When it comes to the skin, a great skincare routine is important for not only how we look now, but also an investment in the condition of our skin in years to come. Olivia Gynell is our resident natural beauty expert at JSHealth and today she shares an easy natural beauty skincare routine perfect for giving your skin a little extra TLC as we head into the winter months.
The skin is also a gauge for our internal wellness systems. We can assess the level of our health by the look, feel and condition of our skin. So by focusing on the ‘beauty within’ when choosing a skincare routine, we are ensuring a holistic approach that will not only serve our beauty, but our long-term wellbeing too.
When deciding on a more natural skincare routine, we not only prioritise our health and give our skin the support it truly needs, we are also bringing an infusion of self-love and harmony to our busy lives. When we feel happy and balanced on the inside, we are less likely to feel the need to compare ourselves to others. Instead we can celebrate who we really are, embrace our individuality and tap into our own source of youthfulness from within.
For me, a natural routine means considering both product and lifestyle choices. This has served me far better than creating a rigid routine that can fall by the wayside when life gets busy. And now that I am approaching 40, I am definitely seeing the benefits of caring for my skin naturally.
Here are my tips to get started:
GO NATURAL
With the skin being such a rapid absorber, thinking of your skincare as ‘skin food’ helps to guide your choices. There are some beautiful natural products available, and if you wish to stay minimal search for pure multi-use products, DIY or peruse your pantry.
Simple ingredients such as water, honey, coconut or cold-pressed nut oils, apple cider vinegar, coconut sugar, eggs, avocado, yogurt – full of natural beauty-boosting nutrients, the list is endless and readily available to get pampering.
Once a week I make a gorgeous facial scrub with coconut oil, cacao powder, coconut sugar and a little macro salt as a little self-love treat.
SLEEP
When we sleep, the body naturally aligns and shifts gears into a deep healing mode.
Our faces relax and release of tension, which also helps with fine lines. Include a pure silk pillowcase for additional benefits like moisture retention and a smoother skin texture.
CLEANSE, TONE and MOISTURISE
There is no need for an expensive repertoire of products to care for your skin. In fact, less is more.
A simple routine of a refreshing water cleanse with a cotton facecloth each morning, and a good cleanse with your favourite product in the evening is all it takes.
Find a good natural SPF moisturiser for day, and a hydrating evening moisturiser made with good quality pure oils for evening. Jojoba, coconut, macadamia and rosehip are all popular oils rich in age-defying nutrients and rich moisture.
AVOID NASTIES
Being our largest external organ, our skin is prone to exposure to external factors such as the sun, pollution, and ingredients that exist in our personal care products. Did you know it takes only 17 seconds for the skin to absorb ingredients into the bloodstream once products are applied? Now that’s fast!
Exposure to harsh chemicals in personal products can affect our health, and can also expedite the ageing process. Our skin can be prone to hormone interference, dryness, irritations and more serious symptoms, so by avoiding certain nasties we give our skin the support it needs to thrive instead of struggle.
Trying to work out which chemicals to steer clear of can be a science within itself, so here is a quick reference list with some examples:
- Phthalates (di-butyl-phthalate, di-ethylhexyl-phthalate)
- Parabens (butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben)
- Propylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
- Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfate
- Synthetic Fragrances (parfum, vanillyl butyl ether)
- Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)
- Petroleum By-Products (mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, dipropylene, glycol, butylene glycol, disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, polybutene, triclosan, polyethylene)
TAKE A BREAK
What I love most about a natural skincare routine is the feeling of relaxed wellness. Knowing that my skin is thriving and my health is being nurtured. There are times when having to wear make-up or use of non-natural products is a must. And this is ok.
The skin renews itself every 7-10 months. And if you can’t escape (or afford to replace) the harsher products in your bathroom cabinet just yet, taking a break every so often is still very helpful.
Going make-up free, starting a water cleanse in the morning, making a facial scrub or mask and treating yourself even just once a week will still work wonders. And small changes such as gently increasing your water intake, or going to bed a little earlier to get your ‘beauty sleep’ will still work wonders.
A natural beauty routine is also about doing what feels great and natural for you. Without feeling stress or placing pressure on yourself.
What are your favourite ways to pamper your skin naturally?
With love and joy,
Olivia
Olivia Gynell is a kindfulness coach, eco-beauty expert, loving wife and mother to three beautiful daughters. As former intentional boss lady of celebrity-loved national lifestyle brand Green Foot Mama, Olivia lives and breathes a ‘kindful’ life, and is heavily entrenched in the art of sustainable living, self-care rituals and mindful practices. Surrounded by Mother Nature, the surf, sand and sea in her beautiful hometown of Byron Bay, Olivia believes that authentic beauty comes from self-love and acceptance and strives to spread this message by guiding women on their journey towards self-empowerment and feeling beautiful on the inside out. You can follow her @oliviagynell or visit www.oliviagynell.com for more information.
