5-Step Natural Skin Care Routine with Homemade Skin Care Recipes

Committing to a daily natural skincare routine is one of the best ways to invest in yourself. A little effort each day leads to healthy, glowing skin for years to come.

While the beauty industry offers an endless array of products, the foundation of great skincare remains simple: cleanse, tone, treat, nourish, and protect ¹.

The best part? You can customize your routine to fit your unique needs — using natural, homemade recipes with essential oils that make skincare both effective and enjoyable.

In this article, I’ll show you simple DIY recipes for your skin care steps. Plus: an alternate option using a natural product that already exists.

Taking care of your skin should feel like self-care, not a chore. I know I look forward to that little bit of time in my day. Let’s do this!

5-Step Basic Skincare Routine

1. Cleanse

Cleansing is the foundation of any good skincare routine; the first step to healthy skin. It helps remove dirt, excess oil, makeup, and impurities that build up on your skin throughout the day. A proper cleanse keeps your pores clear, prevents breakouts, and allows the rest of your skincare products to work more effectively.

• DIY Recipe: Blue Tansy Facial Cleanser
• Natural Product: Plant Therapy Double Cleanse Method

To cleanse your face, start by choosing a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating cleanser with ingredients like aloe vera or honey. If your skin is oily, a lightweight foaming cleanser with tea tree or witch hazel can help balance oil production. For sensitive skin, opt for a fragrance-free, soothing cleanser with chamomile or oat extract.

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Begin by rinsing your face with lukewarm water — hot water can dry out your skin, while cold water won’t effectively loosen dirt and oil. Apply a small amount of cleanser to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions, paying attention to areas prone to buildup, like the nose and chin. After about 30 seconds, rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate the skin.

For an even deeper cleanse, consider double cleansing — especially if you wear makeup or sunscreen. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and impurities, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue. I’ve actually been doing this routine for the past year with the Plant Therapy products, and really enjoy it!

Plant Therapy’s Double Cleanse Method features an Oil-based cleanser followed by a gel-based cleanser.
Learn More Here

Cleansing is a simple but essential step to keep your skin fresh, balanced, and ready for the next steps in your routine!

2. Tone

Toning is the second step in a good skincare routine and helps refresh your skin while preparing it for the next steps. A toner works to remove any leftover dirt, oil, or cleanser residue while restoring your skin’s natural pH balance. This is especially important after cleansing, as some face washes can disrupt the skin’s barrier, making it feel dry or tight.

• DIY Recipe: Rose Facial Toner
• Natural Product: Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Mist

When choosing a toner, look for ingredients that match your skin’s needs. If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a hydrating toner with ingredients like rose water, aloe vera, or chamomile. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, a toner with witch hazel, tea tree oil, or green tea can help control excess oil and minimize breakouts. For dull or uneven skin, toners with vitamin C or mild exfoliants like glycolic acid can brighten and smooth your complexion.

To apply toner, soak a cotton pad or reusable facial cloth with the liquid and gently swipe it across your face, focusing on areas where oil and dirt tend to build up, like the T-zone. You can also pour a little toner into your palms and pat it directly onto your skin for a more hydrating effect.

This step only takes a few seconds but makes a big difference in keeping your skin balanced, refreshed, and ready to absorb your serums and moisturizers. Plus, it adds a nice, cooling sensation  perfect for an extra boost of freshness in your routine!

Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera, Alcohol Free
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3. Treat

The third step in your skincare routine is all about giving your skin the extra care it needs. This is where serums come in — a concentrated boost of active ingredients designed to target specific skin concerns like hydration, anti-aging, brightening, or acne. Because serums are lightweight and packed with powerful ingredients, they absorb quickly and penetrate deep into the skin for maximum effectiveness.

• DIY Recipe: Serum for Under Eye Dark Circles
• Natural Product: Vitamin C Serum

Choosing the right serum depends on your skin’s needs:

• For hydration: Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or glycerin to help lock in moisture.
• For anti-aging: Serums with vitamin C, retinol, or peptides can help smooth fine lines and boost collagen production.
• For brightening: Ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and licorice root extract can help even out skin tone and reduce dark spots.
• For acne-prone skin: Serums with tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or zinc can help control breakouts and reduce redness.

To apply, take a few drops of serum and gently press or pat it onto clean, toned skin. Avoid rubbing, as serums absorb best when lightly pressed into the skin. Give it a minute to fully soak in before moving on to the next step.

Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera, Alcohol Free
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Using a serum consistently can make a noticeable difference in your skin’s health, helping you achieve a radiant, balanced, and youthful complexion.

4. Moisturize

Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. No matter your skin type — dry, oily, or combination — your skin needs hydration to stay healthy and balanced. A good moisturizer helps lock in moisture, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and protect against environmental stressors like pollution and dry air.

• DIY Recipe: Face Cream Recipe by Simply Earth
• Natural Product: Hydrating Facial Cream from Plant Therapy

Photo courtesy of Simply Earth.com

Choosing the right moisturizer depends on your skin’s needs:

• For dry skin: Look for rich, creamy moisturizers with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and repair the skin.
• For oily or acne-prone skin: A lightweight, oil-free gel moisturizer with ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, or squalane can provide hydration without clogging pores.
• For combination skin: A balancing moisturizer with a mix of hydrating and oil-controlling ingredients, such as jojoba oil or green tea extract, works best.
• For sensitive skin: Fragrance-free, gentle moisturizers with soothing ingredients like oat extract and chamomile help calm irritation.

To apply, take a small amount of moisturizer and gently massage it into your skin using upward, circular motions. This not only helps with absorption but also stimulates circulation for a natural glow. Be sure to include your neck, as it also needs hydration to stay smooth and firm.

Hydrating Facial Cream, buy it individually or as part of the 4-Step Skin Care Kit
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Moisturizing keeps your skin soft, supple, and protected throughout the day or night. Even if your skin feels oily, skipping moisturizer can actually lead to more oil production, so it’s essential for maintaining balance.

5. Protect

The final step in your skincare routine is protection — especially from the sun. UV rays are one of the leading causes of premature aging, dark spots, and skin damage. Applying sunscreen daily helps prevent these issues and keeps your skin healthy and youthful.

• Natural Product: Mineral Sunscreen

Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply it as the last step in your morning routine. If you’re using a mineral sunscreen, apply it after moisturizing. For chemical sunscreens, let it absorb before layering on makeup.

Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate the skin, so make sunscreen a daily habit. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors, and don’t forget areas like your neck, ears, and hands. A little protection now can prevent major skin concerns later!

Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
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Final Thoughts

Creating a 5-step natural skincare routine using homemade recipes is a wonderful way to nourish your skin with the power of nature. By focusing on these simple steps, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive products.

The beauty of DIY skincare lies in its customizability and the joy of knowing exactly what you’re putting on your skin.

Whether you’re tackling dry skin, breakouts, or simply want a refreshing glow, these natural solutions can help you achieve your skincare goals. Remember, consistency is key! With a little time and care, you’ll see the long-term benefits of a routine that’s as kind to your skin as it is to the planet.

Ready to start your natural skincare journey? Try out the recipes and enjoy the process of pampering your skin the natural way! Let us know how it’s going, in the comments section below.

References

¹ Healthline.com: 5-Step Skin Care Routine for Glowing Skin

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