5-Step Natural Skincare Routine for Glowing, Healthy Skin

Interested in a natural skincare routine that leaves your complexion radiant and healthy? You're in the right place! I've crafted a step-by-step routine featuring some of my favorite gentle, effective products. This routine focuses on nourishing your skin with minimal irritation – perfect if you love natural skincare and want that fresh-faced glow. Let's dive into my influencer-approved daily regimen!

Why Natural and Gentle? Using gentle products that support your skin’s natural barrier is key to long-term skin health. Harsh cleansers or overly aggressive treatments can strip your face, but a routine centered on hydration, protection, and skin-friendly ingredients will keep your skin balanced and happy. Consistency is everything – follow these steps morning and night (with a few tweaks) and get ready to shine!

Step 1: Gentle Makeup Removal with Micellar Water

Product: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water – Makeup Remover Cleanser
The first step in any natural skincare routine is cleansing without stripping. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, start with a micellar water. Bioderma Sensibio H2O is an iconic choice – it's a no-rinse gentle face cleanser that looks and feels like water, yet magically lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup. This micellar water was actually invented by Bioderma and is beloved for good reason. It uses tiny micelles (microscopic cleansing oil molecules) to attract and dissolve impurities while respecting your skin.

• How to Use: Saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and gently sweep it over your face. No harsh rubbing needed! You'll see makeup and grime melt off. There's no need to rinse; it’s that gentle.

• Why It’s Great: Sensibio H2O is formulated for sensitive skin and helps maintain your skin’s natural balance. The micelles cleanse effectively without disturbing the skin’s protective barrier. It’s soap-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free – truly as gentle as it gets.

• Natural Skincare Boost: By cleansing in this mild way, you avoid harsh surfactants that can strip natural oils. This means less dryness and irritation, setting the stage for healthy skin. Plus, keeping your skin's hydrolipidic film intact is crucial for a glowing, dewy complexion.

Step 2: Cleanse with a Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

Product: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
After removing makeup, follow up with a water-based cleanse. This gentle face cleanser from La Roche-Posay is my holy-grail daily wash. Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a creamy, soothing cleanser formulated for normal to dry sensitive skin. It removes any lingering impurities without that tight, dry feeling afterwards – a must for a natural routine!

• How to Use: Massage a dime-sized amount onto damp skin in gentle circular motions. You'll notice it feels silky (not a big foamy lather, which is actually good – less foam often means less drying). Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Your skin should feel fresh and comfy, not squeaky.

• Why It’s Great: This cleanser is packed with skin-loving ingredients: ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide, plus the famous La Roche-Posay thermal spring water. These help to cleanse while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier and pH. In other words, it gets rid of dirt and even makeup traces, but leaves your complexion supple and calm. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) in the formula further soothes and supports the skin – so nice!

• Natural Skincare Boost: Gentle cleansing is the core of any natural skincare routine. By using a cleanser like this, you avoid sulfates and harsh chemicals that can inflame skin. Instead, you’re actually reinforcing your skin barrier with each wash. Consistent use can improve hydration and reduce redness or dryness over time. Remember, healthy skin starts with a great cleanser!

Step 3: Balance and Smooth with Niacinamide Serum

Product: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – Smoothing Serum
Now that your skin is clean, it’s time for treatments. One of my all-time favorite serums for clear and smooth skin is The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. This lightweight serum is a vitamin and mineral formula that addresses a bunch of skin concerns at once. I call it my skin-perfecting elixir!

• How to Use: After cleansing (while your face is still slightly damp is okay), apply a few drops of niacinamide serum to your fingertips and pat it onto your face. Focus on areas where you have larger pores or an oily T-zone, or spread it evenly over the whole face for overall glow. It absorbs quickly. You can use this serum in the morning and at night. If you’re layering multiple serums, generally apply this before any heavier, oil-based products.

• Why It’s Great: Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a powerhouse ingredient that brightens skin, improves texture, and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier. The Ordinary’s formula pairs it with zinc PCA, which helps calm redness and regulate oil. Translation: over time, this serum can reduce excess shine, minimize the look of pores, and even out your complexion. Many people also find that niacinamide helps fade post-acne marks or slight hyper-pigmentation, giving you a more even, radiant tone. And despite the high 10% concentration, it's generally gentle – suitable for all skin types (just patch test if you’re sensitive, to be sure).

• Natural Skincare Boost: Supporting your skin’s barrier and natural oil balance is central to a natural approach. Niacinamide does exactly that – it boosts your skin’s own resiliency. By reinforcing the barrier and reducing inflammation, your skin retains moisture better and can heal itself more effectively. This means fewer breakouts and irritation in the long run. Plus, The Ordinary’s formula is simple and fragrance-free, aligning with a “less is more” philosophy.

Step 4: Hydrate and Plump with a Multi-Depth Hydrating Serum

Product: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) – Multi-Depth Hydration Serum
Next up is hydration, hydration, hydration! After niacinamide, I apply a hydrating serum to plump my skin and keep it dewy all day. The Ordinary’s updated Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides is a perfect pick. This serum is like a tall glass of water for your face. It contains five forms of hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into different layers of the skin, plus vitamin B5 and ceramides to lock it in.

