After struggling with acne for over half of my life, I recently embarked on a journey to switch to a 100% natural skin care routine. The results have been astounding – my skin has never looked or felt better. Acne and scars that I used to try and hide are fading and disappearing. It’s hard to believe that the answer to clear, glowing skin was not in expensive products with fancy ingredients, but rather in simple, inexpensive remedies that can be found in your grocery store.
Let me take you through my natural skin care routine that has completely transformed my skin.
Cleansers
Traditional face cleansers often strip the skin of its natural oils, causing imbalances. The oil cleansing method, on the other hand, uses oils to cleanse the skin in a gentle and effective manner. It works on the principle of “like dissolves like,” replacing dirty oils with beneficial ones that heal, protect, and nourish the skin.
Here are the cleansers I use:
Hemp Seed Oil + Lavender
Hemp seed oil is anti-inflammatory and ideal for acne-prone skin. It balances oily skin without clogging pores, improves skin elasticity, and has antioxidant properties that promote cell regeneration. I mix 1 ounce of hemp seed oil with 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil. This mixture cleanses my face effectively, and I use it in the evening before going to bed.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is perfect for removing makeup. It dissolves makeup effortlessly, including mascara and eye makeup that usually doesn’t come off easily. I use liquid coconut oil for its ease of use and less likelihood of clogging pores. After removing my makeup with coconut oil, I follow up with the hemp seed oil cleanser to ensure my skin is clean, balanced, and moisturized.
Raw Manuka Honey
In the morning, I cleanse my face with raw Manuka honey. This honey is unprocessed and contains superior antibacterial and healing properties. It is nourishing, hydrating, and excellent for preparing the skin for the day. Since I remove my makeup before bed, a light cleanser like honey is all I need in the morning.
To use these cleansers, I massage a quarter-sized amount into dry skin (or damp skin if using honey) for 1-2 minutes. Then, I wet a washcloth with hot water and place it over my face to let the steam open my pores for about a minute. Finally, I gently wipe my skin to remove any remaining cleanser or makeup.
Masks
Once a week, I use a mask to deep clean my pores, exfoliate dead skin, and rejuvenate my face. I rotate between two 100% natural clay masks:
Dead Sea Mud Mask with 100% Natural French Green Clay
This mask absorbs excess oils and impurities, tightens pores, reduces acne and blackheads, and promotes blood circulation. It also features jojoba oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay
This mask provides deep pore cleansing and reduces acne. It comes in a powder form and needs to be mixed with either water or apple cider vinegar (which I prefer) before use. This mask gives intense results, but I recommend using it only before going to bed at night.
Toners
Toners rebalance the skin after cleansing, removing excess oil, dirt, and leftover makeup. They prepare the skin for moisturization, the final step in your skin care routine.
Here are the toners I use:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Although the smell is not pleasant, apple cider vinegar is one of my secret weapons in natural skin care. It is antiseptic, antibacterial, and perfect for acne and blackhead removal. It also balances the skin’s pH, lightens age spots, and fades acne scars. I dilute raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio with distilled water. After cleansing my face, I apply the mixture using a cotton ball or pad. I use this toner at night to allow it to work overnight.
Lavender Witch Hazel
In the morning, I use lavender witch hazel as a gentle and soothing toner. It wakes up my skin and prepares it for makeup application. Lavender is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which helps manage acne, calm sensitive skin, and reduce redness and irritation.
Moisturizers
Using oils to moisturize oily skin might sound counterproductive, but it actually prevents the skin from overproducing oil and keeps it balanced and moisturized without clogging pores. Oils are also excellent for healing and repairing problem skin.
Here is the moisturizer I use:
Jojoba Oil + Lavender
Jojoba oil is suitable for all skin types. It nourishes, moisturizes, and is easily absorbed into the skin without feeling greasy. It tricks oily skin into producing less oil because it closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum. Jojoba oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. I mix 1 ounce of jojoba oil with 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil. After cleansing and toning, I apply 4-6 drops of this mixture to my face both morning and night. I gently pat the oil into my skin so that it absorbs well. I wait for about 30 minutes before applying makeup to allow the oil to absorb fully. At night, I use a few extra drops for added moisture.
While coconut oil is not recommended as a regular moisturizer due to its potential to clog pores, I occasionally add a small amount of coconut oil to the jojoba oil at night during the winter when my skin becomes dry from the cold weather. This helps heal chapped skin and lock in moisture.
My Favorite Natural Skin Care
When I first started this routine, I experienced a few breakouts due to the deep cleaning of my pores. However, within two weeks, my skin started to clear up and balance itself. It felt smoother, softer, and healthier. The best way to describe the way my skin feels now is that it feels like skin should feel.
Most of the products in this skin care routine are under $10, and because you only need a small amount each day, they last a long time. The most expensive item I purchased was raw Manuka honey, but the benefits it provides make it worth the investment.
Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for me might not work for you. Feel free to customize this routine to suit your skin’s specific needs. You can try different oils and essential oils to find what works best for you.
I am thrilled to continue exploring natural remedies and healing my skin. If you try this routine, I would love to hear about your experience. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Here’s to clear, glowing skin!
FAQs
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How long does it take to see results with this natural skin care routine?
- Results vary from person to person, but you may notice improvements within the first few weeks. Keep up with the routine, and you will see clearer, softer, and healthier skin over time.
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Can I use this routine if I have oily/acne-prone skin?
- Yes, this routine is suitable for oily/acne-prone skin. However, everyone’s skin is unique, so adjust the routine to fit your specific needs.
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Can I use this routine if I have dry/aging skin?
- Yes, you can modify this routine for dry/aging skin by using different oils and essential oils that cater to your skin’s needs.
Conclusion
Switching to a natural skin care routine has been a transformative journey for me. By using simple, inexpensive ingredients, I have achieved clear, glowing skin that I never thought was possible. Through the use of gentle cleansers, effective masks, rebalancing toners, and nourishing moisturizers, I have found a routine that truly works for my skin.
Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so it may take some experimentation to find the perfect routine for you. Embrace the natural approach to skin care and enjoy the benefits of healthy, radiant skin.