My New and Improved Natural Skincare Routine
Since I returned from Thailand during the pandemic, I have taken it upon myself to research skincare routines properly. I haven’t really had a skincare routine before, I’ve always been a little tomboyish and a bit lax in that area, thinking a simple splash of soap will do and using only natural products.
I like to save space in my backpack for more important things!
I’ve also never been one to wear much makeup, if at all, but I have always felt my best when my skin is completely clear.
Unfortunately, I suffer from extremely bad cold sores for which I take medication. If I didn’t, I’d have continuous and repetitive cold sores stretching from my lips all the way down past my chin. They are very painful and can happen at any time but usually, they flare up when I am run down, stressed, have eaten badly or have had too much sun. They don’t take long to heal but afterwards, I am always left with horrendous scarring and a very patchy, uneven skin tone.
That’s just the cold sores, don’t even get me started on the hormonal breakouts!
I’m a huge fan of simplicity and will stick to natural products wherever and whenever possible. I’m also a huge advocate of saving time, but since I’m not getting any younger, I thought it was about time I invested in myself, hence my new and improved skincare routine! I have always tried to implement more organic, ethical and eco-friendly skincare products into my daily life and I am determined to make 2022 my best feel-good year yet.
Here are a few products I use to help both my skin and the planet!
Derma Roller
I love my derma roller. I first bought it back in 2016 and I’ve never looked back.
If you don’t know what derma rolling is, it’s basically where lots of little needles repeatedly prick the skin at the same time.
The idea is to encourage cell rejuvenation, helping to improve fine lines, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.
I’ve noticed that a few days after I use my derma roller, my face looks much more healthy, glowing and young.
I’ll normally do this once a week or once every two weeks.
Bamboo Exfoliating Gloves
These gloves have changed the game for me!
I’ve never really bothered to exfoliate if I'm honest. I’ve bought facial scrubs before but always forgot to use them and I don’t like the idea of having to use a scrubbing brush when all I want is a quick shower!
Once a week, I’ll pop these gloves on pretty much straight away and whilst I wash my body with soap, I exfoliate at the same time. I also use the tips of my gloved fingers to gently exfoliate my face.
Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother)
I use Apple Cider Vinegar for three things, firstly as a hair rinse, secondly as a cleanser and lastly, a toner. Some people like to drink it for extra health benefits but I don’t, simply because I don’t like the acidic properties coming into contact with my teeth. Straw or no straw!
Once every two weeks, after shampooing my hair, I dilute a cup of ACV with water, then pour it on my head and let it sit for a few minutes. After it has had time to soak my hair from root to tip, I then rinse it out with water. I find that this ACV rinse leaves my hair feeling soft and makes my natural waves look more volumised.
As both a cleanser and a toner, I simply apply it to my face in sweeping motions. My skin is pretty tough so I tend not to dilute the cider but if yours is more sensitive, definitely add water into the mix. You’ll soon see your skin start to clear up and the texture even out.
Rosehip Oil, Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Oil
I tend to use oils and serums as moisturisers in most cases unless I am stepping outside the house, in which case I’ll use reef-safe sunscreen.
I don’t like to use coconut oil by itself as it often breaks me out but sometimes I use the tiniest drop as a carrier oil when mixing Rosehip, Lavender and Tea Tree together.
I only look for oils with pipettes, rather than the small essential oils that you have to straight-pour. I simply mix a couple of drops together, along with the carrier oil and massage this into my skin using a Jade roller.
Tea Tree is a tricky one to get right, always look for the pipette version so as to not dry out the skin.
If I fancy a break from oil, I like using a hemp moisturiser on my face and shea butter on my body. No ashy knees here!
Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
I love Vitamin C serum! Simply put, this is the best serum I have ever used. Applying this to my face leaves my skin feeling really supple, soft and rejuvenated. I love the glow it gives me and honestly, I feel like a radiant goddess whenever I wear this. I don’t apply it every day, simply because I don’t want to end up turning the colour of a tangerine, but I do enjoy the overall even complexion it gives me. Who needs make-up?
So that’s pretty much my routine at the moment, if you liked this post, let me know and I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my journey!
