightening and rejuvenation.
Moisturising: Deeply moisturise and target signs of aging.
DIY Argan & Rosehip Oil Serum: Mix equal parts of argan oil and rosehip oil. Both are renowned for their anti-aging properties, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and improving skin elasticity.
Exfoliating (Bi-weekly): Gently exfoliate to promote cell renewal.
DIY Yogurt & Honey Exfoliant: The lactic acid in yogurt gently exfoliates, while honey moisturises. This combination gently removes dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin.
Mask (Weekly): Address age-related skin concerns with a nourishing mask.
DIY Banana & Vitamin E Mask: Mash a ripe banana and mix with the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Banana is rich in vitamins and moisture, while vitamin E supports skin healing and reduces the visibility of scars and age spots.
Eye Care: Pay special attention to the delicate eye area.
DIY Cucumber & Aloe Eye Gel: Blend cucumber and aloe vera gel for a soothing eye gel that reduces puffiness and fine lines. Store in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
Protection: Protecting mature skin from further damage is crucial.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Use a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. While not a DIY, choosing a mineral-based sunscreen can be gentler on mature skin.
Dry skin
Cleansing: Begin with a gentle, oil-based cleanser to remove impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils.
DIY Cleansing Oil: Mix equal parts of jojoba oil and sweet almond oil. Massage into your face and remove with a warm, damp cloth for a soft, moisturized start.
Toning: Hydrate and prepare your skin for moisturizing with a soothing, natural toner.
DIY Rose Water Toner: Distill fresh rose petals in boiling water and let it cool. The result is a fragrant, calming toner that refreshes your skin after cleansing.
Moisturising: Lock in moisture with a deeply hydrating DIY cream.
DIY Avocado & Honey Moisturizer: Combine half an avocado, a tablespoon of honey, and a teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply this rich mix to your face for intense hydration.
Exfoliating (Weekly): Gently remove dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin.
DIY Oatmeal Scrub: Grind oatmeal and mix with honey and a little milk to create a gentle exfoliating paste. Use once a week to slough off dead skin without harshness.
Mask (Weekly): Treat your skin to a deeply nourishing mask.
Hydrating Avocado Mask: The same avocado and honey mix used for moisturizing can be left on the skin for 20-30 minutes as a mask, offering deep nourishment and hydration.
Protection: Always finish with protection, even if you spend most of your day indoors.
Natural Oil SPF: While DIY sunscreens are not recommended due to their unreliable protection, applying raspberry seed oil can provide some level of natural SPF along with your regular sunscreen for added moisture and protection.
Oily skin
Cleansing: Kick off your routine with a cleansing solution that tackles excess oil without over-drying.
DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Cleanser: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water for a balancing cleanse. This helps regulate oil production and maintain a healthy skin pH balance.
Toning: A good toner can help manage oiliness and reduce the appearance of pores.
DIY Witch Hazel Toner: Witch hazel is naturally astringent, helping to tone and tighten pores. Use it straight as a toner, or infuse it with thyme for its additional antibacterial properties.
Moisturising: It might seem counterintuitive, but oily skin needs hydration too.
DIY Aloe Vera Moisturiser: Combine aloe vera gel with a few drops of tea tree oil for a light moisturiser that hydrates while combating oil and acne.
Exfoliating (Weekly): Remove build-up and clear pores without stripping your skin.
DIY Coffee Ground Scrub: Mix spent coffee grounds with a small amount of honey for an exfoliant that’s rich in antioxidants and gentle on the skin.
Mask (Weekly): Use a mask that draws out impurities and balances oil production.
DIY Clay Mask: Mix bentonite or kaolin clay with water to form a paste. Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. Clays are excellent for absorbing excess oil and detoxifying the skin.
Protection: Even oily skin needs protection from harmful UV rays.
Natural Oil SPF: While DIY sunscreens are not advisable, using jojoba oil under a non-comedogenic sunscreen can help mimic your skin’s natural sebum, balancing oil production while providing some protection.
Combination skin
Combination skin requires a careful balance, catering to both oily and dry areas without exacerbating either. Here’s how to create a harmonious routine:
Cleansing: Start with a gentle, balancing cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin.
DIY Honey & Jojoba Oil Cleanser: Combine a tablespoon of raw honey with a few drops of jojoba oil. Honey attracts moisture, while jojoba balances oil production, making this perfect for combination skin.
Toning: Restore pH balance and prepare the skin for moisturising.
DIY Green Tea & Lavender Toner: Brew green tea and add a few drops of lavender essential oil once cooled. Green tea reduces inflammation, and lavender soothes, offering balance for both skin types.
Moisturising: Use a light moisturiser that hydrates dry areas without overwhelming oily zones.
DIY Aloe & Glycerine Moisturiser: Mix equal parts aloe vera gel and vegetable glycerine with water for a hydrating yet light moisturiser. Aloe soothes and hydrates, while glycerine draws moisture into the skin.
