After a long day, the last thing I want is to face a complicated skincare regimen. Sure, I desire radiant skin like those who take excellent care of theirs, but I simply can't muster the energy for lengthy routines. This year, I've also started incorporating clean, non-toxic products, which has turned my skincare journey into a quest for quality.
Fortunately, experts suggest that less can indeed be more. A streamlined skincare routine might be all you require.
My beliefs were reinforced when I met facialist Christina Jett from Christina Jett Skin earlier this year at Restore + Revive in Fort Worth, Texas. Jett's holistic approach focuses on the individual as a whole, employing organic, plant-based products paired with personalized massage techniques. It's all about healing from within and nurturing the outer layers.
Why Choose a Basic Skincare Routine?
It’s clear our skincare habits have spiraled with the influx of products available. Jett points out that too many can harm the skin barrier. The goal should be to nourish the skin rather than deplete it with excessive acids. “Healthy skin needs oil, moisture, perspiration, and a balanced microbiome,” she explains. “Utilizing plant-based, nutrient-rich products while keeping routines simple is the way to go.”
Among the essentials are a gentle cleanser and sunscreen. Jett emphasizes that thorough cleansing prepares the skin to absorb nutrients effectively. Disrupting the skin's microbiome can lead to avoidable skin issues over time.
While cleansing is vital, Jett highlights the importance of sunscreen to protect your skin. “I advocate for some unprotected sun exposure for Vitamin D, but after that initial 10-20 minutes, applying a mineral-based sunscreen is crucial for maintaining good skin health,” she advises.
Your Ideal Basic Skincare Routine
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serum
- Oil or Cream
- Sunscreen
- Bonus: Exfoliant 1-2 times weekly, as needed
Jett’s 5-Step Basic Skincare Routine:
Step 1: Cleanser
Your cleanser is foundational. It’s crucial to eliminate dirt and impurities before applying other products to avoid clogged pores. Jett emphasizes, “Don’t take the streets to your sheets.” Nighttime cleansing is key to maintaining a healthy microbiome.
Botnia Gentle Cleanser
This gentle lathering cleanser is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and maintain skin balance. Ingredients like goldenseal and chamomile offer antibacterial benefits, while plant-based hyaluronic acid hydrates.
Usage Tips: Spend 2-4 minutes cleansing with lukewarm water. Hot shower water can be dehydrating. Use circular motions to effectively remove dirt and makeup. Consider a microfiber cloth or oil cleanser for heavy makeup.
Marie Veronique E. O. Free Oil Cleanser
This oil cleanser is microbiome-friendly and removes makeup without stripping essential oils. It’s rich in Omega-6 oils that penetrate the pores to relieve congestion, plus it contains Superoxide dismutase, a potent antioxidant.
Usage Tips: Use alone or as a double cleanse. Apply one pump to clean palms and massage in circular motions, adding water as needed.
Biologi BC Refresh Cleanser
This oily gel cleanser with only two ingredients effectively removes dirt while preserving natural moisture. Soapberry extract is rich in amino acids and phenolic compounds that promote hydration.
Usage Tips: Best used with microfiber cloths. Cleanse twice daily to build antioxidant protection and strengthen the skin barrier.
Bonus: Biologi Microfiber Cloths
These reusable cloths are a sustainable choice for makeup removal. They activate with water to lift particles off the skin's surface. Their square shape makes them ideal for gentle eye makeup removal.
Step 2: Toners
Toners play a crucial role in further cleansing and tightening pores. The right toner can enhance skin texture and radiance. The following natural toners are gentle and effective.
Marie Veronique Balancing Hypo Tonic
This award-winning tonic rehydrates and balances skin pH with Beta-glucan and d-panthenol.
Usage Tips: Shake into clean hands and apply to dry skin after cleansing.
Botnia Rose Water Toner
This toner restores pH balance post-cleansing and hydrates with rose hydrosol and plant-based hyaluronic acid.
Usage Tips: Spray into hands and apply before serum. Store in the fridge for a refreshing spritz during hot months.
Step 3: Serums
Serums are concentrated formulas designed for deep skin absorption. Applying them on clean skin ensures that active ingredients can penetrate effectively. They can protect against future damage while aiding in recovery from past issues. Remember to seal in the serum with an oil or cream.
Biologi Bf Restore Serum
This unique serum is cold-pressed for optimal nutrient extraction. It contains finger lime extract, rich in ferulic acid, an antioxidant that combats free radicals and sun damage.
