Wellness & Beauty Blog

If you've ever wondered whether toner is a necessary step in your skincare routine, you're not alone. Many people overlook toner, assuming it's an optional extra, but the truth is, this simple step can make a big difference in your skin’s overall health. So, what exactly is toner, and why should you use it?

As the seasons change, our skin tends to signal that it's time to switch up the routine. Winter can leave skin feeling dry, irritated, and a bit more sensitive. While it’s tempting to stick with the products that worked during summer and fall, winter requires a bit more care and a different approach. If you’re finding that your current routine isn’t cutting it, let me guide you through a simple, nourishing winter skincare routine to keep your skin glowing and hydrated all season long.     Step 1: Cleanse Gently  During winter, it’s important to be mindful of how you cleanse your skin. Stripping away natural oils can exacerbate dryness, so opting for something gentle but effective is key.     I love starting my routine with Green Tea + Coconut Milk Facial Cleansing Grains. This cleanser is perfect for winter—it’s soap-free and fragrance-free, so it won't dry out your skin. The coconut milk and green tea soothe and gently cleanse while leaving your skin soft and balanced. If your skin is feeling extra dry, our Wild Rose Facial Cleansing Grains offer a similar gentle cleanse with a lovely polishing effect, leaving your skin feeling refreshed without upsetting its natural barrier.     Step 2: Exfoliate Wisely  Exfoliation is still important in the winter months, but it’s essential to do it mindfully. Over-exfoliating can strip the skin, leading to more dryness and irritation. I recommend dry brushing as an ideal method of exfoliation, as it gently lifts away dead skin cells while stimulating circulation.     Our Bamboo Exfoliating Dry Brush with Sisal Bristles is perfect for this. It’s so versatile—whether you use it on dry skin or in the shower (many of our customers love it as a shower back scratcher!). It lifts dead skin cells effortlessly, leaving your skin smooth and glowing. Don’t forget about our Dry Face Brush either, which offers similar benefits for your face. It’s rooted in Ayurvedic practices and can help boost circulation and gently exfoliate, prepping your skin to absorb all the moisture coming its way.     Step 3: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize  This step is where winter skincare truly shines. Your skin craves extra moisture during colder months, and the right products can make all the difference.     For the face, the Blue Beauty Face Cream is a winter essential. It’s ultra-moisturizing, whipped, and absorbs quickly, so it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. This cream works wonders on red, irritated, and inflamed skin, leaving it soothing and super soft. You can even use it around the eyes, neck, and lips.     If your skin is extra sensitive during winter, our Fragrance-Free Tallow + Honey Cream for Sensitive Skin is the perfect solution. It’s made with simple, natural ingredients and is lightly whipped to ensure it’s easy to apply and absorb. This cream locks in moisture without irritating the skin, making it a great choice for those battling winter dryness and sensitivity.     For body hydration, I love reaching for our Fresh Face Cream when I want to smooth fine lines and even out skin tone while protecting my skin from the harsh winter elements. Its ultra-moisturizing properties feel like a comforting hug for my skin.     Step 4: Pamper with Scrubs and Soaps  Exfoliation and cleansing don’t have to stop at your face. The Moisturizing Whipped Salt Scrub is a game changer for dry winter skin. It combines salt, coconut oil, and a soap base to gently exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize all at once. It’s infused with botanical extracts and essential oils for added nutrients that your skin will soak right up.     And if you’re craving a more traditional cleanse, the Salt + Sea Bar Handmade Tallow and Goat Milk Soap Bar is perfect for winter. This seasonal release is made with grass-fed goat milk, nourishing clays, and essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, giving your skin a gentle cleanse while invigorating your senses.     Final Thoughts  Winter skincare is all about giving your skin the love and attention it needs to stay hydrated, soft, and glowing. By switching to gentle, nourishing cleansers, exfoliating wisely, and keeping your skin moisturized, you can keep dryness at bay and enjoy healthy, radiant skin all winter long. Remember, consistency is key—stick to your routine, and you’ll see the benefits in no time.     I hope this helps you get through the colder months with ease!   

