How to Build a Skin Care Routine with Organic Products |Morning & Night
Building an effective skincare routine is all about using the right products in the proper order – often called the skincare routine order. With organic products, you can nourish your skin with natural ingredients while avoiding harsh chemicals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step morning and night routine using organic skincare, with tips on layering products for optimal absorption and recommendations for different skin types (acne-prone, oily, sensitive, dry, and combination). By the end, you’ll know exactly how to cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize, and protect your skin using organic goodies, both morning and night.
Morning Skincare Routine (Step-by-Step)
Your morning skincare routine focuses on cleansing away nighttime oils, hydrating the skin, and protecting it for the day. Consistency is key, and using organic products rich in natural extracts can gently prep your skin for makeup or the outdoors without irritation
Follow these steps in order for the best results and absorption.
[25†embed_image] 1. Cleanse: Start every morning by washing your face. Cleansing is the crucial first step that gives you a clean slate for the rest of your products
A good cleanser removes sweat, oil, and any residue from the night so that your toner, serums, and creams can penetrate properly. Choose an organic facial cleanser suited to your skin type to avoid stripping natural moisture. For example, a gentle gel or foaming cleanser with tea tree or willow bark is great for oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps unclog pores and reduce excess oil without over-drying (look for natural antiseptic ingredients like tea tree oil to help control breakouts
If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a cream or milky cleanser with hydrating ingredients (such as aloe vera or glycerin) to cleanse without irritation
Combination skin can use a balanced cleanser that removes oil in the T-zone while being gentle on drier cheeks – for instance, a mild organic cleanser with chamomile or green tea can soothe and clean all areas. Always rinse with lukewarm water and pat your face dry (no harsh rubbing) to keep skin calm. Layering tip: Apply cleanser on damp skin and massage in circles; this boosts circulation and ensures a thorough cleanse. Removing impurities first thing ensures the next products can work effectively on fresh skin.
Organic Cleanser Suggestions:
- Acne-Prone / Oily Skin: Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is a gentle gel cleanser with tea tree and probiotics that purifies oily, breakout-prone skin without stripping moisture. It helps clear excess oil and bacteria for a fresh complexion.
- Dry Skin: Hydra Comforting Cleansing Milk – A rich, creamy cleanser (featured on OrganicSkinCare.com) that uses plant-based butters to nourish and comfort dry skin while it cleanses It leaves skin feeling soft, not tight.
- Sensitive Skin: Sensiderm Cleansing Milk is an ultra-mild cleansing milk for sensitive skin that restores the skin’s moisture barrier while removing dirt.It contains soothing botanicals (like chamomile or calendula) to prevent redness.
- Combination Skin: Deep Pore Cleanser—This natural cleanser can deeply clean oilier areas without drying out the face.It’s formulated without harsh chemicals (no parabens or mineral oils) and works well for normal to combination skin by keeping pores clear and skin balanced.
2. Tone: Apply toner to refine and prep your skin after cleansing. Toners help remove any residual impurities or oil that your cleanser might have missed and rebalance your skin’s pH
An organic toner can also deliver plant extracts and hydration to the skin. For instance, toners with rosewater or aloe can soothe and lightly moisturize, which is excellent for dry or sensitive skin (they add a boost of hydration and calmness)
. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a toner with natural astringents like witch hazel or willow bark can help minimize pores and reduce excess oil
– this keeps shine in check and can prevent breakouts. Those with combination skin might use a balancing toner (for example, one containing hydrating ingredients and gentle herbal astringents) to address different face areas. Apply your toner by spritzing it on or patting it with a cotton pad; avoid dragging or rough rubbing. The purpose here is to refresh the skin, remove any cleanser residue or hard water minerals, and prime your face for better absorption of serums and moisturizers. Layering tip: Apply serum while your face is still slightly damp from the toner – this dampness can help pull in the serum’s ingredients more effectively.
Organic Toner Suggestions:
- Dry/Sensitive Skin: Try a hydrating toner such as ilike Organic Rosehip Toner or a simple rosewater mist. These will add moisture and soothe irritation without alcohol. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin in organic toners attract water to the skin, plumping up any dry patches
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Use an astringent natural toner containing witch hazel, tea tree, or salicylic acid (derived from willow bark) to disinfect and tone gently. For example, Purifying Facial Toner (available on OrganicSkinCare.com) has witch hazel to unclog pores and rebalance oily skin. This step will help keep your complexion clear and shine-free throughout the day.
- Combination Skin: Look for a balancing toner with a mix of light hydration and pore-refining ingredients. An example is a toner with green tea (to regulate oil and provide antioxidants) and a bit of lavender or chamomile (to hydrate and calm). This ensures oily zones get purified while drier areas get a touch of moisture.
