My skincare was the first thing I changed to clean, non-toxic products when I made the switch to a non-toxic lifestyle. Over the years, my routine has evolved and changed until I found an easy clean beauty routine that worked, was easy to maintain, and practical for a busy lifestyle. Keep reading to learn about my clean beauty routine that has been pretty consistent over the last year, with minor adjustments to accommodate changes in skin needs and seasonal weather changes.
Why switch to cleaner products?
You may think that federal agencies prove safety before products are approved, used, and sold. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In fact, while the European Union has banned over 1400 chemicals in personal care products due to safety concerns, the US has only banned 11. The US has fallen behind on banning ingredients and chemicals that are linked to adverse health effects such as neurological impacts, hormone-disrupting properties, or carcinogenic effects. We are now lacking in standards that are common in other countries. This is leaving us exposed to chemicals in our products every single day.
The worst offenders we want to avoid:
- Fragrance
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Formaldehyde
- Ethanolamines (TEA, MEA, DEA. etc)
- Oxybenzone
My 5 Minute Clean Beauty Routine:
Once I learned that so many chemicals are hiding in beauty products, I started to search for cleaner alternatives. I was pleasantly surprised by how effective clean and non-toxic products are. Both my morning and nighttime routine are minimalistic, I still feel I am able to indulge in effective and luxurious feeling products. All of my products are non-toxic, clean yet very effective. In this post, I’m sharing my evening and morning routines below:
My 5 Minute Clean Evening Beauty Routine:
Cleansers:
First, I cleanse my face with an oil cleanser followed by my favorite facial cleansing bar. This double cleansing combo gets my makeup off and leaves my face clean and soft, but not dry or tight. If I don’t wear much makeup, I sometimes only use one or the other, but I found using both really helps my skin.
My two favorite oil cleansers are, the One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil and Beauty Counter’s Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil. Both cleansing oils get all my makeup off, leave my face subtle without an oily residue. The best part, both rinse clean with water – no washcloth needed. Both smell great and add a luxurious feeling. The Beauty Counter cleansing oil foams a little more and is slightly more moisturizing.
The Osmia Black Clay facial soap is my favorite, non-drying bar soap. I started using it solely for travel, yet it quickly became an everyday staple and replaced my other face cleansers. Every time I tried something else, I went back to this one. Not only is it effective, but it also lasts me more than 6 months using it once a day, which is surprising how small it is. I highly recommend buying the soap saver from Osmia as well as it really keeps your soap dry, and no soap is wasted.
Serums and Moisturizers:
I follow my Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum, which has been so good to my skin. I think the magic ingredient is the bakuchiol that reduces fine lines and firms the skin. Whenever I slack and don’t use it or forgot to take it on a trip, I really miss it and notice my skin isn’t as supple the next morning. Two times a week, I’ll use a resurfacing peel to exfoliate instead of my radiance serum. During humid summer months the serum is enough hydration for my skin. During dryer months I like to add a moisturizer. I am currently using this face cream but will switch to a more moisturizing face cream soon.
A good lip balm is never far and the last step of my evening routine. Over the years, I have tried many lip balms. The primally pure lip balm has become my favorite, as it is super moisturizing, non-shiny, and long lasting.
Self-Care Practice:
If I have extra time (more than 5 minutes), I’ll use my Gua Sha to massage and revitalize my skin. It really makes an instant difference in the glow and rosy tone of my skin. It looks more lifted too, but that could very well be my imagination. I really think it helps my skin and knowing that it helps my lymphatic drainage and helps my body to detox by moving toxins toward my lymphatic drainage points from which it can more easily be excreted by my body is reason enough to spend the extra time. Ideally, I would do it every night. That is not my life right now, so I do it as often as I can. Additionally, I count this as part of my evening routine rather than simply my beauty routine as it has a positive impact on more than just my face.
My 5 Minute Clean Beauty Morning Routine:
My clean beauty morning routine is very simple yet effective. First, I wash my face with water and a Konjac sponge for some exfoliation. If I need deeper exfoliation, Acure’s Brightening Facial Scrub is my go-to 2 or 3 days a week, usually after I use the resurfacing peel. It exfoliates without being too harsh or hurting my skin. After washing my face, I apply One Love Organics Vitamin C serum. It adds a beautiful glow while moisturizing and brightening the skin. Since using it, my skin is visibly brighter and more radiant. It is very important to apply SPF to protect your skin as the vitamin C serum makes it more susceptible to sunburn. On days with lots of sun exposure, I skip the vitamin C serum and opt for my Radiance Serum instead.
Lastly, I add my favorite moisturizer and SPF. If I only want a moisturizer without SPF, I’ll reach for Osmia’s Purely Simple face cream. For days where I want to add SPF, Josh Rosebrook’s Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30 is one of my go-to. Josh Rosebrook has an un-tinted and a tinted version. With either version you have a smooth application, both are easy to rub in and don’t leave a white cast. The Nutrient day cream melts into your face beautifully and allows for even makeup application if you choose to add some.
Lastly, I add my favorite Primally Pure lip balm before I start My 5 Minute Makeup Routine (check it out here).
I am sharing my clean beauty routine to show it is possible to have a simple non-toxic routine that works I once thought I needed all the conventual products to have glowing healthy skin. I was so wrong.
Thank you for being here and I hope this is blog post is helpful to you! What are some of your favorite clean beauty products that are part of your beauty routine? Leave a comment below or connect on social media.
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