How to create a quick, all-natural morning skincare routine
Share
Read on for a morning routine that will protect and revitalize your skin in 10 minutes or less.
I didn’t always have a skincare routine. I know this sounds strange coming from someone who makes skincare products, but it’s true. Years ago, my routine was basically just washing my face and hoping for the best. When I realized my skin was suffering, I decided to up my game.
Having a morning skincare routine is essential to your skin’s health. It’s a way to prep your skin to face Canada’s demanding climates. Not only will a balanced routine help keep your skin clear, glowing and fresh, it can make you look more youthful and prevent future problems.
When creating this routine, I had two things in mind - time and quality. As a busy mom, I barely have time to get dressed in the morning, much less time to commit to a lengthy skincare regimen. For this reason, my routine only takes 5-10 minutes a day.
In terms of quality, I wasn’t finding any commercial products that I wanted to put on my skin. So being a chemist with years of lab and clinical trial experience, I decided to make my own products instead. The following is a simple, tried and tested routine that’s kept my skin glowing for years. All ingredients are 100% natural and locally sourced/fair trade whenever possible. 90% of my ingredients are certified organic.
Step 1: Cleanse/Exfoliate
Ellbe 2 in 1 Face Mask Exfoliator
Cleansing and exfoliating are an essential first step, as it gets rid of pollutants, dead skin, oils, dirt, and bacteria. To cleanse, use a natural soap like Ellbe’s soap, which is made using high quality plant oils, plant butters, natural clays, and botanical extracts.
Exfoliating daily gives skin a healthy, radiant glow, unclogs pores and creates smoother skin, which is ideal for makeup application.
Ellbe’s 2 in 1 Face Mask Exfoliator is my go-to product because of how gentle it is on your skin. While I’ve found that most exfoliators can’t be used daily, this mineral, dry face exfoliator is safe to use in the morning and at night. As a plus, it can also be used as a mask.
Key ingredients:
The gentle cleansing power comes from this product’s star ingredient - jojoba beads, which are 100% natural and biodegradable. Jojoba beads are very light on the skin, but tough enough to purge dead cells and buff the skin without causing irritation.
I also love the papaya fruit extract in this product because of its fine wrinkle fighting properties. It moisturizes and tones, gently exfoliates, reduces pigmentation and improves skin elasticity.
Step 2: Hydrate
This is probably the easiest step in the process, but it’s still important. A face mist is great to use after exfoliating because it hydrates and revives your skin.
My hydrating mist energizes and refreshes skin without irritating it. Because this product is free from alcohol and common irritants, it’s great for sensitive skin.
Key ingredients:
The star ingredients here are rose water and hyaluronic acid. Not only does rose water smell great, it’s also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Rose water helps moisturize and is full of healthy vitamins and minerals.
This mist also contains hyaluronic acid, which is a great hydrator because it helps the skin retain water.
Step 3: Apply anti-aging serum
Ellbe Glow Serum Vitamin C + CoQ10
As much as I’d like to forget that aging happens, prevention can lessen its effects. As a final step in my routine, I always apply an anti-aging serum to prevent dryness and wrinkles.
It’s also a good idea to add an under-eye serum (like Ellbe’s anti-puff eye roller) into your routine to reduce puffiness and smooth out fine lines. A moisturizing balm is a plus in the winter months, when dry and cracked skin can seem like a never-ending problem. Ellbe’s All-Purpose Balm can be used from head to toe.
Key ingredients:
The glow serum is gentle on the face due to the use of jojoba oil, which is the same pH as your skin. Rosehip oil, which is rich in minerals and vitamins like A and C, is also an important ingredient that helps nourish and moisturize skin.
The Vitamin C in this serum gives a huge boost to its anti-aging powers. Vitamin C protects against damage caused by free radicals and slows down early signs of aging caused by UV exposure. It also lightens pigmentation, speeds up skin recovery and freshens up the complexion.
Coenzyme Q10 is an important ingredient. It’s a powerful antioxidant known to invigorate skin, giving it a plump, firm look. Like Vitamin C, it protects your cells from free radicals, thereby preventing signs of skin aging.
The bottom line
A healthy skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With some exfoliator, hydrating mist and anti-aging serum, you can be out the door in 5-10 minutes, fresh and gorgeous, ready for whatever the day will bring.
To make things even easier, Ellbe’s created a morning skincare routine bundle. Check it out here.