3. Apply Serum: Next, treat your skin to a serum – these are concentrated formulas packed with active ingredients to target specific concerns. Serums are usually lightweight and fast-absorbing, so they penetrate deeper into the skin after toner
In the morning, an antioxidant serum is a fantastic choice, especially a Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C helps brighten your complexion, even out skin tone, and defend against environmental damage throughout the day (it’s like an extra shield under your SPF)
For example, Eminence Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum is an organic vitamin C serum that delivers antioxidants from leafy greens and citrus to protect your skin and boost radiance. This kind of serum works well for all skin types (even sensitive skin can often tolerate natural vitamin C formulations) to promote a healthy glow.
Choose your serum based on your skin’s needs: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might use a clarifying serum with natural extracts that help regulate oil production and fight breakouts – for instance, a serum with niacinamide or willow bark can reduce excess oil and minimize pores (niacinamide is known to smooth texture and curb acne
An example is Eminence Clear Skin Willow Bark Serum, which contains willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid) and tea tree oil to keep acne at bay while also hydrating with aloe. If your skin is dry, consider a hyaluronic acid serum (many organic brands offer plant-derived hyaluronic acid or tremella mushroom as a natural alternative) to deeply hydrate and plump the skin. A serum like this will draw moisture in, so your skin stays supple under your moisturizer. Sensitive skin types might opt for a serum with calming botanicals – think chamomile, cucumber, or centella asiatica – to reduce redness and strengthen the skin barrier. And if you’re concerned about aging or dullness, a serum with antioxidants and vitamins (Vitamin C, E, or even natural retinol alternatives like bakuchiol) can be beneficial to firm and brighten.
Layering tip: Press the serum into your skin with your fingertips rather than rubbing aggressively. Allow about a minute for the serum to absorb fully before moving to the next step. This pause gives those potent natural ingredients time to sink in and do their job. Remember, serums should be applied before heavier creams since they are thinner and designed to deliver actives efficiently.
4. Moisturize: After your serum, it’s time to lock in hydration with a moisturizer. Moisturizing is vital to keep skin soft and to reinforce your skin’s protective barrier. An organic moisturizer will nourish your skin with plant-based oils and butter without synthetic additives. Apply moisturizer after serum because creams are thicker and create a seal on your skin – if you put a cream on first, it could block your serum from absorbing properly
A good moisturizer increases the water content in your skin and prevents moisture loss throughout the day
For the morning, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose a lightweight, oil-free lotion or gel moisturizer. Look for terms like “non-comedogenic” and ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or jojoba – these hydrate without clogging pores
For example, Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer is an ultra-light organic cream with cucumber and tea tree that keeps acne-prone skin moisturized and calm, helping to reduce redness and breakouts. If your skin is dry, go for a richer organic cream packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or avocado oil to relieve that tight feeling. An example might be a cream with ceramides and natural oils (OrganicSkinCare.com offers moisturizers with shea butter and argan oil for deep moisture). Sensitive skin will benefit from a moisturizer with soothing elements like chamomile, calendula, or oatmeal – these help reduce inflammation and reinforce the skin barrier. An organic chamomile moisturizer (such as Eminence Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer) can hydrate while calming redness. Those with combination skin should seek a balanced moisturizer – possibly a medium-weight cream or lotion that hydrates dry areas without oversaturating the oily T-zone. You can also apply a lighter gel on the oily parts and a richer cream on dry parts if needed (multitasking is every day for combo skin!).
Layering tip: Take a small dollop of moisturizer and warm it between your hands, then gently massage it into your face and neck in upward, circular motions. Don’t forget areas like the neck and jawline. Because moisturizers are thicker, putting them on after serums helps seal in all the beneficial ingredients you just applied
Give your moisturizer a minute or two to settle in before moving to the final step (this prevents pilling when you apply sunscreen or makeup on top).
5. SPF (Sunscreen): Sun protection is a non-negotiable final step in your morning routine. After your moisturizer has absorbed, apply a broad-spectrum SPF to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. UV exposure is the number one cause of premature skin aging (think wrinkles, sunspots) and can lead to skin cancer, so daily sunscreen is a must
Using an organic or mineral sunscreen is a great option if you want to avoid chemical filters. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide physically block UV rays and are often gentler on the skin (ideal for sensitive skin or acne-prone skin that might react to chemical sunscreens). Apply a generous amount – about a nickel-sized dollop for your face – and be sure to cover all exposed areas, including your neck and ears. Sunscreen should always be the last step in your daytime skincare routine
because you want it to form that protective layer on top of your other products.
