In a world where synthetic ingredients and complex skincare routines dominate the market, more and more people are turning back to the simplicity of nature.
A natural skincare routine is not only gentler on the skin, but also kinder to the planet. Whether you have sensitive skin or you're simply trying to embrace a more holistic, plant-based approach to self-care, learning how to build a natural skincare routine can truly transform your skin and your mindset.
At Naturally Balanced, we believe in slow, nourishing skincare, handmade in small batches using pure, natural ingredients sourced with care. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to building your own routine, using plant-based products and timeless rituals.
Step 1: Understand Your Skin Type
Before you choose any products, it’s essential to understand your unique skin type. This forms the foundation of an effective skincare routine.
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Dry Skin: Often feels tight or flaky. Benefits from richer oils like avocado or rosehip.
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Oily Skin: Produces excess sebum. Jojoba oil, which closely mimics the skin’s natural oils, is excellent here.
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Combination Skin: Oily in some areas (typically the T-zone), dry in others.
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Sensitive Skin: Reacts easily to fragrance, preservatives, or strong actives. Needs gentle, fragrance-free formulations.
Top Tip: You can also have balanced skin, neither too oily nor dry. Even balanced skin benefits from daily nourishment.
[Read more: Carrier Oils for Different Skin Types]
Step 2: Cleanse Gently with Natural Soaps
Cleansing is the first active step in any routine. A natural bar soap or oil-based cleanser can effectively remove dirt, excess oil, and environmental toxins, without stripping the skin.
At Naturally Balanced, our handmade soaps are crafted using cold-process methods and contain no artificial foaming agents. For sensitive skin, our PURE range is free from essential oils and fragrance.
Morning Tip: A splash of water or very mild cleanse is often enough in the morning.
[Read more: Sensitive Skin Solutions: Best Soaps and Oils Without Fragrance]
Step 3: (Optional) Tone with Floral Waters
Toning helps to rebalance the skin’s pH and prepare it for moisturising. Natural floral waters like rose or chamomile hydrosol offer hydration and soothing properties, particularly for sensitive or reactive skin.
Avoid toners with alcohol or synthetic fragrance. For most people using natural products, this step is optional, but lovely when used as a ritual.
Pro tip: Spritz a floral water before applying oils to help seal in moisture.
Step 4: Moisturise with Plant-Based Facial Oils
Facial oils are the heart of a natural skincare routine. Unlike water-based moisturisers, oils nourish the skin barrier, seal in hydration, and deliver powerful plant nutrients.
For example:
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Jojoba oil balances oily skin.
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Rosehip oil supports dry or mature skin.
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Frankincense essential oil (when diluted) can reduce the appearance of fine lines.
At Naturally Balanced, our artisan oil blends are formulated to match skin needs without overwhelming it.
[Read more: Plant-Powered Glow: The Best Ingredients for Radiant Skin]
Step 5: Weekly Treatments (Masks or Exfoliation)
Less is more when it comes to natural skincare. A once-weekly mask or gentle exfoliation is plenty to boost skin radiance without causing irritation.
Consider a clay-based mask for deep cleansing, or an oat-and-honey mask for soothing inflammation. Exfoliation should be minimal, look for products using natural powders or enzymes rather than harsh scrubs.
[Read more: Natural Solutions for Rosacea, Eczema & Redness]
Step 6: Morning vs Night Routine
Your skin’s needs shift depending on the time of day.
Morning:
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Gentle cleanse
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Spritz of floral water
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Light facial oil
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Natural sun protection (if exposed)
Evening:
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Deeper cleanse
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Facial oil blend with reparative oils
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Gua Sha or facial massage (optional)
At night, your skin regenerates—so this is the time for richer oils and calming rituals.
Step 7: Be Consistent and Gentle
Consistency is key. You don’t need a 10-step routine to achieve healthy skin. A few well-chosen, natural products used daily will deliver better results than a cupboard full of unused serums.
Always listen to your skin and give it time to adjust. Some days, less is more.
At Naturally Balanced, we encourage you to slow down and enjoy your skincare as a self-care ritual.
Final Thoughts: Let Nature Lead
Natural skincare is about more than what you put on your face, it’s about the philosophy behind it. Choosing products made with intention, using raw ingredients from the earth, supports both your skin and the wider environment.
We invite you to explore our full range of handmade, plant-based products crafted in Kinsale, Ireland.
Start your natural skincare journey today, gently, consciously, naturally.