Skincare is undisputedly one of the most crucial aspects of self-care. Today, the skincare industry is saturated with options and each has its benefits and disadvantages. While there is no harm in experimenting to see what works for you, constantly exposing your skin to heavy chemicals can do more harm than good. Besides being harsh on the skin, such products are also associated with illnesses, medical disorders, and environmental hazards.
If you’d rather try a routine that’s skin & eco-friendly, switching to natural products is a good alternative. This holistic guide has been created to craft a routine that’s ideal for your skin type. So, let’s begin:
- Decode The Art Of ‘Layering’ with Natural Products
One of the most popular concepts in skincare is having an ‘AM: PM’ skincare regimen. What this means is having separate routines for the day and night, with a variation of products for your skin.
Usually, most AM: PM routines are based on 5-10 steps, and while there is some credibility to it, this may not always be necessary for your skin. Sometimes, it can be as simple as 3 steps too. It all depends on finding the right fit for your skin, and don’t let fancy marketing gimmicks convince you otherwise. Before you craft your regimen, let’s understand how these steps, known as layering, work.
- Layering is a method of applying your skincare, in order from least to most dense products. When you use multiple products, like serum, toner, and moisturiser, layering helps ensure that each product does its job right. When you switch to more natural products, finding the right ingredients for each target area of your skin becomes crucial. For example, you may decide to replace your acne serum with a natural aloe vera gel, but both have different textures. So, it always helps to know which product to use and when to use it.
- Layering is a method of applying your skincare, in order from least to most dense products. When you use multiple products, like serum, toner, and moisturiser, layering helps ensure that each product does its job right. When you switch to more natural products, finding the right ingredients for each target area of your skin becomes crucial. For example, you may decide to replace your acne serum with a natural aloe vera gel, but both have different textures. So, it always helps to know which product to use and when to use it.
Now, let’s take a look at how your natural products can fit into this regime:
- Cleansing: The first golden rule of skincare is keeping your skin clean. Only then will your creams and serums be absorbed smoothly. So, begin by choosing a mild cleanser and washing your face with lukewarm water. Using synthetic, chemical-based cleaners may get the job done but can harm your skin when used regularly. If you spend long hours outdoors or live in a humid place, you’d likely want to cleanse your face multiple times a day. Using chemical-laden cleansers so often can damage your skin’s texture. Natural cleansers, on the other hand, can be used regularly without the fear of such side effects.
Some believe that home ingredients like besan (chickpea flour) and milk make for great natural cleansers, but if you’d rather buy one, you can try brands like Just Herbs, Bare Minimum and Forest Essentials.
Natural cleansers will usually have a few healing herbs included as well. Some, also have a more scrub-like formulation, with nuts and fruit extracts to exfoliate your skin. Depending on your skin’s needs, you can identify the type of natural cleanser that would work best. - Toning: While this is optional, toning is a good step to prep your skin. Toning can open your pores, making sure your products are absorbed well.
Natural toners infused with Vitamin C, cucumber, or rose water are mild alternatives to try. These can also be used as face mists to refresh your skin in the middle of a busy day! You can get these from brands like Pahadi Local, Natva, and Jugni. - Serums: In comparison to creams and moisturisers, serums are lightweight. They are also more concentrated and hence should be used after cleansing and toning. Natural serums are often made with plant extracts, and organic brands ensure that each ingredient is derived from the highest quality plants and herbs.
Try homegrown brands like Anahata, Goya Basics, Daughter Earth, Natural Vibes, and Wild Earth to find a serum for your specific needs like acne, dullness, or fine lines. - Moisturisers: Moisturisers hydrate your skin and keep it soft. They are also crucial to keep your skin young and must not be avoided, no matter what your skin type.
Natural moisturisers are mild and can be healing if made with Ayurvedic formulations. Explore brands like Forest Essentials, Daughter Earth, and Bare Minimum to find one that’s just right for you!
PS: Also invest in a good eye cream with anti-aging properties. The skin around our eyes is thinner and hence needs a little extra care! - SPF: SPF is an important element for your skincare. There are many fears and negative beliefs associated with synthetic SPF, which is why many avoid it. But sunscreens help keep the skin safe from harmful UV rays and are recommended to be used indoors too! Some specialists even recommend sunscreen at night.
