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My Non-Toxic Skincare Routine: Clean Beauty Tips for Healthy Glowing Skin
This is my skin, unfiltered and unedited, and at 45, I’ve never felt better about it. I used to battle hormonal imbalances, breakouts, and dullness, trying every product out there with little success. It wasn’t until I healed my gut and balanced my blood sugar that my skin truly transformed.
My skin transformed when I began eating whole, organic foods and eliminated toxins from my daily environment. This shift was part of my broader commitment to non-toxic holistic living, which has shaped not only my skincare routine but every aspect of my lifestyle. The final step? Switching to a non-toxic skincare routine.
It wasn’t just about ditching harmful chemicals (though that was a huge part of it), but avoiding the common pitfalls of over-cleansing, over-exfoliating, and stripping away the oils our skin actually needs.
The result? Calmer, healthier, radiant skin.
Even with a busy life—childcare, work, and everything in between—I keep my routine simple and quick. It’s my moment of self-care, and it helps me feel good inside and out.
Below, I’ll walk you through my current clean skincare routine so you can create a healthy, clean beauty regimen that fits your lifestyle.
Why Non-Toxic Skincare Matters
Our skin is our largest organ, and what we apply, meaning toxic ingredients in conventional products, can get absorbed into our bloodstream. They often contain harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances that can disrupt hormones, irritate the skin, and contribute to long-term health issues.
By embracing clean natural skincare products, you’re nourishing your skin and body with safe, natural ingredients.
By switching to clean, non-toxic skincare brands, you’re choosing products free from these dangerous ingredients. Instead, you’ll be nourishing your skin with natural, safe alternatives that not only soothe irritation but also support your body’s natural healing processes.
The Natural Skincare Routine That Changed My Skin
Here’s a breakdown of my morning and evening routines, along with tips to help you avoid common skincare mistakes and stay on track with a clean beauty regimen.
Morning Clean Skin Care Routine
Step 1. Skip the Morning Wash
Washing your face in the morning can strip away your skin’s natural oils, which act as essential moisturizers. Instead of a cleanser, I gently wipe my face with a cotton pad soaked in filtered water. This keeps my skin hydrated and balanced without disrupting its natural barrier. This valuable tip comes from Jamie Maguire, an advocate for natural beauty and gut health, and I’ve found it incredibly effective.
Step 2. Peptide Mist ( or another gentle non toxic face spray)
After refreshing my skin, I apply a peptide mist to hydrate and prep my skin. It acts as a toner, setting the stage for clean moisturizers and serums.
Favorite Peptide Mists:
Step 3. Antioxidant Serum
I follow up with a clean antioxidant serum to protect my skin from environmental stressors.
My Favorite Clean Serums:
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OSEA SEA Hyaluronic Acid Serum*
Step 4. Stem Cell Serum
I apply a stem cell serum to promote skin rejuvenation and regeneration.
My Top Natural Stem Cell Serums:
Step 5. Natural Moisturizer and Tinted SPF
I finish my routine with a moisturizer and a tinted SPF, which doubles as my makeup. Non-toxic mineral face sunscreens protect without irritating the skin.
My favorite Natural SPF moisturizers & Tinted SPF
To round out my makeup routine, I set my brows with the W3LL People Expressionist Brow Gel* for a polished look, and I finish everything off with Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara*
Nighttime Routine:
Your evening skincare routine is crucial for allowing your skin to repair and rejuvenate overnight. My routine focuses on gentle yet effective products that work harmoniously to support the skin’s natural barrier without overwhelming it.
Step 1: Double Cleanse
If you’ve been wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen during the day, a double cleanse is the perfect way to start. This ensures that all layers of product and impurities are removed, so your skin can properly breathe and better absorb your evening treatments.
• First Cleanse: I use an oil cleanser or micellar water to dissolve and remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oils. I love using
• Second Cleanse: I follow with a water-based gentle non toxic cleanser to wash away any remaining dirt.
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Annmarie Skin Care Cleanser with Aloe Vera *
Step 2: Apply a Peptide Mist
A peptide mist just like in my morning routine hydrates and preps my skin for the serums and oils or mositurers to follow.
Step 3: Retinaldehyde, Vitamin A Serums and Moisturizer Cocktail
Instead of the more common retinol, which is synthetic and can be too harsh, I use retinal —a gentler yet effective form of vitamin A. It provides similar anti-aging benefits, like boosting collagen and improving skin texture, without irritating or thinning the skin. This makes it ideal for sensitive skin types (which is perfect for me!)
I mix a vitamin A serum with my favorite moisturizer or moisturizing oil. I also love to combine a cream with a nourishing facial oil. This cocktail provides a protective barrier while deeply moisturizing your skin, ensuring you wake up with hydrated, plump skin.
