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Natural skincare routine: which steps, in which order?

Journal · Skincare · 6 min read

Natural skincare routine: which steps, in which order?

A good routine does not need ten products. What belongs in the morning and evening, how to apply things in the right order and what to watch out for with new products.

In brief

A basic routine has three steps: cleanse, care, and in the morning protect from the sun with a dedicated product.

Apply products from thin to rich: watery textures first, creams and oils last.

Test every new product on a small patch of skin first and note the PAO symbol on the pack.

What does a natural skincare routine look like?

A natural skincare routine follows the same logic as any other: cleanse, care and, during the day, protect. The difference lies in the formulas you choose, typically with plant oils, extracts and floral waters as key ingredients.

For most people, a few products are enough: a cleanser, a face cream, a body lotion and a shampoo. More steps are not automatically better; every additional product is another formula your skin has to get used to.

‘Natural’ is not a legally defined term in EU cosmetics law. What a product actually contains is shown on the ingredient list. Our guide to reading INCI lists explains how to interpret it. Typical Mediterranean ingredients such as olive, sweet almond or aloe vera are often found in caring formulas.

In what order should you apply skincare products?

The rule of thumb is: from thin to rich. Watery products such as toners or floral waters come first, then serums, then creams, and oils last.

Lighter textures are applied to clean skin first, while richer products are layered on top. Wait a moment between steps so each product can settle before the next one goes on.

1. Cleanser
2. Toner or floral water (optional)
3. Serum (optional)
4. Eye cream (optional)
5. Face cream
6. Face oil (optional, evening)
7. Sunscreen (morning, as the last step)

If a product’s instructions say otherwise, follow the label: the manufacturer knows the formula best.

What should a morning skincare routine include?

In the morning, a gentle cleanse or simply rinsing with lukewarm water, followed by a face cream, is enough for many people. On days spent outdoors, a sunscreen with a stated sun protection factor comes last.

Lighter textures often feel more comfortable in the morning, especially under make-up. A day cream helps keep the skin supple and comfortable throughout the day.

A note on sun protection: a face cream with natural ingredients is not a sunscreen. Sun protection requires a separate product that has been tested for it and states its SPF on the label. Seda Pura’s range does not include a sunscreen, so please choose a dedicated product for this step.

What belongs in an evening skincare routine?

In the evening, the main task is thorough but gentle cleansing to remove make-up, sunscreen and the day’s residue. Afterwards a cream, which may be richer than in the morning, cares for the skin overnight.

If you wear make-up or water-resistant sunscreen, many people cleanse in two steps: first with an oil or balm, then with a water-based cleanser. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it.

A richer face cream or a few drops of face oil can follow. The evening is also a good time for hands, feet and elbows, which benefit from a little extra cream before bed.

How do you adapt a skincare routine to your skin type?

Dry skin usually prefers richer textures, oily skin lighter ones, and sensitive skin as few products as possible with short ingredient lists. Combination skin can use different products on different areas.

Skin type	Typical feel	What many people prefer
Dry	tight, rough	richer creams, oils in the evening
Oily	shiny, especially the T-zone	light lotions or gels
Combination	oily T-zone, drier cheeks	lighter texture overall, richer care where needed
Sensitive	reacts quickly to new products	few products, introduced one at a time

Skin changes with the seasons, so a routine may need adjusting in winter and summer. For persistent redness, itching or a skin condition, please ask a dermatologist; this guide does not replace medical advice.

How do you care for your body and hair naturally?

For the body, a shower gel or soap followed by a body lotion on slightly damp skin is the classic routine. For hair, a shampoo suited to your hair and scalp is the basis; conditioner is optional.

Lukewarm water is generally more comfortable for the skin than very hot water, and short showers are usually enough. A body lotion spreads easily after showering and helps keep the skin soft.

Bar soaps are a traditional alternative to shower gel; how they are made is explained in our guide to olive oil soap. For hair, use a shampoo designed for it: wash the scalp, rinse thoroughly and work any conditioner into the lengths only.

How do you test a new product and how long does it keep?

Before using a new product on your face, apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm or behind the ear and observe the area for 24 to 48 hours. How long a product keeps after opening is shown by the PAO symbol, an open jar with a number such as ‘12M’.

If redness, itching or burning occurs, do not use the product and rinse the area with water. A patch test does not rule out every reaction, but it is a sensible first check. Introduce new products one at a time so you can tell which one your skin reacts to.

Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, products with a minimum durability of more than 30 months carry the PAO symbol; products that keep for 30 months or less must state a ‘best before’ date. Source: Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Article 19.

Last updated: October 2026This page provides general information on cosmetics and trade practice. It is not legal, tax or medical advice.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many products does a basic skincare routine need?

Three to four are enough for many people: a cleanser, a face cream, a body lotion and, in the morning, a separate sunscreen. Further products can be added if you feel you need them.

Do I need a toner?

No, a toner is optional. Some people like a floral water such as orange blossom water after cleansing because it feels refreshing; the routine works without it too.

Should body lotion go on damp or dry skin?

Many people apply body lotion to slightly damp skin after showering, as it spreads more easily. Pat yourself dry briefly with a towel first.

Can a natural face cream replace sunscreen?

No. Sun protection requires a product that has been tested for it and states a sun protection factor. A face cream without a stated SPF does not provide that protection.

How long should I try a new product before judging it?

Give a product a few weeks of regular use to judge how it feels. If irritation occurs, stop using it straight away and do not wait.

Can I use the same cream in the morning and evening?

Yes, that is perfectly possible. Some people prefer a lighter texture during the day and a richer one at night, but it is not a must.

Can I combine products from different brands?

Yes. What matters is that each product suits your skin. If you are unsure about ingredients, compare the INCI lists of the products.

All questions

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