When choosing an organic SPF, consider your skin type: If you have oily skin, you might prefer a lightweight, matte-finish mineral sunscreen or an oil-free SPF moisturizer that won’t leave you greasy (some organic brands offer mattifying zinc lotions). For dry skin, a sunscreen that has moisturizing ingredients like jojoba or squalane can prevent your skin from drying out throughout the day. Those with sensitive skin should look for a fragrance-free mineral sunscreen with soothing additives like green tea or chamomile to minimize any irritation. Many natural sunscreens are formulated with botanical extracts and oils (raspberry seed oil, for example, has some UV-protective qualities) to nourish as they protect. Remember to check that your sunscreen is at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays
Layering tip: Gently pat (don’t rub too hard) your sunscreen over your moisturizer to avoid disturbing the layers underneath. If you wear makeup, give the sunscreen a few minutes to absorb fully before applying foundation – this will help your makeup sit well and ensure the SPF is effective. And if you’re outdoors for long, reapply sunscreen every two hours for continued protection.
Your morning routine is now complete! In summary, the order of your morning skincare routine should always be: Cleanse → Tone → Serum → Moisturize → SPF. Following this skincare routine order ensures each product can do its job without being blocked by the next one. You maximize absorption and efficacy by layering from thinnest (like toner/serum) to thickest (cream then sunscreen).
Let’s look at how your nighttime routine should work with organic products.
Night Skincare Routine (Step-by-Step)
Your nighttime skincare routine is all about deep cleansing, nourishment, and recovery. In the evening, you want to remove the day’s buildup (makeup, sweat, sunscreen, and pollutants) and then feed your skin with reparative ingredients while you sleep. Night is when your skin goes into renewal mode, so organic products with vitamins and antioxidants can really boost your skin’s health overnight. The steps at night are similar to morning, with a couple of additions (like oils or special treatments) since you don’t have to apply SPF. Here’s how to build your PM routine:
1. Cleanse (Night): Evening cleansing is perhaps even more important than morning. Throughout the day, your face accumulates dirt, oil, and environmental impurities that need to be thoroughly washed off. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, consider doing a double cleanse: first use an oil-based cleanser (or cleansing balm) to dissolve heavy makeup and SPF, then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue. Using organic cleansing oils (like one with sunflower or jojoba oil) can effectively melt away makeup naturally and won’t strip your skin. After that, a second cleanse with a mild organic face wash (chosen according to your skin type, similar to your morning cleanser) will ensure your skin is truly clean. For instance, at night you might use a rich cleansing oil with organic argan or coconut oil to lift off grime, then use your Eminence Clear Skin probiotic cleanser or Sensiderm Cleansing Milk as the second step to purify the skin. If you don’t wear much makeup, a single cleanse with your regular organic face wash should suffice – just be diligent about covering all areas (forehead, sides of nose, jawline, etc.). The purpose here is to go to bed with a clean face so your pores can breathe and absorb the beneficial products to come. Neglecting proper cleansing at night can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, so this step is key for acne-prone and oily skin especially. Those with dry or sensitive skin should choose a very gentle cleanser at night (maybe a fragrance-free organic cream cleanser) so as not to over-cleanse; the double cleanse method can actually be beneficial for sensitive types too if you use a soothing cleansing oil first, since oil can cleanse without the need for harsh scrubbing. After washing, pat skin dry softly.
Layering tip: If you did a double cleanse, ensure you rinse off all traces of the first cleanser before moving to the second. You can gently wipe your face with a soft damp cloth to remove the oil cleanser thoroughly between the two cleansers. After cleansing, don’t wait too long before the next steps – applying toner and treatments on skin that’s just cleaned (and slightly damp) helps them absorb better.
2. Tone (Night): Toning at night serves the same purpose as in the morning – it removes any lingering impurities and preps the skin – but you can tailor it to your needs. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, nighttime is a good opportunity to use a toner with exfoliating or acne-fighting ingredients (since you won’t be in the sun immediately after). For example, an organic toner with a natural AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) like lactic acid or BHA like salicylic acid can gently exfoliate dead skin cells, keeping pores clear and preventing breakouts. Some organic toners use fruit enzymes or apple cider vinegar to achieve this effect naturally. You might not use an exfoliating toner every single night – perhaps a few times a week if your skin tolerates it – and on other nights use a hydrating or balancing toner. If you have dry or sensitive skin, stick with a calming toner at night (such as a lavender or chamomile toner) to avoid irritation. Combination skin users can apply an exfoliating toner only on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) where clogs and oil are more common, and use a milder toner on cheeks. The key is to ensure your skin is clean and its pH is balanced after cleansing, which helps any serums or treatments you use next to work more effectively. Apply the toner with a cotton pad or by patting it on, just as you would in the morning.
