Natural Skincare for Beginners: Benefits, Routines, and Essential Products
"Natural skincare is booming" would be an understatement—it is EXPLODING. People are finally realizing that going natural is the ultimate solution. However, with every skincare business claiming to be natural, it can be a daunting task to build a skincare routine that actually suits you. And if you are a beginner, then you need more honest opinions than anyone else.
Well, if you don't know where to start, fret not; here is our ultimate guide to natural skincare for beginners.
What Exactly is Natural Skincare?
Before jumping on to the main topic, let’s understand what exactly is natural skincare? The terms "natural," "organic," and "clean" in skincare lack clear definitions. This is because the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these labels. As a result, each brand defines "natural" in its own way.
However, generally, natural skin care products are made primarily from earth-derived ingredients. Common examples include:
Natural oils like coconut and olive oil
Natural butter
Witch hazel
Essential oils
Plant powders
Some natural products may still contain synthetic preservatives, while others might use plant-based options or be free of preservatives altogether. Therefore, to understand what you are purchasing, always check the product label.
Additionally, brands often explain their definitions of "natural" on their websites. This can help you make informed choices about the products you use.
Natural Skincare Routine for Beginners—Step-by-Step Guide
A natural skincare routine focuses on using fewer products. It includes clean items that are gentle and free from harsh ingredients. Most skin care routines have similar basic steps, and here are the most common ones.
Step 1: Cleanse Gently
Any skincare routine starts with gently cleansing your face every morning and night. This helps remove dirt, makeup, and leftover products.
Regular cleansing leads to clear and healthy skin as it removes impurities which can clog your pores and cause blackheads, breakouts, or skin irritation. It also prepares your skin for the natural products you will use afterward.
Use lukewarm water if you are using a traditional cleanser. Apply the cleanser onto your skin and gently massage for a while. Then rinse and pat dry. If you are using oil cleansers or balms, apply them to dry skin, massage, and then rinse with water.
For dry skin, look for cleansers that add moisture. Good ingredients to look for are oils, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. A cleansing balm is a great choice.
If you have oily skin, choose a noncomedogenic, oil-free cleanser. Foaming and gel options work well. The aim is to balance your skin, not drain all the oil from your skin.
If you have combination skin, go for a lightweight cleanser that hydrates while cleansing. Gentle cleansing benefits your skin by keeping it balanced and healthy.
You can consider using La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser—ideal for normal to dry sensitive skin. It gently removes makeup and impurities while keeping the skin hydrated and maintaining its natural barrier.
Step 2: Toning
Toning is a very important part of a natural skincare routine and should never be missed! It restores the skin's pH balance after cleansing and masking.
Toners also help remove leftover dirt, oil, and impurities, leaving the skin clean and refreshed. They provide hydration, tighten pores, and prepare the skin to absorb the next skincare products better, which can lead to a smoother and more radiant complexion.
If you need something natural and USDA certified, consider using Organic Rose Water Spray for Face and Hair which clears pores, balances pH level, and works well with all types of skins.
Step 3: Moisturizing
Moisturizing is essential for all skin types, both morning and night. This step hydrates the skin and locks in moisture for a glowing and healthy appearance. Here is what to consider when moisturizing.
If you have dry skin, go for an oil-based moisturizer. You can hydrate your skin more by using a hyaluronic acid serum first and then applying a cream. For oily skin, choose oil-free and non-comedogenic products. Lastly, a gel cream during the day and an oil-based moisturizer at night will work well for combination skin.
Using Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer or The Honest Company Hydrating Lotion provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection while hydrating your skin and maintaining its natural moisture balance. It helps prevent early signs of aging from daily sun exposure.
Step 4: Sun Protection
No skincare routine is complete without applying sun protection. It is recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. It is the best way to protect your skin from aging and skin cancer. Use it every morning as the last step in your skincare routine before any makeup.
Go for a mineral sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Avoid chemical sunscreens that contain harmful ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate.
Other Essentials for a Healthy Natural Skincare Routine
Apart from that, using facial oils like rosehip or argan oil can immensely improve your skin's health. Rosehip oil is rich in vitamins such as A and C, which improve skin tone and provide hydration.
Argan oil is rich in fatty andantioxidan acids which makes it excellent for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. Together, these oils hydrate and protect against environmental damage, resulting in radiant skin. If you are looking for options, give JB SC, STEM CELLULAR Vinifera Replenishing Oil a go.
Adding a natural face mask like Deep Collagen CICA Teatree Soothing Overnight Mask into your routine once a week adds extra nourishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is natural skincare more effective?
Natural skincare products often use natural preservatives, which may not be as effective as synthetic ones. However, they tend to be gentler on the skin, which makes them a popular choice for many people.
What does 100% natural mean in skincare?
Natural cosmetics primarily use ingredients from plants, animals, or minerals. They minimize synthetic components, especially those from petrochemicals, but may still include ingredients from intensive agriculture, like milk or eggs.
Natural Skincare—Beneficial in All Ways
It is hard to summarize the benefits of natural skincare in a few words. It prevents premature skin aging, gives you healthier skin, is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and whatnot. If you have decided to go natural, which is a wise choice, our guide on natural skincare for beginners will be greatly beneficial for you.