My favorite Serums
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Primally Pure Plumping Serum* (use code Orbasics for 10% off)
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Primally Pure Fancy Face Serum Regenerate* (use code Orbasics for 10% off)
My Favorite Moisturizers
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Primally Pure Antioxidant Balm* (use code Orbasics for 10% off)
Step 5: Eye Cream or Serum
As the final step, I gently apply an eye serum to the delicate skin around my eyes
My favorite Eye Creams
Incorporating Face Masks and Sauna Sessions
I love taking my favorite non-toxic masks to the sauna, which I visit 2-3 times a week. Sauna sessions help detoxify the skin, giving the skin a radiant glow. The heat and sweat from the sauna naturally exfoliate the skin, revealing fresh, new skin cells and improving overall texture.
Did you know, that sauna use has been linked to a longer lifespan, with studies suggesting it can reduce mortality rates by up to 40% ?
My favorite face masks:
Helpful Tips for a Non-Toxic, Effective Skincare Routine
Now that you know my skincare routine, it’s important to remember that skincare goes beyond just the products you apply to your skin. The ingredients matter just as much. By choosing non-toxic, clean beauty products, you’re not only supporting your skin but also promoting overall health and wellness. Here are some of my key tips to help you maintain a safe and effective skincare routine:
Avoid Toxic Ingredients
Avoid products with alcohol, fragrances, and synthetic chemicals. Harmful chemicals can irritate the skin and disrupt the body’s natural balance. A helpful resource is the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database or other ingredient checkers, which list harmful ingredients to avoid in skincare.
Avoid Aggressive Treatments
Harsh treatments like chemical peels, CO2 lasers, and regular retinol use can weaken the skin barrier over time, causing sensitivity. Instead, opt for gentle alternatives like retinaldehyde, which offers anti-aging benefits without irritation. I also recommend facial massages and Gua Sha as effective non-invasive methods for improving skin texture and boosting collagen production.
Gut-Skin Connection
I believe that gut health is deeply intertwined with skin health. After addressing gut imbalances, I noticed remarkable improvements in my skin. It’s important to nourish your body from the inside out by avoiding processed foods, reducing sugar, and eating nutrient-dense meals. Incorporating probiotics and fermented foods into your diet can also support a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn promotes clear, glowing skin.
Microneedling: A Seasonal Renewal
I incorporate microneedling into my skincare routine 2-3 times a year, typically during the winter season. This treatment helps remove dead skin cells and stimulates collagen production, giving the skin a smoother, firmer appearance. I allow about 5-6 weeks between sessions and take extra care to avoid sun exposure during this time. Microneedling is one of my favorite ways to keep my skin looking revitalized while maintaining its strength.
Non-Toxic Beauty Tools for Enhanced Skincare
In addition to carefully selected products, I’ve found that incorporating some beauty tools can elevate your skin health in a gentle, holistic way. These tools are an excellent complement to my skincare philosophy:
• Gua Sha Stones* and Face Rollers*: I love using Gua Sha made of natural stones to promote lymphatic drainage and improve blood circulation. Regular sessions help lift and tone the skin, reduce puffiness, and give a radiant glow. If my Gua Sha stone isn’t available, I opt for a deep tissue facial massage to activate collagen production. Both methods are nurturing and non-invasive, helping me maintain healthy, glowing skin.
• High-Frequency Devices like High-Frequency Wands*: Tools like high-frequency wands are excellent for treating blemishes. They use gentle electrical currents to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, making them ideal for keeping skin clear without irritation.
My Skincare Philosophy
• Minimal Stripping: Taking inspiration from Jamie Maguire, I avoid chemical peels and invasive lasers. I focus on being gentle and nurturing my skin barrier to support long-term health and balance.
• The Gut-Skin Connection: Gut health plays a major role in skin health. By improving my gut, I saw a noticeable change in my complexion, and I firmly believe healthy skin starts from within. This holistic approach to skincare makes a lasting difference.
• Consistency Over Trends: Consistency is the key to long-term skin health. Instead of chasing trends or quick fixes, focus on building a reliable, non-toxic skincare routine with nourishing ingredients that support your skin’s resilience.
Key takeaways
• Avoid Over-Cleansing: Too much cleansing strips your skin of natural oils, which can compromise the barrier and cause dryness. A simple water cleanse in the morning works best for me.
• Non-Toxic Sun Protection: Always look for mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to ensure effective and non-toxic protection.
• Minimalist Routines: Simplicity and consistency are at the heart of good skincare. Start slow, be patient with results, and avoid overly complicated routines.
• Nurture, Don’t Strip: Opt for natural products that nourish and strengthen the skin rather than those that strip away its natural oils. It’s important to focus on building healthy skin with minimal irritation.
While I hope my nontoxic skincare routine is helpful to you, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, influenced by a variety of factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and even climate. Products that work wonders for me may not have the same effect for you, and vice versa. It’s all about finding what nourishes your skin best and being patient with the process. Always listen to your skin, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on its needs.
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Lilija Bairamova
