If you are reading this blog, I would guess that taking care of your skin is important to you. Knowing exactly how to take care of your unique skin probably isn't as clear as your desire to do so. With so many products on the market promoting different ingredients, it's hard to know what products to try and which ones will work for us. In this article we aim to show you how to start an all-natural skincare routine and build on it to find a routine that works for your schedule and your skin.
Beginner Essentials
The first step in starting any skincare routine is to identify your skin type. Although a quick Google search will tell you there are as many as 9 different skin-types, we're trying to keep things simple. The five different skin-types I would start with are acne-prone, oily, dry, normal, and sensitive. Once you know your skin-type we can move on step 2.
The second step, and arguably the most important, is cleansing. Healthy skin starts with good cleansing. Your ideal cleanser, regardless of your skin-type will clear away dirt, debris, and sweat without removing your natural oils or clogging your pores. You might notice on our site that we only offer one cleanser, our Facial Oil Cleanser. We have found that oil cleansing is good for all skin types, and this cleanser was formulated with ingredients that will work with all of the five major skin-types. For the very best results, you should clean your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
The third step is hydration. A good moisturizer will keep your skin soft and hydrated without clogging your pores. In step two we talked about not stripping the natural oils and moisture from your skin while cleansing, but moisture can still be lost throughout
the day due to other factors such as wind and dry weather, so it needs to be replaced to keep your skin happy. When looking for a good moisturizer, always look for one that is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores. Your ideal moisturizer will be made with healthy oils and a good humectant such as hyaluronic acid that will keep your skin hydrated all day. Just like cleansing, you will want to moisturize twice a day, right after washing and drying your face.
That's it, you've just started your all-natural skincare routine! Think you're ready to take it to the next level? Below we will look at adding additional products to flesh out your routine.
Expanding on the basics
Now that you have a good cleansing and moisturizing routine, you might be looking to up your game. By now you have identified your skin-type, but before we go any further, we need to look at what your skincare goals are. Are you looking to keep your skin youthful? Rebuild your skin barrier? Maybe detoxify your skin or do away with sunspots? Once you have identified your goals it will be easier to figure out what to add into your routine.
There are a couple important things to remember before adding in additional products.
Add in one product at a time. This way you know what product is working for you, and should you have any problems arise, you'll know what to remove from your routine. This will also help you identify how many products you can comfortably use without losing interest in your routine.
Layer your products for best results. You will ideally start with lighter or thinner products and work your way up to the thicker moisturizers. Water based products should always be applied before oil based. To really get into the best steps, check out our blog post all about layering.
Be consistent and patient. Each time you add in a new product, it is important to remember that results can take time. It will take about 4-6 weeks of consistent use to see optimum results, so don't ditch it if you don't notice an improvement right away!
There are a number of different types of products that can be added in to meet your skincare goals. Our first recommendation when expanding your routine is a good toner. You can find a toner for any skin-type and skincare goal, so it is a good addition for everyone. A toner will help remove anything your cleanser might have missed while also adding hydration and balancing your skin's pH. Keeping your pH right helps to keep you from developing acne and improves your skin barrier.
Exfoliation is another great way to add to your routine. There are chemical and physical exfoliators, but we recommend chemical options as they are not so harsh on delicate facial skin. Your options here are AHA's and BHA's. AHA's will break down and exfoliate the upper layers of your skin which is good for anti-aging effects and cell turnover. BHA's go a little deeper and are great for clogged pores and acne-prone skin. Always read the instructions on your exfoliant to make sure you do not overuse it. Chemical exfoliants should always be a part of your nighttime routine, as they can cause sun sensitivity when applied in the morning.
When you're looking to add in some specialty ingredients, serums are a great way to do that. Again, you can find a serum for any goals you might have. While some of the ingredients you find in a serum are the same as in your moisturizer, a serum will contain a higher percentage and have a more profound effect. A good skincare company will give a good description of their serums and tell you what skin-types can use it, so you can make an informed decision. There are a number of specialty ingredients out there, so there is a little more research that should be done when deciding on your serum. As for use, always follow the instructions for the particular product, some can be used multiple times a day, and some should only be used at night.
Finally, we'll look at masks. Masking is a great addition to a skincare routine, because it is not something you do every day, and it can be a great way to escape and take some time for yourself. We love clay masks, as they offer some detoxification while also nourishing the skin. Since clay can be drying, they should only be used once a week.
How to add Birch Sisters products to your routine
Ready to take the plunge and expand your skincare routine? Below are our recommended products based on your skin-type. We work hard at formulating quality products that can be used by all skin-types, ensuring there is something for everyone! If you're still not sure what product is right for you, shoot us an email, we'd love to help! We're in the process of formulating new products, and we'll update our recommendations as they get added.
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