How to Effortlessly Switch to a Natural Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin

One evening, my husband sent me a video and links that made me rethink the everyday products I use. The video highlighted something I had never really considered before—phthalates and parabens, which are commonly found in personal care items like deodorants, shampoos, and even toothpaste. After learning about their potential health risks, I knew I had to make a change.

Parabens are commonly found in leave-on and rinse-off products, especially those with high water content, such as shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, sunscreens, deodorants, shaving gels, and even toothpaste. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin, metabolized by the body, and excreted in urine and bile. The concern arises from the continuous exposure from using multiple products daily, leading to widespread detection in biomonitoring surveys.

Source: Soni, M. G. (2005). Review of the Safety of Parabens. Journal of the Toxicology and Environmental Health.

So, I made a decision—a big one. I decided to ditch every chemical-laden skincare and haircare product for at least 28 days and switched to 100% natural, homemade alternatives.

And no, this isn’t one of those expensive, hard-to-follow routines. Everything I use is available right here in our kitchen, at our local market, or at that trusty Ayurvedic shop down the street.

Why Go Natural? (The Stats Will Shock You!)

Before we jump into the DIYs, let’s talk numbers. You know, just to give us that final push.

• The average woman applies 168 chemicals to her body every single day. (Environmental Working Group)
• -60% of what we apply to our skin gets absorbed into the bloodstream. That means, yes, those toxins in your shampoo might just be swimming inside you. (American Journal of Public Health)
• – Parabens were found in 99% of breast cancer tissues tested in a study by the University of Reading, UK.
• – Sulfates strip natural oils from the scalp, causing dryness, frizz, and hair fall. That luxurious foam? It’s just a marketing gimmick.

Now that we’re (rightfully) horrified, let’s move on to the fun part—DIY beauty recipes that actually work!

My Natural DIY Skincare Routine (No Parabens, No Toxins, Just Pure Love)

1. Face Wash: Gentle Cleansing Powder

What you need:

• 2 tbsp Gram Flour (besan) Cleanses and brightens
• 1 tbsp Multani Mitti, Absorbs excess oil.
• ½ tsp Turmeric– anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory
• 1 tsp Rose Petal Powder (optional) – Natural toner
• Milk (for dry skin) / Rosewater (for oily skin) to make a paste

How to Use:

Mix the powders and store them in a dry jar.

• Take a small amount, mix it with milk or rosewater, and massage it onto damp skin.
• Rinse with lukewarm water.

Results? Soft, glowing skin with zero harsh chemicals.

2. Moisturizer:

What you need:

• 2 tbsp pure aloe vera gel (fresh or store-bought without preservatives)
• 1 tbsp cold-pressed coconut oil.
• 3 drops of vitamin E oil / capsule

How to use:

• Mix and store in a glass jar.
• Apply a pea-sized amount after washing your face.

3. Natural Scrub

What you need:

• 1 tbsp coffee powder – Exfoliates and boosts blood circulation
• 1 tbsp Honey – Moisturizes and soothes
• ½ tsp Lemon Juice (for oily skin)

How to Use:

• Mix everything and gently scrub your face for 2 minutes
• Rinse off with warm water.

Say hello to baby-soft skin!

Haircare Routine (Because No One Likes a Frizzy Disaster)

Shampoo:

How to use:

• 3 tbsp Shikakai Powder – Natural cleanser
• 3 tbsp Reetha (soapnut) Powder- Lathers naturally, removes oil
• 1 tbsp Amla Powder- Strengthens hair
• 1 tsp Methi (fenugreek) Powder – Reduces dandruff

How to use:

Mix the powders and store them. To use, mix 2 tbsp with warm water to form a paste. Massage onto the scalp and rinse well.

Scalp feels fresh, hair is soft, and NO harsh detergents are stripping away natural oils.

Conditioner:

What you need:

• ½ Ripe Banana – Hydrates
• 2 tbsp Curd – Softens and adds shine
• 1 tsp Honey – Moisturizes

How to use:

Blend into a smooth paste and apply to damp hair. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Hair Oil: Ayurvedic Growth Booster

What You Need:

• ½ cup cold-pressed coconut oil
• 1 tbsp castor oil – Thickens hair
• Fenugreek (Methi seeds)
• Nigella seed (Kalonji seeds)
• 1 tbsp curry leaves – Promotes hair growth
• 2 tbsp hibiscus petals – Strengthens roots

How to Use:

Heat the oils with all the ingredients on low flame for 5 minutes. – Let it cool, strain, and store. Massage into your scalp twice a week.

Struggling with hair fall? You’re not alone! Find out simple and effective ways to control hair fall and regain healthy locks. Check out the post.

Final Thoughts

Going all-natural isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice. Your skin and hair deserve better than chemical-loaded products. And let’s be real—Indian kitchens are full of beauty secrets that our grandmothers swore by!

Here’s something interesting—going chemical-free for just 28 days can help your body renew its cells and strengthen its defences. Some studies even link it to a lower risk of serious health issues, including cancer. Worth a try, right? Source

By making this switch, you’re not just doing your skin and hair a favour—you’re also saving money (DIY beauty is way cheaper!) and helping the planet (less plastic waste!).

So, what do you think? Ready to give this a try? Drop a comment and let me know which DIY you’ll start with!

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.