A Quick Guide to Building a Natural Skincare Routine

If you barely find time to spend on yourself and do a market recce to get started with an elaborate skincare routine, you've landed at the right place. While skincare is one of the fastest-growing industries, finding just the right product for you can be challenging.

Beauty and skincare products are abundant, but not all use natural ingredients. While several lab-made formulas claim to offer you a lot and that too in the least amount of time, it is imperative that you choose a product that has a lasting impact and is kinder to both your skin and the planet at the same time. 

What is a natural skincare routine? 

More often than not, when you walk up to your mother or granny telling them you've got a pimple or tanned your skin, they've come up with a solution that involves your kitchen ingredients. That's where natural skincare begins. In simple terms, natural skincare is something that our elders have passed down over generations.

These remedies or products can be used on the skin without worrying about the side effects. Did you forget to apply sunscreen on your recent outing? Leave some potato juice on your face and rinse with water to eliminate the tanning! Name a problem, and there's something for everyone.

Today, the skincare industry has many products formulated with ingredients directly sourced from the Earth. Most of these are plant-based derivatives, and their essence is rooted in minimalism. 

Cleansing

One of the basic things you can do for your skin is to clean it every morning and night to remove any product residue. Often, leaving makeup on your skin overnight can lead to acne and irritations.

If you have oily skin, use a non-comedogenic or oil-based cleanser like a gel-based or foaming one. Vitamin C-based gentle cleansers are also available in the market that preps your skin for the next day's battles.

Similarly, if you have dry skin, use a cleanser with added moisture, like almond butter. Wet your face with lukewarm water at least once a day, but don't overdo it with the cleansers, as they can wash off your skin's natural oils.

Toning

Your skin's pH levels can make up for a lot. It is also one of the areas which is pretty easy to do but is also neglected. Toning helps rebalance your skin's natural pH and refreshes your skin without depleting it of its natural oils. Sandalwood is an excellent toner and also soothes the skin.

It reduces pigmentation and dark spots and is an ingredient often found in 'Ayurvedic Ubtans'. You can also opt for products with AHAs and BHAs to hydrate your skin.

Exfoliating

To ensure your skin looks brighter, clearer and more radiant, you need to exfoliate it occasionally. This removes any dead cells or gradual build-up that is missed during cleansing.

You can use Multani Mitti or Gramflour with Curd as simple exfoliators twice a week, preferably at night. These can be prepared at home, but you can also opt for products that offer these ingredients.

Similarly, for your lips, lemon & sugar can do wonders. If you have dry skin, don't overdo it. Market products, including AHAs, are also great exfoliators. 

Moisturising

Lastly, moisturizing is necessary both at night and during the day as it helps lock in your skin's moisture. In case of oily skin, skip oil- based moisturizers and opt for gel-based ones.

You can use a thicker, il-based formula at night for dry skin. Alternatively, you can use coconut oil at night as a natural moisturizer. 

Beyond the Basics

While each brand defines what it refers to as natural, it is essential to determine your goals and look for a brand that closely resonates with your needs. Ayurvedic brands are again entirely emerging due to their higher inclination towards natural products and reduced preservatives. And the remedies extend beyond the 4 step natural skincare routine.

Be it sun protection or eye cream, natural skincare can be more targeted to specific areas of your skin. Just ensure you test one product at a time and give your skin the breathing space to realize the benefits & make a judgement.