Layering tip: If you are using a stronger treatment toner (like one with glycolic acid), let it sit for a minute or two on the skin before applying the next product, to give the acids time to do their job. You might feel a slight tingle – that’s okay as long as it’s not burning. Always follow with a serum or moisturizer to avoid drying out your skin after an exfoliating toner.
3. Apply Serum (Night): Nighttime is ideal for treatment serums, especially those that might make skin sensitive to sunlight. This is when you can use your anti-aging powerhouses or acne treatments. One common night serum is a retinol or retinol-alternative serum. Retinol (Vitamin A) helps increase cell turnover, fade dark spots, and improve wrinkles, but it can be irritating and isn’t always “organic.” If you prefer natural options, look for bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that offers similar benefits (firmer skin, smoother texture) without the harshness. Many organic brands now include bakuchiol in their night serums or creams. If you have acne-prone skin, a serum with natural exfoliants or antibacterials can work overnight to clear your skin – for example, a serum with tea tree oil, niacinamide, or willow bark extract (salicylic) can reduce inflammation and keep pores clear as you sleep. For dry or mature skin, nighttime serums rich in antioxidants and nutrients are wonderful: think of rosehip oil (which is high in natural Vitamin A and C), sea buckthorn, or peptides from botanicals. These will support your skin’s repair process and often boost collagen production. Sensitive skin types at night should avoid strong actives; instead, try a serum with niacinamide or centella which can repair the skin barrier and reduce redness overnight, or simply use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid if you didn’t use one in the morning.
You can also multi-serum or “skin cycle” through the week: maybe use a refining serum (like a natural retinol or AHA serum) one night, and a hydrating/calming serum the next, to give your skin balance. Always listen to your skin – if it becomes very irritated, dial back on the active treatments.
Layering tip: Just like in the morning, apply your thinnest serum first. If you use more than one serum, go from lightest to thicker. For example, you might apply a lightweight niacinamide serum first, then a slightly oilier antioxidant serum after. However, be cautious about mixing too many actives at once. Often, one good serum at night is enough. Make sure to allow each to absorb before applying the next. If you are using a strong treatment like a retinol cream, you generally would apply it after a lighter hydrating serum (retinol products are often slightly creamy). In any case, once your treatment serums are on, give it a minute or two before the moisturizing step.
4. Moisturize (Night): Your night moisturizer can be a bit richer than your daytime one, since you don’t have to worry about shine during the day. Night creams (or simply using your regular moisturizer) help hydrate and repair the skin barrier while you sleep. After your serums or treatments, apply an organic moisturizer to seal everything in. If you have dry skin, this is the time to use a deeply hydrating cream – even a natural balm with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or oils can be beneficial to prevent moisture loss overnight. For example, an organic night cream with jojoba oil and aloe could hydrate dry skin all night so you wake up with a soft complexion. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, you can still moisturize at night (yes, even oily skin needs moisture!). In fact, using a light gel or lotion at night can help regulate your skin’s oil production; if you skip moisturizer, your skin might produce more oil to compensate. Look for an oil-free night lotion or a probiotic moisturizer that keeps skin clear. For combination skin, you might use a medium-weight moisturizer or apply a richer cream on the drier areas and a lighter one on the oily areas. Sensitive skin users should stick to a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer with calming plant extracts (similar to their day cream) to avoid any overnight irritation. Some organic skincare lines offer “night creams” that include extra actives (like natural anti-aging herbs or oils) – you can use those if you like, or simply use your day moisturizer if it provides enough hydration, and maybe layer an oil on top (next step) for more nourishment.
Don’t forget an eye cream if you use one: though not mentioned in our main steps, you can gently pat an organic eye cream around your eyes after moisturizing (or some prefer before moisturizer). Ingredients like caffeine (from green tea or coffee extracts) or cucumber in an eye gel can depuff in the morning, while a richer eye balm with shea butter can hydrate fine lines at night. It’s an optional but useful addition for many.
Layering tip: When applying your night moisturizer, you can use gentle upward strokes and even take it down to your neck and décolletage – these areas also benefit from the moisture and anti-aging ingredients. Suppose you applied a strong treatment (like a retinol cream) before. In that case, you might use the moisturizer to “sandwich” it (applying a thin layer of moisturizer, then retinol, then another thin layer on top) to minimize irritation – a trick for sensitive skin. Always let the moisturizer absorb for a minute before moving to the next step (especially if you plan to use a facial oil on top).
