A Holistic View of Anti Aging Clean Skincare Routines

Maybe it’s because i’m a mom of a toddler and a newborn, or maybe it’s because I am nearing my 30’s, or maybe it’s after seeing a couple more fine lines show up on my face… but over the last year I have really started prioritizing my skincare. 

I have found those few minutes a day taking care of my skin are the perfect moments of self-care throughout the day- not to mention the long term benefits of healthier skin 👏

What I look For in Skin Care Products

less is more ✨

when you can fit ALL your skincare essentials into a neat little box— it isn’t about countless different products, but ones that work better!

The reality is— I don't have a ton of time for face masks and a crazy extensive routine. It just isn't my personal priority 🤷🏻‍♀️ I've shared before that I consider myself to be pretty "low maintenance" and not into a ton of different appointments or upkeep. Similar to my approach on a lot of things- I go by the saying less is more.

I want just a few things that work really well. No 15 step anti-aging skincare routine here. No harsh chemicals or artificially fragranced products either. Just clean skincare products that actually work. Things that enhance my natural beauty and nourish my skin. 

An elusive ask?? I once thought so.. but I found a company that not only promises on all of the above-- and delivers. 🫶🏼

​My Personal Skin Concerns

We talk a lot about bio-individuality on the blog. That is because we are each (amazingly) different and unique- and that means we all have our own skincare goals, preferences, and concerns. So before I dive into my skincare routine, i'll give you a brief little idea of what skin concerns i am trying to support through skincare.

• old acne scars and texture

Back when i started my own wellness journey, I was really struggling with cystic acne. I had deep, painful blemishes all along my jaw line that were red and inflammed. I'd had small acne breakouts before but nothing like this. After taking a holistic approach to my cystic and wanting to cure it from the inside out- I no longer have these painful cystic breakouts (and rarely any breakouts at all!). But I still have the uneven texture and dark spots from where they used to be.

• hyperpigmentation after pregnancy

More uneven skin tone 🙃 but this is primarily hormone related. After having my daughter it took about 8 months for my skin tone to even out and the dark spots to leave. This time around I am assuming the same thing will happen in time. So I am wanting to nourish and support my skin (and maybe get results a little quicker after this baby?!)

• natural anti-aging routine 

I am not afraid of aging- I think it's an amazing privilege. But I do want to take care of my skin and support it where I can! And i've learned that some of the best anti-aging ingredients and best wrinkle creams are simply nutrient-rich ingredients.

My Quick and Effective Skincare Routine

For a long time I didn’t really have a skin care routine and would just try products randomly off the shelf. But after the birth of my second child I noticed more hyperpigmentation, sun damage 😅 and fine lines. So I wanted to intentionally add a couple more products that would help nourish and support my skin.

I’ve separated it into both morning + evening routines, and then a couple other things I do on special occasions when I am wanting a little extra self care 🧖🏻‍♀️

Morning Routine

For a long time I didn’t really do much to my skin in the morning, but since starting to incorporate morning skincare into my daily routine it’s one of my favorite things to look forward to (right next to that morning cup of coffee)! I wanted to create a routine that I could be consistent with so I knew it had to be quick and simple.

I have oily, acne-prone skin so was really nervous about adding more oil to my skin.. but it’s been the greatest swap from conventional facial cleansers.

1. oil cleanser- I use this cleanser that it made for oily skin types and those with acne prone skin. While I was pregnant, I had really dry skin so swapped to the “normal” version and it worked great! You simply rub a few drops into your skin and then wipe away with a warm washcloth. The smell makes me feel like i’m in a spa — and the best part is there is no artificial fragrances, just organic essential oils.

   It’s officially been over 3 years that I have used this oil cleanser and I love it as much now as I first did 👏 
   What's inside? All natural ingredients including:
   castor oil- rich in vitamin e and fatty acids
   tamanu oil- research has shown it to be a powerful natural oil for skin problems like scarring, acne, rashes, and more
   Orange essential oils- rich in vitamin c which naturally brightens the complexion for a youthful glow ✨

2. serum- currently i’m using the plumping serum facial oil since i’m having a moment with bakuchiol (helloooo plant-based retinal alternative)! i’ve seen such a difference in my hyperpigmentation from pregnancy and an overall smoother skin texture.
   If you haven't read my post on bakuchiol, here's the quick and dirty: This study (along with many others) confirms that bakuchiol can be a great alternative to retinol products with lower rates of skin irritation. Bakuchiol also had a step up because of it's antioxidative properties!

   But that isn't the only key ingredient - 
   pomegranate seed oil- what gives this oil it's pretty red color, but even more importantly is it's antioxidants. this helps with sun damage, age spots, and other common signs of skin aging.

3. gua sha, roller, or facial cupping- I do not do all of these in one day, but most mornings I will pick one and spend a couple of minutes using one of the skincare tools. 