Natural SPF products are a viable alternative. Not only are they skin-friendly, but they are also ocean-safe. So, if you plan on taking those summer surfing lessons or a dip in the sea, you needn’t worry about harming aquatic life. Find these at brands like Bare Minimum and Natural Vibes. - Face Oils: Usually a replacement for moisturisers, face oils are relatively heavier and should be applied last in your routine. Especially useful for dry skin and/or during the winter, you can try herbal oils like Kumkumadi Tailum for your skin.
Try brands like Lamina Care, Nytarra, and TheSwitch Fix for natural formulations that suit most skin types.
Source: Sublime Life
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Now that you’ve got a hang of how to layer your products, let’s understand how to build a routine from these products.
- Build an AM: PM Regimen
During the day your skin has different needs than it does at night. While the daytime is aimed at protecting the skin, the night routine is meant for healing and rejuvenation.
Here’s a basic AM guide to follow:
Step 1: Cleanser
Step 2: Toner (Optional)
Step 3: Serum
Step 4: Moisturiser, Eye Cream
Step 5: SPF
Post this, you can go on and do your makeup as usual! Make sure to have 10-15 minutes intervals between your serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen, so that your skin has enough time to soak in each product.
Here’s your PM regime:
Step 1: Do a double cleanse (This will get all the makeup & day’s pollution off your face!)
Step 2: Mask & Scrub (Do this 2-3 times a week)
Step 3: Toner (Optional)
Step 4: Serum
Step 5: Eye cream
Step 6: Face Oil
You can also use an overnight mask, but if you find that too drying, use face oil in the morning for added hydration! While these are the basics of a routine, it’s best to see what suits your skin type first, and then plan the routine more accurately.
Source: Brown Living
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- Decode The Needs of Your Skin Type
Just because a product is natural, it does not automatically follow that it is good for your skin. Every skin has its own needs, so it is also crucial you pick what works for you. When choosing organic skin care, read the ingredients list to spot any allergens that may affect your skin and do a spot test. For example, if you are allergic to certain kinds of herbs, it may cause rashes or breakouts despite being a natural product.
If you tend to have hyper-sensitive skin, it’s also a good idea to try a few natural home remedies, so you have control over what ingredients are being added. Slowly, this will help you identify the right formula for products as well.
Learn more about choosing clean products here.
- If you tend to have acne-prone oily skin, face oils may lead to breakouts. In that case, opting for lightweight natural moisturisers is a better option. Yet, if you prefer face oil, try one with acne-healing properties. Tea tree oil is one such ingredient.
Similarly, your cleansers should be water-based rather than oil-based. You’ll find these from the range of brands we mentioned above! - If you have a combination or normal skin type, you can experiment a tad more as most products will work for your skin. Be mindful not to over-use or add too many products to your regime, as this may clog your pores.
Instead, choose products based on specific target areas for maximum results. For example, if you suffer from dullness and puffiness, try a caffeine-based serum. Similarly, if you’re trying to fight aging signs, try bio-retinol, a plant-based alternative to retinoids. Earth Rhythm, Just Herbs, and Amala Earth have a range of plant-based serums you can try.
- If you suffer from dry skin, avoid double-cleansing your face as it can sometimes lead to dryness. If you do follow this step, make sure to layer with hydrating products, right from the toning stage. A common misconception is that dry skin may not lead to acne, but that’s not always true. If you do have dry but acne-prone skin, you must include a targeted face oil or moisturiser in your regime. You can also speak to an expert to know if you should use any medicated creams.
Source: Suspire
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Generally, natural skincare works a lot like any other skincare regime, but without the potential side effects of synthetic products. One hack to get it right is to swap products based on their properties (Like swapping retinol creams for bio-retinol and synthetic SPF for natural SPF!). This way, your current regimen will not be drastically altered either. The good news is that there are natural alternatives available for practically every skincare requirement.
By opting for natural skincare, you will also be doing the planet a favour. These products keep our wastewater streams clean and microplastics-free. These are often also manufactured on the principles of ethical and sustainable production and come in biodegradable packaging. Besides, choosing local, homegrown brands reduces your carbon footprint too.
Sounds like a win-win right?!