5. Oils or Additional Treatments: This final step is like the “boost” to your night routine. Once you’ve moisturized, you can add a facial oil or overnight treatment to nourish the skin or target specific issues deeply. Facial oils are a fantastic organic option because they are often just pure plant oils that deliver vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants to your skin. Layering tip: Oils are heaviest, so generally apply them after your moisturizer
(they can seal in the hydration from your cream and prevent it from evaporating). For instance, as the last step, you can warm a few drops of organic facial oil between your palms and press it over your face.
Choose an oil that suits your skin type: If dry or mature skin, try a richer oil like argan oil, avocado oil, or rosehip oil. These oils are high in fatty acids and can provide intense hydration and repair while you sleep
Rosehip oil, in particular, is a favorite in organic skincare – it’s packed with vitamins A and C and can help brighten and improve texture over time. Sensitive or irritated skin might benefit from soothing oils such as chamomile (blue tansy) oil or calendula oil, or even rosehip as it’s also calming
These help reduce redness and inflammation. If you’re oily or acne-prone, it may sound counterintuitive, but lightweight oils like jojoba or grapeseed can actually balance your skin’s sebum production
Jojoba oil is chemically similar to our natural skin oils, so it can trick the skin into thinking it’s sufficiently moisturized and reduce the overproduction of oil. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Grapeseed oil is another light option that delivers antioxidants and has a slight astringent property to keep pores clear. Applying a few drops of these oils can leave oily skin soft and nourished without causing breakouts. (Always use high-quality, organic, cold-pressed oils for the best results and to avoid any pore-clogging additives.)
Aside from oils, other treatments you might do at night include overnight masks (like an organic hydrating sleep mask with honey or aloe for extra moisture – applied instead of or after your moisturizer, depending on instructions), or spot treatments for pimples (for example, dabbing a natural clay or tea tree spot treatment on any blemishes to shrink them by morning). You might also use exfoliating treatments some nights (like a fruit acid peel pad) or sheet masks occasionally. These are not every-night steps, but you can rotate them into your routine weekly as needed. Always follow the product’s instructions and don’t pile on too many treatments in one night – it’s best to keep it simple and let your skin rest.
With oils or heavy treatments, a little goes a long way. You don’t want to suffocate your skin; just enough to form a thin layer is perfect. By morning, your skin should feel comfortable and well-nourished, never overly greasy or irritated.
Finally, remember that consistency and listening to your skin are crucial. An organic skincare routine can be adjusted: if your skin feels too oily, use lighter formulas or cut back on oils; if it’s feeling dry or tight, add extra hydration or a richer moisturizer. And always patch-test new products to ensure you don’t react, even if they’re all-natural.
Conclusion: Putting It All Together
Building a morning and night skincare routine with organic products may seem like a lot of steps, but once you find the right products for your skin type, it becomes second nature. The key is to apply products in the correct skincare routine order – generally from thinnest to thickest – so that each layer absorbs properly and you get the maximum benefit
Using organic cleansers, toners, serums, and creams means you’re treating your skin with gentle yet effective natural ingredients, which often results in a healthier complexion with less risk of irritation
Organic products are packed with nutrients (like vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids) that work in harmony with your skin – for example, plant-based serums can deliver high concentrations of active ingredients without the fillers or harsh chemicals found in some conventional products
To recap, your morning routine preps and protects your skin for the day: always cleanse, tone, use a targeted serum, moisturize, and finish with SPF. At night, focus on cleansing thoroughly and then repairing: cleanse (double cleanse if needed), tone, apply treatment serums, moisturize, and use oils or special treatments for extra care. Adjust each step with organic product choices that suit your skin type – whether you’re dealing with acne, oiliness, sensitivity, dryness, or a bit of everything (combination). For instance, an acne-prone person’s routine might include a tea tree cleanser, a clarifying toner, a niacinamide serum, an oil-free moisturizer, and a light jojoba oil at night, while someone with dry, sensitive skin might use a creamy cleanser, a rosewater toner, a hyaluronic acid serum, a rich moisturizer with shea butter, and a few drops of argan oil at night. Both follow the same framework, just with different products tailored to their needs.
By following this guide, you’re treating your skin to a holistic regimen that supports it from morning till night. Give your new routine some time – skin often takes a few weeks to adjust and show results. With patience, you’ll likely notice a more balanced, glowing complexion thanks to the power of organic skincare. Here’s to healthy, happy skin achieved the natural way!
Remember, the best routine is one you can stick to consistently. Feel free to bookmark this step-by-step outline as a reminder of your morning and night skincare orders. Happy cleansing, layering, and glowing!