Usage Tips: After cleansing, apply one pump to your skin before using a face oil. Start with once a day, then increase to twice after a week.
Monastery Aloe Hyaluronic Moisture Boost
This gel serum is lightweight yet hydrating thanks to two molecular weights of plant-based hyaluronic acid blended with soothing aloe vera.
Usage Tips: Apply after cleansing and before any oil or moisturizer, or use over makeup for a dewy finish.
Botnia Hydrating Serum
This serum minimizes fine lines by hydrating the skin with plant-based hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatory rose geranium.
Usage Tips: Use in the morning and/or night on clean skin, and layer with moisturizer as needed.
Step 4: Face Oils or Creams
Choosing between an oil or cream should depend on your skin type, which is distinct from skin conditions. For instance, those with dry skin may benefit from an oil layered over a serum. Jett explains that creams often contain unnecessary additives that the skin has to work harder to absorb.
“As we age, our skin requires more lipids to combat dermal dehydration, which means richer oils may be needed. However, creams can also work well for some skin types,” she notes.
Biologi Br Organic Rosehip Oil
This cold-pressed rosehip oil is rich in essential nutrients, aiding sensitive or dry skin while reducing scarring and blemishes.
Usage Tips: After serum, apply 3-6 drops to your palms, warm, and press into the skin, using both morning and night as needed.
Monastery Gold Oil
This blend of nutrient-dense oils soothes irritated skin and aids in repairing damaged tissue.
Usage Tips: Apply 2-3 drops and massage gently into the skin, either alone or layered over a serum.
Marie Veronique Treatment Oil
This oil helps clear congestion and regulates oil production, making it a great option for various skin types. Its deep penetration dissolves blockages that other products may miss.
Usage Tips: Use 3-6 drops, warmed, and press into the face and neck, morning and/or night.
Botnia Daily Face Cream
My go-to face cream, this lightweight moisturizer offers lasting hydration without feeling greasy, thanks to its carefully selected blend of organic oils.
Usage Tips: Apply a pea-sized amount after toner or serum, and feel free to mix in a few drops of oil if needed.
Monastery Flora Botanical Cream Serum
This cream serum combines two types of hyaluronic acid with nutrient-rich oils to hydrate and brighten the skin.
Usage Tips: Use 1-2 pumps on clean skin for optimal results.
Step 5: Sunscreen
Jett advocates for mineral-based sunscreen, which forms a protective barrier against UV rays. She prefers zinc-based options, ideally non-nanoparticle, for better absorption.
“The best sunscreen is the one you’ll use consistently.”
To ensure her clients find a sunscreen they love, Jett offers a variety of textures. This final step protects all the effort you put into your skincare routine.
Blissoma Photonic
This lightweight sunscreen provides SPF 25 protection while doubling as a moisturizer.
Kari Gran Essential Tinted SPF 30
This tinted oil minimizes the white cast often associated with zinc-based sunscreens and has a pleasant scent.
Marie Veronique Everyday Coverage Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
This lightweight formulation absorbs well and contains green tea, making it a favorite among Jett and her clients.
Suntegrity 5-1 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30
This BB cream-like sunscreen offers a primer effect and comes in four shades.
Suntegrity Pressed Mineral Translucent Powder
This powder offers SPF 50 protection, ideal for reapplication throughout the day.
Bonus Step: Exfoliator
Jett often advises clients to cut back on exfoliants due to overuse. Sometimes, she recommends using Culina Plain & Simple or a quality goat's milk yogurt, which naturally contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate. For some with sensitive skin, a soft washcloth may suffice. However, these are her preferred weekly exfoliants when necessary.
Monastery XX Rose Glycolic Gel
This product gently resurfaces skin with a combination of rose water and plant-based glycolic acid.
Usage Tips: Use 1-2 pumps after cleansing, either applying and rinsing after 2-5 minutes or leaving on as a treatment.
Lilfox Dewy Bean Dream
This nighttime treatment is a plant-based alternative to retinol, featuring Moth Bean along with glycolic and lactic acids for smooth skin overnight.
Usage Tips: Apply 1-2 drops in the evening after cleansing. It can be layered with oil and used a couple of times weekly.
Jett emphasizes that our skin is intelligent; it knows how to balance oil and water. Generally, a straightforward skincare routine is all it needs to thrive.
Share your thoughts and your own skincare routine below!
30 Simple Delights to Add to Your June Calendar