Exfoliating (Bi-weekly): Gently exfoliate to keep both oily and dry areas in check.
DIY Oatmeal & Yogurt Scrub: Mix ground oatmeal with natural yogurt. Oatmeal gently exfoliates, while yogurt’s lactic acid helps refine pores and hydrate.
Mask (Weekly): Address both skin needs with a custom mask.
DIY Multimasking: Apply a clay mask (like the DIY Clay Mask for oily skin) on the T-zone to absorb excess oil, and a hydrating avocado mask (as mentioned for dry skin) on cheeks and dry areas.
Protection: Protect your skin without adding greasiness.
Natural Oil SPF: Using lightweight oils like argan oil, known for its non-greasy moisturising properties, under a broad-spectrum sunscreen can offer protection and hydration suitable for combination skin.
Sensitive skin
Navigating sensitive skin requires a gentle touch and soothing ingredients to calm irritation and avoid flare-ups. Here’s a routine crafted with the utmost care:
Cleansing: Opt for a very gentle, non-irritating cleanser.
DIY Micellar Water Cleanser: Mix distilled water, a few drops of gentle baby shampoo, and a teaspoon of glycerin. This concoction cleanses without stripping, mimicking the gentle action of micellar water.
Toning: Soothe and prepare your skin for moisturising with a kind-hearted toner.
DIY Chamomile Tea Toner: Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea, let it cool, and use it as a toner. Chamomile is known for its soothing properties, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Moisturising: Hydrate with a simple, soothing moisturiser.
DIY Aloe Vera & Coconut Oil Moisturiser: Mix aloe vera gel with a small amount of coconut oil for a soothing, hydrating moisturiser. Both ingredients are known for their calming and moisturising properties.
Exfoliating (Occasionally): If your skin can tolerate occasional exfoliation, choose the gentlest method.
DIY Rice Flour Scrub: A soft paste made from rice flour mixed with yoghurt offers gentle exfoliation, brightening the skin without harshness.
Mask (Bi-weekly): Treat your skin to a calming mask.
DIY Cucumber & Aloe Mask: Blend cucumber and aloe vera gel for a super soothing face mask. Apply whenever your skin needs a calming boost.
Protection: Protecting sensitive skin from the sun is crucial, but chemical sunscreens can irritate.
Mineral Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Though not a DIY, these ingredients sit on the skin’s surface, reflecting UV rays without causing irritation.
Normal skin
Blessed with normal skin? You’ve hit the skincare jackpot, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on care. Here’s how to maintain that balanced complexion with a straightforward, natural routine:
Cleansing: Keep it simple with a gentle cleanse.
DIY Cucumber & Milk Cleanser: Blend cucumber with milk for a refreshing, cleansing milk that hydrates while it cleanses, perfect for maintaining the balance of normal skin.
Toning: Refresh and prep your skin.
DIY Rosewater Toner: Pure rosewater acts as an excellent toner for normal skin, balancing and refreshing without the need for any additions. Its natural astringent properties help tighten pores while hydrating.
Moisturising: A light moisturiser keeps your skin in tip-top condition.
DIY Jojoba & Lavender Oil Moisturiser: Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil into jojoba oil. This combination offers lightweight hydration and a calming scent, ideal for daily use.
Exfoliating (Weekly): Gently exfoliate to keep your skin bright.
DIY Papaya Enzyme Scrub: Mash a slice of ripe papaya and add a teaspoon of fine sugar. Papaya enzymes help gently exfoliate, leaving skin glowing without harsh scrubbing.
Mask (Weekly): Give your skin an extra boost of care.
DIY Honey & Oatmeal Mask: Mix raw honey with ground oatmeal for a mask that’s both hydrating and soothing. Perfect for a weekly pampering session, this mask leaves normal skin feeling soft and supple.
Protection: Sun protection is key for every skin type.
Natural Oil SPF: For additional hydration, apply a few drops of raspberry seed oil beneath your regular sunscreen. While not a replacement for sunscreen, raspberry seed oil is believed to offer some UV protection due to its high antioxidant content.
Incorporating Natural Swaps
As you get more comfortable with your routine and DIY recipes, consider making a few natural swaps. These are small changes that can have a big impact not just on your skin, but also on reducing waste and supporting ethical practices. Here’s how to start:
- Swap synthetic cleansers for natural oil-based cleansers to remove makeup and impurities without stripping your skin.
- Replace your commercial toner with witch hazel or rose water, both gentle, natural alternatives that help balance and refresh your skin.
- Opt for natural oils (like jojoba, almond, or argan) over store-bought moisturisers for nourished skin without unnecessary additives.
I wrote a whole article on SWAPS HERE.
Tips for a Successful Transition
Embracing a natural skincare routine is a journey, and every journey has its bumps. Here are a few tips to make your transition smoother:
- Introduce new products gradually to give your skin time to adjust and to pinpoint what works best for you.
- Patch test any new DIY recipe on a small area of your skin before full application, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Listen to your skin: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to step back and reassess.