Nighttime Skincare Routine – Straight From Your Fridge

As the dry and cold days of winter are (hopefully!) coming to an end, everyone seems to be looking for a fresh start – whether that be a new job, a new lover, or a new body (Beyoncé’s juice cleanse, anyone?). What most of us seem to forget about, however, is our skin! Nothing says springtime freshness like a glowing complexion, and while most women can cover the basics for improved skin on their own (drink lots of water, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and smile often), we seem to forget about the importance of a nighttime skincare routine that works for us.

Walking into any beauty or skincare store across the city, most professionals will recommend chemically-infused “wonder products” containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide that they claim are sure to give you glowing skin. But am I the only one who thinks these ingredients sound more like a science experiment than something with which I want to nourish my skin? Don’t get me wrong – I’m sure these products have worked for tons of women… But I doubt I’m alone in the anxieties I feel in regards to giving them a whirl, myself. If you’re like me and are looking for a more natural approach to skincare, take a look at my nighttime skincare routine. All of my recipes are made with things you can find in your pantry and are natural and from the Earth (feel free to snack while you’re pampering yourself – these recipes are delicious!).

Step 1: CLEANSE

The first step is to wash your face thoroughly, making sure that the day’s makeup and grime is long gone. I recommend making your own exfoliating cleanser using white and brown sugars mixed with coconut oil. The sugars will act as natural exfoliators while the coconut oil will leave your skin nourished as you apply in circular motions using your fingers ONLY (If I can leave you with one piece of lasting advice here, it is the power of your own hands. DO NOT, I will repeat, DO NOT use a face cloth, bath loofah, or any other form of facial towel that is reusable. These are breeding grounds for bacteria, and are a huge cause of acne and blackheads. Just like you wouldn’t use your dishcloth to clean your toilet, please spare your face from the horrible effects of using a dirty, wet cloth repeatedly).

(*Photo Credit: http://www.motherearthliving.com/~/media/Images/MEL/Editorial/Articles/Magazine%20Articles/2013/Natural-Moisturizers.jpg)

Step 2: TONE

The second step is to tone your face, ensuring that ALL of your cleanser and makeup are removed. I like adding rose petals or lavender essential oils to boiling water, letting sit until warm, and then applying to my face with a cotton pad. Choose any essential oil that appeals to you, and feel free to add a drop of olive oil if you are looking for extra moisture.

Step 3: MOISTURIZE

Create your own moisturizing mask by combining avocado and honey and applying a thin layer to your face for about an hour. Not only will your face taste delicious, but the combination of honey and avocado will leave a glow that your local pharmacy’s moisturizer could only dream of producing. For a regular moisturizer, apply a thin layer of coconut oil and rinse off in the morning if excess remains.

I find that the best skin care routines are the simplest, so I like to stick to the trifecta: cleanse, tone, and moisturize nightly. Sometimes, though, our skin presents us with little “gifts” that need immediate attention:

DRY LIPS: Using a wet toothbrush (not the one you use to actually brush your pearly whites, please) apply fresh coffee grounds to your lips and lightly scrub. The exfoliating power in the coffee grounds will rid your lips of any dry skin, and will give you an energizing boost (perhaps don’t try this before bed!).

SURPRISE PIMPLE: Combine baking soda with warm water and stir until they create a paste. Apply a dab onto any pesky pimples and leave on overnight. Washing off in the morning, this combo acts as a quick fix for any problem areas.

TIRED EYES: Place your favourite (used) teabags in the freezer for an at-home remedy for tired-looking eyes. Once the teabags are frozen, place on your eyes for about ten minutes, and let the antioxidants revitalize your lids! Great for reducing the look of lines and wrinkles, as well as dulling the “three days with no sleep and too many double espressos” look you may have going on.

My last piece of advice for a natural nighttime skin care routine is to ACTUALLY GET SOME SLEEP! Nothing will help your skin glow more than a good night’s rest, and as hard as it may be in our hectic lives, try to make sleep a priority, ladies! Your skin will give you nothing but thanks.