  The holistic approach to skincare is a gentle journey that reconnects you with time-honored practices, nurtures your skin with toxin-free goodness, and leaves you feeling more in tune with both your body and the environment.   People turn to holistic skincare for various reasons but some of the most popular are:  A desire for healthier, more natural alternatives to conventional products  Looking to avoid toxic, chemical ingredients that can irritate the skin and disrupt the body's natural balance.  Looking to soothe sensitive skin or allergies   A desire to decrease their toxin contribution to the earth  A desire for simplicity    Whatever the reason is that you're looking to transition to natural skincare, welcome! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the switch smoothly.     Step 1: Start Slowly—Don’t Overhaul Overnight  The transition to natural skincare doesn’t have to happen all at once. Begin by replacing one product at a time. Start with something simple like your cleanser. This gradual approach allows your skin to adjust and helps you learn what works best for you. Plus, it prevents waste since you can finish what you already have before introducing new products.     Step 2: Read Labels and Know What to Avoid  Learning to read labels is crucial when transitioning to natural skincare. Look for products that are free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and colors, PEGs, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Many find that this process can be overwhelming to do on their own, and like to use an app that scans labels for them and gives feedback on the ingredients found within. We like to use the Switch Natural App, found here.  Focus on finding products that list simple, recognizable ingredients—like pure oils, plant extracts, and essential oils.       Step 3: Expect a Transition Period  As your skin adjusts to natural skincare products, you might experience a short transition period. This is normal! Your skin may go through a phase of detoxing, especially if you’ve been using products with synthetic ingredients. You might notice new breakouts or changes in texture, but don’t worry—this usually subsides within 2-3 weeks as your skin starts to rebalance itself.     Step 4: Embrace Simple Routines  One of the joys of a holistic skincare routine is its simplicity. You don’t need a 10-step routine to achieve healthy skin. Often, less is more. A basic routine might include cleansing with a cleansing oil, toning with a hydrosol (like rose or lavender water), and moisturizing with a pure oil or a natural cream. You can always add treatments like masks or serums as needed, but the core routine should be straightforward and easy to maintain.      Step 5: Listen to Your Skin  The holistic approach to skincare is all about tuning in to what your skin needs. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch it up. It’s also important to remember that your skin's needs will change with the seasons, your environment, or even your diet. For example, you will likely need to exfoliate more and use a heavier moisturizer in the summer, and can likely use a oil or serum as a moisturizer in the summer. Be patient with yourself and your skin as you figure out what makes it feel its best.     Step 6: Extend the Holistic Approach Beyond Skincare  Holistic skincare is just one part of a broader, more natural lifestyle. Consider looking at other areas of your life where you can reduce your exposure to toxins—whether it’s through your diet, cleaning products, or even the way you manage stress. It’s all connected, and each small change supports the others. Holistic skincare isn’t just about what you put on your skin; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that considers your entire well-being.   Remember, every small step you take toward natural skincare is a step toward a healthier, more harmonious life. Embrace the process, trust in the power of nature, and give yourself grace as you make this beautiful transition. Your skin—and your soul—will thank you!    So, what can a holistic skincare routine look like?  Here’s a simple routine to get started with:  Morning Routine:   Cleanse – just rinse your skin with water.  Balance - mist on a pure toner. I recommend Clarifying for those with acne prone skin and Rose for all other skin types.  Treat – then apply an antioxidant rich serum, like our Pomegranate Serum  Protect - with Sun Zinc Oxide Makeup   Nighttime Routine:  Cleanse - try oil cleansing. We recommend our Farm Girl Cleansing Oil  Balance - follow with a toner- Pure Rose or Clarifying. Treat - use a Serum - Plum Glow Serum is a very versatile serum that is a great place to start. Here is a link to a guide for the rest of our serums.  Moisturize - use Fresh Face Cream for most skin, or Blue Beauty for acne skin or rosacea skin.   *I would first try using the serum as your moisturizer before gradually adding in our creams. The creams can be a little rich for some skin types and should be used in a small layer over a serum.      Natural Holistic Skin Care Product Recommendations: Farm Girl Cleansing Oil    Pure Rose Toner      Clarifying Toner       Pomegranate Glow Serum     Plum Glow Multipurpose Face Serum | 100% Pure Plum Oil      Fresh Face Cream       Blue Beauty Face Cream       

