If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that there is beauty in slowing down. That’s why we created The Slow Living Series. Throughout this year, we’ve been exploring what slow living truly means and the tactile ways that we can implement it into our daily lives. For the fourth and final part of our series, we’re focusing on our bread and butter here at Iremia: natural skincare routines and how to ease into them safely and effortlessly. 

There are so many aspects that contribute to slow living. Taking time to create calm spaces around you. Implementing minimalism into your daily life. Truly putting your mental health first. Choosing sustainable alternatives that make a positive impact on you and the planet. 

But all of these staples of slow living come together when we talk about natural skincare. We believe that your skincare routine should be an opportunity to slow down, think consciously, feel at peace, and express gratitude for your body. And when your skincare is supported by gentle but effective natural ingredients, you can really unlock these benefits (plus so many more). 

We also understand that transitioning into a natural skincare routine can feel overwhelming, especially when you have sensitive skin. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to easing into a new routine safely and effortlessly. Ready? Let’s dive in! 

Step 1: Take it slow 

This is the Slow Living Series, after all. If you’re thinking about stepping into any new routine, the first (and most important) step is to ease into it at your own pace — especially when it comes to your skin. 

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and a truly incredible one at that. It’s your body’s ticket to the outside world — protecting you from external factors, sensing pain and touch, and even fighting off infection. Your skin is a vital piece to your health puzzle, which means it needs to be handled with care and compassion. That’s why your skin benefits so much from slowing down. 

Moral of the story: don’t rush into a new skincare routine. Instead, slowly remove items from your routine over a number of days or weeks. Then, take your time introducing new products or methods. 

Pay close attention to how your skin reacts to each new factor. Always patch test a new product first before lathering it everywhere. If something feels wrong, stop doing it. If your skin reacts poorly to a new product, stop using it. The slower you go, the more relaxed and receptive your skin will be. 

Step 2: Do your research

Natural skincare can be incredibly effective, especially for sensitive skin issues like rosacea and eczema. But there’s also a lot of misinformation and uncertainty out there about which ingredients are good for which skin types. That’s why it’s so important to do your research before jumping into a new routine. 

First off, find out exactly what ingredients are in a product, whether they are truly natural, and what impact they will have on your skin.Just because a product is natural does not mean it will be a perfect fit for your unique skin type or condition. When in doubt, contact the company and ask for more information about their ingredients. 

While researching new products, keep an eye out for some of these harsh ingredients that you’ll want to avoid:

• Phthalates: They can disrupt your Endocrine system and create unhealthy hormone imbalances. 
• Parabens:Can cause redness, irritation, and hormone imbalances. 
• Triclosan:This chemical can irritate the skin and harm your thyroid and hormones. 
• SLS/SLES: A powerful ingredient that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. 
• Toluene:This harsh petrochemical can harm your immune, nervous, reproductive, and respiratory systems. (Yes, you read that right). 
• “Active” ingredients: Go easy on ingredients like retinol or hyaluronic acid, especially if you struggle with sensitive skin. 

And while you look into the bad ingredients, make sure to spotlight the good ones, too. Click here for a list of some of the most powerful plant-based ingredients that promote healthy, naturally glowing skin. 

Step 3: Make it minimal 

A new routine doesn’t mean you need to add more steps.When transitioning into natural skincare, aim for a routine that has fewer steps than your previous one. This will put less stress on your sensitive skin and put more emphasis on the areas that need a little love. In fact, when our founder, Elaine, scaled down her skincare routine, it was the number one cure for her rosacea and sensitive skin. 

To bring more minimalism into your sensitive skincare, think small —a small number of products that each contain a small number of ingredients. Select products that serve multiple purposes. For example, our Soothing Lotion is a highly effective moisturizer and an eye cream all in one. And when you’re removing steps from your routine, considereasing up on physical exfoliation and use a gentle washcloth instead.

Most of all, enjoy every moment of your routine. Breathe deeply as you go through each step, soaking in the sensations and aromas. When massaging a product into your skin, move slowly to promote lymphatic drainage and healthy blood flow. Soon you’ll realize that minimalism isn’t just about the products on your shelf — it’s about quieting your mind, staying present, and giving your skin a little extra soothing love. 

(Psst. Want to learn more about creating calm spaces through minimalism? Read Part 1 of our Slow Living Series.)

Step 4: Become best friends with your skin 

Our last tip for easing into a new skincare routine? Take the time to really get toknow your skin. You might even have to learn your skin all over again — how dry or oily it is, what keeps it calm, what makes it angry, and where irritations or blemishes show up most. 

Ultimately, your skin will be the guide as you slowly transition into natural ingredients that can heal, soothe, and restore one of your most vital organs. Listen closely to what your skin is telling you and take note of how it reacts to new products — it will always let you know what feels wrong or right. 

Ready to discover Iremia’s line of all-natural, small-batch skincare — specifically crafted for sensitive skin? Click here: https://iremiaskincare.ca/collections/shop-all-products