Whilst it feels amazing and refreshing being in the ocean, if you are a surfer it also means that your skin is more likely to be exposed to the elements than most peoples. If you are unlucky like me, you’ve got extremely sensitive skin and get easily sunburnt. On top of that I’ve got oily skin by nature, however, sun and saltwater make my skin extremely dry at times. I’ve found it really hard in the past to find skincare that works for me. I’ve pretty much tried everything from super expensive top of the range to give up altogether and use cheapie skincare products because I didn’t think it would make any difference.
And then who hasn’t read the articles of micro plastic beads in a lot of cleansers that are really bad for the environment and it’s really plastic that ends up in the ocean. Not cool. I also found it kind of interesting, that a lot of people are watching more and more what they eat and make sure they know where it comes from and what you put in your body. Hence, the rise of organic food. However, have you ever thought about all the stuff you put on your skin? Your skin is your largest organ and all of the stuff you put on your face and body is being absorbed.
Oh what about all the Organic skincare ranges, I hear some of you say. Well, I found the cheaper ranges are not that organic after all or you really have to dig deep into your pockets to get a decent organic skincare range. I’m sure there are exceptions but that was my experience anyway.
I almost gave up until I met Tess. Tess was one of the gidgets on our Tropical Surf Escape. She has beautiful skin (well admittedly genes play a part in that too) and as it turns out, Tess is really into natural skin care. She has the most natural and easy way to look after her gidget skin. She only uses very basic (household) oils. First I thought, oh dear, one of those hippie ideas where you spend your weekend mixing up potions but quite the opposite it took me a visit to the health food shop and 15 min mixing time and voila, my new, all natural skin care products were ready.
I’ve been using Tess’ routine for about 2 months now and I absolutely love it. Admittedly, I still get the occasional break-out but on average my skin feels much better, I don’t have a shiny face anymore which saves me putting on any powder and make-up. And as I said, it’s super easy to put together. I can only highly recommend it. I’m a huge fan and really happy I finally found a skincare routine that works for me.
Tess actually runs a blog called Natural Minimalist and I’ve asked Tess if I could share her blog post on skincare routine and beauty secrets with you gidgets. Here’s part 1 – skincare routine. Part 2 – beauty secrets will follow soon.
x Claudia
Natural Minimalist’s Skincare Routine
Morning
- Wash face with warm water
- Moisturise with a Natural Moisturiser – I love Sweet Almond Oil, you can see all the moisturisers I suggest following the link above
Evening
- Cleanse with this Natural Facial Cleansing Oil (a blend of castor, sweet almond, and essential oils)
- (when dealing with breakouts) follow with a Natural Apple Cider Vinegar Toner (1/4 part ACV, 3/4 water)
Once a week
- Exfoliate with Natural Minimalist’s Coffee, Coconut & Honey Scrub, followed by a very small amount of a Natural Moisturiser, although the scrub will provide some moisture.
Once a Month
- Facial Steam w/ essential oils.Fill a heat proof bowl or sink with boiling water, add 3-5 drops of essential oil (recommended for your skin type in Natural Minimalist’s Guide to Essential Oils for Skin & Hair), while sitting hover face approx. 10cm from the water with a towel over your head a shoulders, and let the steam do its magic for 10-15 minutes.*If you have the time to do the Facial Steam more regularly I highly recommend you do. It is so beneficial and cleansing giving you youthful skin almost instantly.
Here’s your Shopping List for your new natural beauty regime:
- Almond Oil
- Natural Apple Cider Vinegar
- Castor Oil
- Essential Oils of your choice
- Coconut Oil
- Raw Honey
- Coffee
I would love to hear how anyone goes trying this new routine, please get in touch via the Natural Minimalist site.
Tess x
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