My Minimal Beauty Routine: 10 Ideas for a Simple Hair & Skin Regime

Over the years I’ve tried many different hair and skin products. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on expensive products and salons. When I began to simplify my life, I realized the more natural my products were and the fewer of them I used, my hair and skin never looked healthier.

A simple beauty routine can just highlight all of the natural beauty that we already have. I am not a dermatologist or hair expert. These are just the things that I’ve found that really work for me.

1. Sleep

When I get plenty of sleep, I have less bloodshot eyes, it reduces the bags under my eyes, and I feel and look refreshed and rested.

2. Water

The first thing I do when I wake up is have a large glass of lukewarm water. My body is a little dehydrated after a night of sleep. The warm water helps to flush out my organs and start my digestive system. Hydrating first thing in the morning helps to reduce some of the puffiness in my face that occurs overnight. 

3. Body brush

Before showering, I use my body brush to exfoliate my skin from dry and dead cells. It also promotes new cell growth which makes my skin look smooth and healthy.

4. Body butter

After my shower, I use my homemade body butter which is made up of coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. It is hands down the most moisturizing lotion I have ever used in my life.

5. Vitamin C cleanser and serum

I wash my face in the morning with a product called Insta Natural Vitamin C Cleanser. It helps brighten my skin. It helps my face feel clean without drying it out.

I follow up with Insta Natural Retinol Serum. This helps even out uneven skin tone and fine lines. It also softens my skin and I notice a difference in the wrinkles around my eyes. I use this serum after washing my face at night, too.

6. Sunscreen

I never used sunscreen until I was in my 30s and my skin paid the price for that. I do not step foot outside without sunscreen. Before I put on my makeup, I put on Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defence Serum SPF 60+. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and feels dry. It goes on clear and doesn’t clog my pores. 

7. Makeup remover

I do not use makeup wipes to remove my eye makeup. Instead, I use Cliganic Rosehip Oil. A few drops on a tissue takes off my makeup very easily without chemicals. I then wash my face. I’ll also use a few drops of this on my skin after washing my face at night to brighten my skin as I sleep.

8. Baking soda

Once a week I exfoliate my facial skin. I use a pea-sized amount of baking soda on damp fingers. I rub it together to make a bit of a paste. I make small circles along my face and neck to exfoliate my skin.

This baking soda mixture was recommended to me about 10 years ago by a dermatologist to help brighten my dark spots from skin damage. However, I’ve heard many times that baking soda is too harsh for your face and shouldn’t be used.

If you choose to try this, use caution, just try a tiny bit, and if your skin is too dry or very sensitive, do not use baking soda at all on your skin. 

9. Homemade shampoo

I used to have thin, brittle, unhealthy hair. Over the past seven years as I stopped coloring my hair, stopped shampooing it every day, and reduced the number of products I used on it, my hair has not been this healthy or thick since I was a teenager.

I shower once a day, but I wash my hair every three to four days. It took some time for my hair to adapt to this new schedule. When I washed my hair every day I noticed it felt greasy and I also lost a lot more hair than I do when I wash my hair less.

I have not used commercial shampoo and conditioner for about seven years.

I wash my hair with a homemade shampoo made from a few drops of Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap, a teaspoon of baking soda, and 4 ounces of water shaken up really well. It leaves my hair feeling squeaky clean without stripping all of my natural oils. 

10. Homemade conditioner

My homemade conditioner is a mixture of 2 ounces of apple cider vinegar and 2 ounces of water mixed in a spray bottle. I spray it on in the shower, leave it on for two minutes, then rinse. It makes my hair soft and helps with pH balance on the scalp to reduce dandruff. 

Minimal beauty routine

These are just a few things I use for my skin and hair. I love my minimalist hair and skincare routines. Maybe they will resonate with you and work for you, maybe not. You are the only one who truly knows what makes you feel beautiful, healthy, and vibrant inside and out. 

I’m still looking for a really good natural face sunscreen that isn’t too thick. If you know of one, leave me a comment below and share the name. If you have suggestions for hair care or skincare, I would love to hear them!