How I Switched to a Natural Skincare Routine

  /  
February 23, 2015

how i switched to a natural skincare routine

 Makeup Remover: Coconut Oil | Cleanser: Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Cleanser (c/o)
Spot Treatment: JustNatural Natural Acne Spot Treatment (c/o)
Moisturizer: Weleda Calendula Face Cream

I know this post is a long time coming, but I wanted to make sure I was really satisfied with my routine before sharing the products. I do want to preface by saying that my skin isn’t 100% where I want it to be just yet. I still get hormonal breakouts and am fighting to get rid of old scars. As with everything, it just takes time. I am, however, much happier with how my skin feels and looks. So, keep reading if you’re interested to learn how I switched to a natural skincare routine. 

1. Research, research & research some more. The first thing I did was research what types of products worked best for my dry, acne prone skin, as well as which brands were reputable. One resource I highly recommend is the Think Dirty app (they aren’t paying me to mention them, I just really enjoy the app). First, you scan or search for products in the Think Dirty database. Then, the app gives you details about the product’s ingredients, and how “dirty” they are. The dirty meter grades the product based on carcinogenicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and allergies and immunotoxicities. This app is a great educational tool for individuals new to the natural product world as well as those who are more seasoned. Since downloading the app, I’m much more aware of the ingredients in my skincare products and in my household cleaners.  

2. Trash traditional make-up removers. I found that drugstore make-up removers left my skin very irritated and extremely dry. Instead of just getting rid of them from the beginning, I kept trying new ones. Thank goodness Target and Ulta have pretty great return policies. Eventually I discovered coconut oil and its many benefits – one being a kick-butt makeup remover! I give all the details on how I use it in this post, so go check that out if you’re interested. Coconut oil really deep cleans my skin and removes all my makeup. I’ll never use a traditional make-up remover ever again. 

3. Keep it simple. When I first started this natural skincare journey, I was using almost double the amount of products that I am now. My skin didn’t react well to the drastic change and increase in products, so I learned to keep it simple. I only use three products at night: my coconut oil makeup remover, Sibu Beauty sea buckthorn cleanser and the JustNatural acne spot treatment. The sea buckthorn cleanser is completely new to me. If you’re unfamiliar, sea buckthorn is a tiny berry that grows in the Tibetan Himalayas and helps nourish skin, hair and nails with its powerful antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It has been used for over 1300 years with modern scientific research to back it up. In the morning, I just splash cold water on my face and apply the Weleda calendula face cream. 

4. Remember, it takes time. You probably won’t see changes in your skin right away, but don’t worry! If you have any problematic areas, they will likely diminish after about a month. The top layer of skin, the epidermis, takes 28-30 days to renew itself. However, if you try a product and see redness or swelling immediately to 24 hours after applying, then you’re having a bad reaction and should stop using. 

Where to Purchase Natural Products:

If you’re interested in switching to a natural skincare routine, I highly recommend purchasing products from VitaCost. They have the lowest costs out there and if you visit this link, you’ll get $10 off your first purchase! From discount vitamins and supplements, to herbs, natural household and skincare items, Vitacost offers so many different high-quality products.

To see where I’m linking up today, check out my Link Party page!
Don’t forget to follow me on: Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Comments ▼

Hi Nicole! I’m a fan of organic stuff and I enjoyed reading this blog! For me it is important to take care of the skin with less chemical applications. Keeping it simple is the way to go for me too. Thanks for the read, I’m going to share this to my facebook friends, hope you don’t mind 🙂

Love a bit of research! That’s my science bones showing *winks* … have you used the Cosmethics app before? That one you can choose preferences for ingredients/enviromental concerns & it’ll screen products by your options. I’ve heard of Think Dirty, but their app wasn’t available on android last i checked (poop!)… I read your point on cleanser and i was like OMG yes, I’m constantly telling people cleansing is the most damaging part of a skincare routine! It’s just hard to believe shops sell so much of something that is bad for skin ‘eh, which is why people feels so safe with it…

http://www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk