I have always been interested in clean beauty. Even as a teen, I would go to the drugstore and be drawn to the more natural looking brands. I really didn’t know anything about skincare though. I didn’t feel like I needed to. I was blessed with good skin and besides a cleanser and a tinted moisturizer, I didn’t need anything else.
My little sister on the other hand learned a lot about skin care. She was always researching and learning about the latest actives (specifically for acne prone skin) and trying new products. She wasn’t concerned about the non-toxic piece of the puzzle but over time she found a routine that gave her beautiful skin.
Fast forward to the last 5 years and we started talking. Not that we didn’t talk before. We are best friends. Long story short, she & her husband moved just a few streets over and we had the chance to be a part of each others every day life. She needed to know more about the crunchy world and I needed to know more about skincare. Of course those aren’t the only things we were talking about but for the purposes of this post…that is what we were talking about.
Being in your 30’s changes things
Like I said, I wasn’t really that concerned about having much of a skincare routine until I got in my 30’s. Now when I fill out beauty quizzes I am in the anti-aging category!! Yikes! I also started noticing some changes in my skin- not only from age but also from hormonal changes that come from having babies. This article lays out the basics of the changes you see in your skin in your 30’s and beyond. It is pretty much spot on as far as what I have noticed in my mid-30’s.
I wanted a skincare routine but I wanted it to be simple.
I shared my journey coming back to non-toxic beauty in my first post here. For the last year I have had a basic 3 step skincare routine. It has been a beautiful thing for my skin. My plan is to turn this into a skincare series, starting with a 4 step routine (because I am adding a step I wish I had been doing all along) and moving up to as high as maybe 10-12 (we will see how things unfold) This doesn’t mean I will be doing a 10-12 step routine. I just want to give you the steps and suggest products so that as you (and I) age, we have the knowledge to change our routine to fit our needs.
My goal is to make this simple for you. I do the research on the steps and products, you decide what you like and implement it into your life- easy right!
First things first, find out your skin type.
This video can help! Just skip to 12:46 to get to the tests to use to figure out what type you are or watch the whole thing. NOTE: These girls do use some non-toxic brands but the majority are mainstream so check ingredients if you choose to use their recommendations.
4 steps anyone can do
Even a basic skincare routine needs to change a little bit depending on whether its is morning or night. Why? During the day the goal is protection & preservation from all the harsh elements of the day- sun, environment, makeup etc. At night the goal is repair and renew. Since you are about to go to bed, your skin can really soak in the skincare and heal. Anyone can handle these four basics of skincare. They don’t take a lot of time and the pay off is great.
Cleanse (x2 in the PM)
Tone
Moisturize
Sunscreen (in the AM)
I wish I had started this simple routine in my 20’s.
Morning Steps:
Note – You can choose to interchange these cleanser, toner & moisturizer recommendations from morning to night and vice versa. Just keep in mind you do not need sunscreen at night so focus on moisturizing and anti-aging in your night routine.
- Cleanse – for me, 90% of the time, this doesn’t require a product. I simply rinse my face with cold water. When I have done a more intensive moisturizing routine at night, I will sometimes want a gentle cleanser in the morning. If you have oily skin, struggle with acne or just want to be using a product then a gentle cleanser will do the trick. Here are some non toxic options…
Skin Owl Beauty Bars – These Beauty Bars are great for the morning because they are gentle and not overly creamy or drying. There are several formulas, each designed to address a different type of skin. I have heard RAVE reviews about the Matcha bar for those struggling with hormonal acne. Some of the formulations contain essential oils so if you are sensitive to a particular oil, check the ingredients. The turmeric bar does contain some exfoliating ingredients so I would be careful using it on a daily basis as daily physical exfoliation isn’t recommended as we age. Price tag: $24
One Love Beauty Easy Does It – This non-drying formula is one that I recommend as a morning or second step cleanser. It is not a cleanser designed to remove makeup. Although it does have a light foaming formulation it does not contain the usual toxic sudsers like SLS. Price tag: $25
2. Toner: I remember toners as a cleansing & drying agent (astringent) for those with acne. I rarely if ever used one. The toners of today are much different. While you can still find the original astringent versions, many companies have chosen to focus on an oil free form of hydration. This makes toner a must for all skin types. The options I mention here in AM toners are not products I have personally used at this time (though I plan to) but are products I have done some digging on. Reading, watching reviews, ingredient checking etc.
Kari Gran Essential Hydrating Tonic – Kari Gran products are actually formulated with middle-aged women in mind. This tonic comes in a lavendar and a rose option and aside from those, only contains two other ingredients – aloe vera leaf and glycerin. If you are interested in other Kari Gran products, they have a fabulous mini kit that includes this tonic as well as 3 other products. Price tag: $34-$38
Mad Hippie Hydrating Nutrient Mist – This product is on the lower end of the price point and is also more readily available. Natural Grocers, Ulta and Whole Foods all carry this brand (be sure to check online to make sure its in stock) This may not be the best option for dry skin but is a great option for other skin types. Check out this video review for more information. (NOTE: I am not promoting this YouTube channel. I have only watched a few videos and they were all about Mad Hippie.) Price tag: $19.99
3. Moisturize: Daytime moisturizers are typically more lightweight than their night time counterparts. This is not the time for the heavy-hitting oils and balms.
