My daily skincare routine is quite simple; I wash my face with water and pat dry. That’s it. Sometimes I’ll spritz it with rose water. Other times I’ll wash it with honey if I feel it needs a little cleaning. When I’m really feeling fancy, bentonite clay is my go-to for it’s ability to pull out impurities so effectively. But overall, my skin feels best when I pay the least attention to it. I try to focus more on what I eat, drink, think, and do as that all greatly impacts the skin. Even the most minimal skin-care people out there can benefit from a little extra love and attention. This facial routine is exactly that, and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
I’ve only learned recently to cater my skin-care and daily life around my menstrual cycle. This has been hands-down one of the most important tips I’ve gotten. What phase I am in determines how my skin (and body) react to certain products. For example, during my luteal phase things start to get a little heated. My skin becomes aggravated and is more prone to breaking out. During this phase, I keep things super simple (back to just washing with water!) and try not to poke or prod too much. I like to take a step away from the mirror, and nourish my skin from the inside out. Alternatively, during my follicular phase my skin is feeling and looking it’s best. This is when I like to do something a bit extra. Maybe it’s a face mask or a gentle honey wash. Today I felt like going all out. No matter what, working with my body and it’s subtle cues has been key in finding what and when works best for me and my skin type.
Despite being a 5-step process, I’ve tried to keep everything as simple as possible. No chemical peels or harsh cleansers are used, but instead gentle, calming, and nourishing products. Some of these things you may already have in your cabinet. If not, alternatives are given. If you decide to embark on this self-pampering excursion, be sure to free up about a half hour of your time. Grab a girlfriend, light some candles, put on some good music, and go to town. You are always worth it.
STEP ONE: STEAM
This is the time to bring in mindfulness and a little meditation practice. Enjoy the decadent smells and focus on your breath. Breathe in deeply and slowly and let it out. Appreciate the moment. This will help to ease stress as well as steam and clean your pores; double win!
you will need
1 scoop dried chamomile flowers
1 scoop dried lavender flowers
1 scoop dried lemongrass
about 4 cups boiling water
a heat-safe bowl
towel
what to do
I. Add all your dried flowers to the heat-safe bowl.
II. Pour over boiling water and allow to cool for about 30 seconds.
III. Carefully hover your face over the bowl, keeping a comfortable distance away so not to burn yourself.
IV. Cover your head with a towel and take nice long, deep breaths for about 5-10 minutes. You can set a timer if you need.
V. Rinse your face with luke warm water, and you’re ready for step two.
*Alternatively you can use a couple drops of high-quality essential oils instead of the dried flowers. At the very least just use water; steams are great for opening and cleaning out the pores regardless of whether you put extra in it or not.
STEP TWO: MASK
This is the fun part. Bentonite is powerful stuff and is known for pulling impurities from the skin. Sometimes I opt out of doing a bentonite mask if my skin is feeling extra sensative. If you feel that way, swap it out for raw (or manuka) honey and allow to sit on your skin for up to 30 minutes. If you do choose the clay, avoid using metal; use wooden or ceramic mixing tools and bowls.
you will need
1 T (tablespoon) bentonite clay
cucumber witch hazel, other kind of witch hazel, rose water, or plain water; mix in until it forms your desired consistency
what to do
I. Mix ingredients together with non-metal utensils in a wooden or ceramic bowl until it forms a nice paste.
II. Apply all over face and allow to set for about 5 minutes or until it just starts to dry. You don’t want to leave this clay on your skin for too long or it will dry you out.
III. Rinse with luke warm water enjoying the mild exfoliation it has to offer.
**Alternatively use about 1 T raw honey and apply all over face and leave on for about 15 minutes.
STEP THREE: HYDRATE
I absolutely love this stuff. It’s calming and hydrating (which is different that moisturizing) and comes in a spray bottle so you don’t have to do any mixing. I bought mine from a local apothecary type store, but you can find online too. It saved my skin in the drier months, and is now just a bonus in the summer. This “moisturizer” is also the perfect step after a bentonite mask which tends to dry you out a bit.
you will need
what to do
I. Spray liberally all over face and allow to sit for as long as you’d like. This will only hydrate, so it can stay on for a while. Sometimes I put this on at night and leave on while I sleep.
II. Because it makes your skin a bit sticky, you do want to rinse eventually with cool water. Here I left it on for about 20 minutes.
**There are many different types of sprays like this. Find what you like best.
STEP FOUR: TONE
Use your favorite toner here, any will work. Because I love everything gentle when it comes to my skin, I opt for plain old rose water.
you will need
what to do
I. Again spray liberally all over face.
II. Allow to dry slightly before moving to the final step.
**Other common toners are witch hazel and diluted apple cider vinegar. Or if you’re up for it, you can make your own!
STEP FIVE: MOISTURIZE
I love oils for moisturizing, and I’m constantly switching up which one I use. Currently I am using rosehip oil and loving it. It seems to meld well with my skin right now in the heat of summer.
you will need
organic rosehip oil, or whatever your favorite face oil is
what to do
I. Apply a couple drops on hands and spread all over face, neck, and chest.
**Use whatever moisturizer you like best.