• How to Use: Apply a few drops to your face and gently press or massage it in. For best results, I like to use this on slightly damp skin – hyaluronic acid attracts water, so a bit of dampness helps it work better. It has a lightweight, non-sticky texture that absorbs nicely, especially the new formula. Give it a minute to sink in before the next step.

• Why It’s Great: This serum provides instant plumping and long-lasting hydration. The new formula is fast-absorbing and non-tacky, so your skin gets bouncy and moisturized without any heavy residue. The inclusion of ceramides means it not only hydrates but also supports the skin barrier, helping to keep all that moisture sealed in. With consistent use, you’ll notice smoother texture and a dewy glow. Fine lines caused by dehydration will look softer because your skin is nice and hydrated. Plus, pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) is soothing and helps skin barrier repair. It’s truly a drink of water + a hug for your skin barrier in one step!

• Natural Skincare Boost: Hydration is absolutely vital for glowing, healthy skin. By using a serum that penetrates deeply with multiple sizes of hyaluronic acid, you’re catering to your skin’s natural need for water at every level. Plump, hydrated skin not only looks more radiant but also functions better (think: improved cell turnover and fewer irritations). This step keeps your skin naturally supple without the need for heavy oils or synthetic occlusives. If you have oily skin, don’t skip this thinking you don’t need moisture – even oily or combo skin benefits from hydration, and it can actually curb excess oil production by keeping your skin balanced.

Step 5: Protect and Glow with Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

Product: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40+ (Broad Spectrum)
No daytime routine is complete without sunscreen – it’s the ultimate skin protector and the key to preserving a youthful glow. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40+ is a superstar in my lineup. It’s a 100% mineral, broad-spectrum sunscreen that not only shields you from UV rays but also has a beautiful tinted formula that evens out the skin. Think of it as sun protection + a light BB cream in one.

• How to Use: After your serums (and moisturizer, if you applied one), shake the bottle and apply a generous amount to your face and neck. Mineral sunscreens sometimes need a little blending, but this one is tinted, which helps it melt in nicely with no ashy cast. I use about a nickel-sized dollop for my face. Pat it on and then gently rub until evenly distributed. It leaves a sheer, matte finish with just a hint of tint that adapts to your skin tone. If you’re wearing makeup, this sunscreen doubles as a great primer. And if you’re going makeup-free, it gives a slight perfected look on its own.

• Why It’s Great: This Anthelios tinted SPF is tailored for sensitive skin, using titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for UV protection instead of chemical filters. Mineral filters are wonderful for a natural approach because they sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, causing less irritation. The formula is oil-free and oxybenzone-free, so it won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts. It also includes antioxidants (La Roche-Posay’s signature Cell-Ox Shield technology) to neutralize free radicals from sun exposure – an extra anti-aging boost! The tint is very lightweight and prevents any white cast, giving even deep skin tones a lovely, natural finish. I love that it leaves my skin with a subtle glow but zero greasiness. It’s also water-resistant for about 40 minutes, which is great for light activity or if you sweat. Overall, this sunscreen keeps my skin protected and looking radiant every day.

• Natural Skincare Boost: Daily sun protection is non-negotiable for healthy skin. By choosing a mineral-based, fragrance-free sunscreen, you’re aligning with a gentle, natural skincare philosophy – protecting your skin without unnecessary additives. This tinted version encourages you to wear it daily (since it makes your skin look immediately nicer, who wouldn’t want that?). Consistent sunscreen use means fewer sunspots, less inflammation, and preserved collagen. Translation: you’ll keep that youthful glow longer!

Additional Tips for Glowing, Healthy Skin

• Stay Consistent: Results come with consistency. Stick to this routine daily. With time, you’ll notice smoother, clearer, more radiant skin as the ingredients work their magic. Natural skincare is a marathon, not a sprint!

• Patch Test New Products: Even gentle products can sometimes surprise you. When introducing anything new (like the serums), patch test on a small area first to ensure your skin loves it. This is especially true with active ingredients like niacinamide, though they’re generally well-tolerated.

• Healthy Lifestyle: Skincare isn’t just what you put on your face – it’s also how you treat your body. Stay hydrated by drinking water, eat plenty of fruits and veggies (hello, antioxidants!), and get your beauty sleep. These healthy habits will amplify the effects of your topical routine and give you that lit-from-within glow.

• Listen to Your Skin: Every skin is unique. Feel free to adjust the routine as needed. For instance, if you’re feeling extra dry, add a drop of facial oil to your nighttime regimen. If you’re oily, you might use the hydrating serum solo without an added moisturizer. The goal of natural skincare is to work with your skin’s needs.

• Sun Protection Every Day: I’ll say it again – UV damage is the enemy of healthy skin. Even on cloudy days or if you’re indoors by a window, apply that SPF. Your future self will thank you when you’re aging gracefully. And don’t forget reapplication if you stay out long!

Adopting a natural, gentle skincare routine has been a game-changer for me. My skin stays clear, calm, and glowy without needing harsh treatments. By focusing on a gentle cleanse, targeted serums for nourishment, ample hydration, and diligent sun protection, you cover all the bases for optimal skin health. Each product in this 5-step routine supports your skin’s own processes – truly letting your natural beauty shine through.

Give this routine a try, and let me know how it transforms your skin! Remember, patience is key. Within a few weeks, you should start to see your skin looking more even, plump, and luminous. Here’s to achieving that glowing, healthy skin the natural way!

Stay radiant,

Everkind