   • The Gua Sha stone helps move lymphatic fluid (that morning puffiness) from the face, and increase blood flow (this brings more nutrients to the skin tissue)

   • Jade Roller- another tool that helps to promote lymphatic drainage, decrease puffiness, and stimulate blood flow 

     PRO TIP: keep it in the fridge or freezer and use while you’re making coffee or cooking breakfast in the morning. The additional coolness will decrease inflammation and leave you feeling refreshed. It’s the perfect extra “wake up” in the morning! ❄️

   • Facial Cupping— okayyyyyy. This nifty little tool is my new favorite. It’s applies gentle suction to the skin, bringing nutrient rich blood to the surface.

4. Some form of sun protection- If i'm going to spend time taking care of my skin, you best believe I am also going to take some safe preventative measures against photo damage from the sun. But to be clear-- I am not afraid of the sun. I think the sun it incredibly supportive and beneficial to our health, physically, mentally, and emotionally! 

Facial Cupping

These silicone tools apply gentle suction to the skin which increases blood flow and supports lymphatic drainage.

Read More:

• Is Gua Sha Better Than Botox?!

Evening Routine

This past year I have been a lot more diligent about prioritizing sleep. That means I have nailed down my bedtime routine to find a rhythm that works for me and my family and that I can consistently do. Adding in a relaxing skincare routine is the perfect step to getting ready for high-quality sleep. 

1. Double Cleanse- When you order the bar and oil the instructions say to first oil cleanse and then use the bar.. and I always felt like this was counter-intuitive. Until I learned how oil cleansing and double cleansing actually works.

   Here is a quick 101:

   Do you remember in science class when you learned the phrase "like dissolves like"?? That is essentially what is happening when you oil cleanse. The natural oils are dissolving the built-up oils on your skin and pores, leaving you squeaky clean without stripping your skin

2. Serum- I have the serum trio and alternate between the 3!

   • clarifying serum- minimizes inflammation and breakouts, brightens uneven skin tone

     • I love using this one around my menstrual cycle when I am prone to a couple more breakouts. This was also the all-star product when I was dealing with healing my cystic acne

   • plumping serum- promotes youthful appearance, softens signs of aging, + plumps skin naturally

     • this is the newest product of theirs that I have started to use! they recently added bakuchiol which is a natural alternative to retinal (which was wayy too harsh for my skin)

   • soothing serum- creates a calm complexion, soothes sensitive + stressed skin + restores balance

     • When I DID try using retinol and had a lot of irritation (commonly known as the retinol purge), I starting using this and it was so soothing. It helped heal my skin barrier and stop all the peeling

3. Moisturize- Baby balm for moisturizer and under eye cream?? Now just give me a minute to explain. 😅 One thing that I think is really cool about natural products is that they are really interchangeable. So yes, a balm that is safe for your baby and your under eyes… and everything in between.
   It’s made from:

   1.  tallow from grass-fed cows which is rich in vitamins and fatty acids

   2. organic marshmallow root which has been lovingly named "nature's hyaluronic acid"

   3. pure emu oil which is anti-inflammatory 

Before using this baby balm, i would get little red spots whenever I used a face cream. Or some other creams would leave my skin feeling greasy and not absorb at all. This balm is perfect for sensitive skin types and the delicate skin of your under eyes. 

PRO TIP: if you have little ones get one for you and one for them. Also remember to always wash and dry your hands before and after applying the balm to your baby's bottom or rashes- you want to make sure you are adding any germs into the jar!

4. Red light therapy- About an hour before bedtime, I put my phone into do not disturb mode. After that, I try to minimize any bright lights and create a dim, soothing space for sleep. Over the last year I have experimented more with red light therapy and have noticed an improvement in sleep, inflammation, and injury healing. Studies also show that it boosts collagen production (when collagen naturally decreases as we age, it leads to signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and sagging)! 👏

Primally Pure Serum Trio

If you are interested in several of the serums, the best way to try them (and most affordable!) is getting the trio ✨

A Holistic Approach to Skincare

And I would be doing holistic health a disservice if I didn't mention that your skin health is great indicator of what is going on INSIDE your body. When I was struggling with cystic acne, it wasn't because I had "bad skin". It was because my hormones were all out of whack, I was depleted of nutrients, running on stress hormones, and not sleeping well. It was a recipe for disaster. 

So while I did invest in skin care products to help with my skin concerns, I also took a holistic approach.

I revamped my nutrition and tried to prioritize nutrient-dense foods. I ditched the second, third, and fourth cups of coffee, and made sure I was hydrating with mineral-rich drinks. I began to clean up my health and beauty products to give my liver a break from filtering out so many synthetic chemicals, additives, and by-products. I focused on reducing my stress levels and instead opting for slower hobbies that supported my nervous system. 

So as much as i love good high-quality products and the best skin care routine, the most important step is looking at your whole lifestyle and not searching for a "quick fix". And I think that is my favorite part of Primally Pure as a company and why I feel confident in recommending their products-- because they really adopt that idea of pairing lifestyle changes with potent formula s to create a holistic health and beauty routine. 

use CODE kaelyn10 for 10% off your Primally Pure order

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