My Simple Natural Skincare Products

Happy Sunday Everyone!

One of the most requested blog posts I have is on my skincare routine. It’s been nearly 3 years since I completed by Roaccutane course and I’m still (luckily) acne-free. That’s not to say that I don’t get pimples. Every now and again I’ll break out, usually down to that special time of the month, stress, not drinking enough water, bad diet or a change in beauty products. But for the most part, my skin is pretty clear. And for that I think my regimen is largely responsible.

Over the years, I come to the realization that the best skincare regimens (for me) is simple. And by simple I mean using products with mostly natural ingredients. So without further ado here’s what I’ve been using!

Trader Joe’s Spa Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil
I discovered this last year on my trip to the States and I have been absolutely addicted since then. The description says “Tea tree oil, awapuhi, orange peel and lavender make this face wash strong yet gentle without being an astringent.” And I’d say that’s very accurate. Its first five ingredients are castille soap, water, coconut oil, tall oil and potassium hydroxide. Followed by tonnes of plant extracts and oils. I love this face wash and have been using it consistently since I discovered it. Unfortunately you can’t find it here so I’m already looking for a way to get some sent to me ASAP.

Charcoal Konjac Sponge
Konjac sponges are something I learned about in Japan. They’re all-natural face sponges made from plant-based fibres and contain different herbs (black ones have activated charcoal). They work with your face wash to ensure that your skin is cleansed properly but gently. The activated charcoal is great for oily and acne-prone skin. And guess what? I’ll be stocking a selection of these on  ajali.com.ng by the end of the month so stay tuned!

Thayer’s Lavender Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an all-natural astringent and I’ve used pure witch hazel as a toner before. It gets the job done but can be a little drying and smells terrible. But this product smells incredible. Its top five ingredients are purified water, aloe vera leaf juice, vegetable glycerin, natural lavender fragrance and Hamamelus Virginiana extract (made from certified organic witch hazel.) This toner helps to restore your skin’s pH levels after cleansing and tightens your pores. I love it especially because it’s gentle, smells great and leaves your skin feeling moisturised and smooth. I got mine from Health Plus in Lekki for under N3,000.

Pure Tea Tree Oil
Although I don’t consider myself to have acne-prone skin anymore, I am still very much obsessed with tea tree oil. I have used it on my face for years now and my skin loves it. Now tea tree oil is very potent so it’s actually not recommended to use pure tea tree oil directly on your face, you should mix it with a carrier oil (a great one would be Vitamin E oil). So if you want to try it, that’s something to bear in mind. I should also mention that I don’t use it every day either, more like 2-3 nights a week before bed. On nights when I don’t use tea tree oil my last step is my toner.

And there you have it ladies and gents – a very simple, very clean routine that’s been working well for me. Have you tried any of these items? What skin care products have you been loving?