The 3-Step Skincare Routine

Wondering how to create a skincare routine? We follow a simple, 3-step process:

1. Cleanse
2. Hydrate
3. Moisturize

Let’s get into the details so you can give it a try!

Cleanse.

More is not always better when it comes to cleansing. Especially for delicate and reactive skin. If you have a lot of pitta dosha in your constitution (or notice redness and sensitivity), choose oils and finely ground herbal powders as your cleanser. 

When my skin is extremely sensitive, I opt for a generous mist of hydrosol then gently wipe or press it off with a soft washcloth.

am:

Use cool water to splash the face and rinse the eyes. Gently pat dry with a washcloth. That’s it! You’ve done enough, I promise.

pm:

Daily.

Cleanse with oil. At first, it may seem counterintuitive to use oil to cleanse the skin- especially for us oily types! But like dissolves like. An oil will gently remove the excess oils, helping to balance your skin’s natural oil production. What a welcomed contrast to the effects of many conventional cleansers which leave skin tight and dry- eventually causing an overproduction of oil!

An organic sunflower, grapeseed, or olive oil will do the trick! Dispense 1-2 dropperfuls onto fingertips and massage across dry face, neck, and chest. Rinse with warm water, massaging as you go, and use a washcloth to pat dry.

2-3 times per week.

For days when the skin feels a little grimy or you’ve been exposed to pollution, use a mixture of gentle clays and powdered herbs.

Blend a small amount of the powder with water, forming a paste. Gently scrub the face, neck, and chest in circular motions. Rinse with warm water and use a washcloth to pat dry.

Weekly

About once a week (sometimes more for oily types, sometimes less for dry types), use your clay mixture as a masque for a deeper, purifying cleanse.

Following the steps above, make a paste, apply to face, neck, and chest. Instead of immediately rinsing off, leave on the skin just until the mask begins to dry. You can extend the masking time by rehydrating the masque with a mist of hydrosol. Rinse off with warm water and use a washcloth to pat dry.

Hydrate.

Whether I’ve cleansed with decadent oils, mineral-rich clays, or just splashed with pure water, I always hydrate with a hydrosol facial mist. 

Hydrosols are slightly acidic (just like your skin) which means they support the health of your skin barrier, keeping moisture in and bacteria out! Hydrosols also help your skin absorb your moisturizer so, so, soooo much better!

After cleansing, generously mist the face with a hydrosol. Draw in a deep breath as you mist and allow the gentle aroma to envelop and calm the senses. You may also enjoy refreshing throughout the workday, after a hike, before meditation, or even to set your makeup.

Moisturize.

The skin needs both hydration (from water/hydrosol) and moisture (from fats/facial oil/balm). Moisturizers range from lightweight to deeply nourishing, depending on the types and proportions of fats they contain. Generally, I use a heavier moisturizer in the cold, winter months. In the warmer seasons, I find my skin desires more hydration (hydrosol) and a lighter moisturizer. Always apply your moisturizer to damp skin! 

While skin is still dewy from a generous mist of hydrosol, apply a small amount of moisturizer to face, neck, and chest. Gently massage in until thoroughly absorbed. You may wish to use a lighter moisturizer during the day time and a richer one in the evening.

 Listening to your skin’s daily needs requires tender care and patience. For me, it has cultivated deeper self-love. And patience. Each day may be different and require us to adjust accordingly. You may be here for skincare, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself transformed from the inside out.

Have questions or need help deciphering the language of your skin? I’m here to support you! Reach out to me at  info@birchstoneapothecary.com.