Nourish Gently: The First 2 Steps in Your Natural Skincare Ritual
Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. In fact, a simple, consistent ritual using gentle, natural ingredients can be one of the best things you do for your skin.
This week, we’re going to expand on the routine starting at the beginning—with the first two steps of a natural skincare routine: cleansing and hydrating. These steps help clear away dirt and oil, prepare your skin to absorb moisture, and support a calm, balanced complexion.
If you’ve ever felt like your cleanser left your skin dry or tight, or like your toner stung more than it soothed, this post is for you. Let’s take a closer look at how to nurture your skin, not strip it, with nourishing oils and botanical waters.
Step 1: Gentle Face Cleanser
What It Is:
A simple blend on non-comedogenic plant oils that gently remove dirt, sunscreen, makeup, and excess oil.
How to Use:
Start with dry hands and a dry face.
Massage 2–4 pumps of cleanser into your skin for 30–60 seconds.
Wipe away with a warm, damp washcloth.
Pat dry or move directly to toner.
Why It Works:
Sunflower Oil: Lightweight and rich in vitamin E.
Castor Oil: Deep-cleansing and naturally astringent.
Jojoba Oil: Closely mimics skin's own sebum for balance.
Lavender & Geranium Essential Oils: (If scented) add a light, floral aroma.
What Skin Types Can Benefit:
This gentle cleanser is designed to work well for all skin types, from dry to oily. Because it’s made with nourishing plant oils instead of harsh surfactants, it lifts away dirt and buildup without stripping your skin’s natural balance. Whether you wear makeup, work outdoors, or simply want a fresh start at the end of the day, this cleanser fits beautifully into a simple, natural routine.
Pro Tip: If you wear makeup or sunscreen daily, try a double cleanse—once to dissolve buildup, then again to refresh.
Step 2: Hydrating Botanical Toner
(Formula coming next!)
What It Is:
A calming and hydrating mist that preps your skin for serum and moisturizer. Unlike alcohol-based toners, this one adds moisture instead of stripping it away.
Key Ingredients:
Witch Hazel: Gently tones and reduces redness.
Aloe Vera Juice: Hydrates and soothes the skin barrier.
Hydrosol (like rose, lavender, or chamomile): Delivers plant-based nutrients and light scent.
How to Use:
Mist directly on the face or apply with a cotton pad.
Use after cleansing and before serum/moisturizer.
It can also be used to refresh skin throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Store in the fridge for an extra-refreshing pick-me-up on hot days.
Final Thoughts
Healthy skin starts with a gentle beginning. By cleansing with nourishing plant oils and following up with a calming, hydrating toner, you’re setting your skin up to thrive. These two simple steps can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels—soft, fresh, and cared for.
Next week, we’ll continue the routine with two more essentials: a gentle botanical face serum and a lightweight natural lotion to lock in moisture. Stay tuned!
Want to Make It Yourself?
If you love DIY skincare, my recipe is available to download for free (see form below) so you can try it at home using gentle, skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, glycerin, and rose hydrosol. All you need is a clean 4-oz bottle and a few easy-to-find ingredients.
But if making it yourself isn’t your thing (or you just want the convenience of it ready to go), you can also order my handcrafted Hydrating Botanical Toner right from the shop. It’s the same gentle formula I use myself—freshly made and ready to support your skin.
When using natural ingredients on your face, quality really matters. Not all aloe or witch hazel is created equal—some store-bought versions are filled with alcohol or unnecessary additives that can dry or irritate the skin.
I recommend sourcing your skincare ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs. Their products are organic, high-quality, and well-suited for facial skincare.
Note: I am not affiliated with Mountain Rose Herbs and do not receive compensation for mentioning them. I simply appreciate their quality and trust them for my own skincare ingredients.
Fill out and submit the form below to receive your FREE recipe for Hydrating Botanical Toner.