One Love Organics Skin Dew Coconut Water Cream – I tried this cream when I had an Art of Organics Clean Beauty subscription box. I didn’t love it for myself at that time BUT I now know why – I was using it as my night time moisturizer and it wasn’t a good fit for my dry skin. My sister on the other hand LOVED it because she has oily skin. The texture is luxurious and though its a gel, it is not at all sticky. I will most likely repurchase this to include in my daytime routine. Price tag: $58
Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream – This is another low price point, readily available option since Walgreens now carries the Honest Beauty line (again check before you go as not all stores carry the brand in beauty.) The texture is very similar to the dew skin cream above. I enjoy the gel texture and it provides a good amount of hydration for my skin during the day. I would not personally use it as a night moisturizer but it could be a good night option for someone younger or those with very oily skin. This cream has a 3 rating on the Think Dirty App. Price tag: $19.99
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream – If you want to keep your routine to just three steps then this is the product for you. It combines a moisturizer and sunscreen (SPF 30) in one. The ingredients are beautiful and I LOVE this brand. The day cream also comes in a tinted version but don’t expect any coverage – it is more moisturizer than makeup. I can’t say enough good things about this brand. If you use this or another product with a high SPF then you can skip step 4. Price Tag: $85 (but remember, its two products in one!)
4. Sunscreen – Since you are about to spend the day in the sun at least to some extent, it is a good idea to add some protection. This is key to decreasing fine lines and sun spots.
Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Sunscreen – I could have put any Suntegrity product here but since I am talking specifically about products for the face I think either the facial sunscreen product or tinted version are great options. Price Tag: $45
Babo Sunscreen – For a more budget friendly option this baby sunscreen is a great option. Price Tag: $19.95
Night Steps:
- & 2. Double Cleanse – At night, the purpose of cleanser is to clean your face of the “daily grime”. Assuming you wear makeup, this means you need a product that will remove mascara, & eye liner as well. I recommend a double cleanse at night.
Luxe Botanics Marula Hydrating Pre-Cleanser – I received this and the Camu Brightening Cleanser in a subscription box and I love them. This is a double cleanse and for the night I find it ideal – the pre cleanser takes care of all the makeup and grime, the brightening cleanser gives a good wash and doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily. Also, they last a long time, & travel well (two very important things for me). You can try both the above mentioned products plus several other good ones in this Discovery Kit which is recommended for dry, mature, and combo skin types. I really love these products. Price Tag: $55 & $45 or kit $75
One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleanser – This is the first oil cleanser I ever tried in the clean beauty space. I got a sample from Detox Market and used every bit. I did not purchase a full size simply because I received the Luxe Botanics products a few weeks later and wanted to use them all up before buying something new. I love the smell and found that it worked well for make up removal. You can follow this cleanser with the Boscia gel below or get double duty out of your One Love Easy Does It cleanser from the AM routine. Price Tag: $42
Boscia Purifying Gel – I am planning a Clean at Sephora post where I post the products I found actually clean based on EWG & Think Dirty. In preparation, I went to Sephora and got a bunch of samples. This purifying gel was one of my favorites. I would purchase a full size version of this purifying gel (lets be honest, I am going to purchase a full size version). I loved the gel formulation and it did a great job cleansing. It is nice to have a clean option that is something I can get in town. Price Tag: $28
3. Toner – For night time I like toners with a little extra goodness. Hydration is key for me but I am including toners that are good for all skin types not just dry skin. NOTE -If you want to use an AHA or BHA you should use it here so look for a toner that will serve your specific purpose.
100% Pure Fermented Rice Water Toner – I plan to do a post all about fermented skin care as I am loving this S. Korean skincare craze. Until then, I will just tell you that it is as good for you skin as it is for your insides. This rice water toner uses enzymes and amino acids from sake to hydrate your skin. It has great reviews online and comes in a big the bottle which is always nice when you are buying skincare. I use it at night and have not found it to be drying at all. In the summer I have even used it after the Luxe Botanics combo above and skipped a moisturizer and my skin did not get dry. This one and the next toner will remain in my arsenal a long time. Price tag: $42
Hannes Dottir Mineral Mist – Another gem I received in my Art of Organics subscription box. I LOVE this mineral mist! It is full of great skin boosting ingredients including collagen. I have been known to use this alone when going make up free as well as using it in my AM & PM night routine. Good for all skin types. Price Tag: $45
4. Moisturizer – Night time is a great time to use a more intense moisturizing product. You will be laying down and not touching your face so your skin has time to really soak it all in without other products and environmental grime. This is the place where I am ok spending a little more because I am not covering it up or washing it off.
Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream – This is my “ride or die” winter moisturizer. I have tried other products and nothing works as well for me. If you have dry/mature skin this is a must try. Especially if you live in an arid climate. Price Tag: $45
Fitglow Cloud Comfort Cream – Confession, I have never tried this product but I am including it because I have heard so many great things about it. I love other Fitglow products so I am not surprised this is a good one too. Price Tag: $84
Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer – This is my Mom’s favorite moisturizer. She buys the Daily Essentials kit on the regular so she doesn’t have to worry about having bottles that will travel. The kit is a great deal and gives you an array of Tata Harper products. If you aren’t familar with Tata Harper – look her up – her products are made in small batches on her farm. It is amazing! Price Tag: $116 or buy the kit $75
Andalou Age Defying Reveratrol Q10 Night Cream – This is my sister’s favorite night time cream. She has oily skin and is very particular about her skin care. According to her, this cream “feels like you just poured a thousand glasses of water on your skin” when used with a hyaluronic acid (this is my fave). That would technically make this a 5 step process but who wouldn’t want a 1000 glasses of water on their face 😉 Price Tag: $24
There you go! I hope you enjoy creating your own 4 step non-toxic skin care routine. Be sure and comment with what products you like.