  As the vibrant hues of summer fade into the golden tones of autumn, it's not just your wardrobe that needs a seasonal shift—your skincare routine deserves a refresh, too! The change in weather can affect your skin, and adjusting your regimen is key to maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion.    Here’s some simple steps you can follow to keep your skin happy as the seasons change:   1. Switch to a Richer Moisturizer  As the air becomes cooler and drier, your skin may start to lose moisture more quickly. The lightweight moisturizers that your skin loves during the summer might not be enough to combat autumn's drying effects. Now is the time to introduce a richer, more emollient moisturizer into your routine.  Look for creams or balms rich in nourishing ingredients like organic tallow, and jojoba oil. These natural oils are skin identical and not only provide deep hydration but also create a protective barrier that locks in moisture, keeping your skin soft and supple throughout the day.  2. Incorporate a Gentle Exfoliant  With the cooler weather, your skin’s natural cell turnover can slow down, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull. Incorporating a gentle exfoliant into your weekly routine can help slough off those dead cells, revealing the fresh, glowing skin beneath.  Choose gentle exfoliants with natural ingredients like kaolin clay, oatmeal, salts, or sugars. Remember, gentle is the key; over-exfoliation can strip your skin of essential oils, leaving it even more prone to dryness. Some with skin sensitivities may do better with kaolin clay and oatmeal vs salt and sugar.   3. Hydrate from the Inside Out  While your skincare products play a significant role, don’t forget the importance of internal hydration. As the weather cools, we often forget to drink as much water as we do in the summer, but staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your skin’s elasticity and glow.  Incorporate hydrating foods into your diet, like soups and stews rich in vegetables, and consider sipping on herbal teas that not only warm you up but also provide your skin with additional antioxidants.  4. Pamper Your Skin with a Weekly Mask  Autumn is the perfect time to introduce a weekly mask into your skincare routine. Masks that are rich in natural clays and honey can help draw out impurities, tighten pores, and infuse your skin with nutrients.  Consider a DIY mask using ingredients like raw honey and yogurt. Honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin, while yogurt is soothing and nourishing.   5. Nourish Your Lips  Don’t forget your lips—they can be one of the first areas to show signs of autumn dryness. Opt for one that is deeply hydrating and protective. Many commercial lip balms contain parabens, fragrances, and artificial pigments that can dry out your lips instead of moisturizing them. This is why you often feel like you have to apply repeatedly. Look for non-toxic balms and butters made with tallow, beeswax, and shea butter to keep your lips soft and moisturized.    View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Keel (@pretty_farmgirl)   Some of our PFG fall favorites that you can use in these steps are:  Fresh Face Cream  Blue Beauty Cream  Tallow + Honey Cream  Vanilla Bean Body Butter  Lavender Vanilla Body Butter  Wild Rose Cleansing Grains  Pure Peal Powder  Raw Honey + Sugar Face Polish  Coffee Scrub  Wild Rose + Honey Probiotic Mask  Farm Girl Lip Butter    Click here to view all of our fall favorites.  

Unlocking Your Perfect Skin Care Routine: A Guide for Every Skin Type Taking care of your skin is essential for maintaining its health and appearance. However, with so many chemical-based products and routines available, it can be overwhelming to find what works best for your sensitive skin. The key to an effective skincare routine is understanding your skin type and using products tailored to its specific needs. In this article, we’ll explore the optimal skincare routines for different skin types: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and normal skin.    Understanding Your Skin Type  Before diving into specific routines, it’s crucial to determine your skin type. Here’s a quick guide to help you identify yours:   Oily Skin: Characterized by a shiny appearance, enlarged pores, and a tendency to develop acne. Dry Skin: Feels tight, rough, and may appear flaky. It’s prone to redness and irritation. Combination Skin: Features both oily and dry areas, typically with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks. Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated, often reacts to products, and can be prone to redness, itching, and burning. Normal Skin: Balanced, with minimal imperfections and a healthy, radiant appearance.    Normal to Combination Skincare Routine    Here's a general healthy skincare routine that I would recommend for you with our products:   Morning Routine:  Clean – just rinse your skin with water. Balance - mist on the Rose Toner Treat – then apply the Pomegranate Serum Protect - with Sun Zinc Oxide Makeup  Nighttime Routine: Clean - try oil cleansing with Farm Girl Cleansing Oil Balance - follow with a toner- Pure Rose or Clarifying. I recommend Clarifying for those with acne prone skin and Rose for all other skin types. Treat - use a Serum - Plum Glow Serum is a very versatile serum that is a great place to start. Here is a link to a guide for the rest of our serums. Moisturize - use Fresh Face Cream for most skin, or Blue Beauty for acne skin or rosacea skin.     *I would first try using the serum as your moisturizer before gradually adding in our creams. The creams can be a little rich for some skin types and should be used in a small layer over a serum.      Product Recommendations for Combination Skin:  Farm Girl Cleansing Oil  Pure Rose Toner  Clarifying Toner   Plum Glow Multipurpose Face Serum | 100% Pure Plum Oil  Fresh Face Cream   Blue Beauty Face Cream        Oily or Acne Prone Skincare Routine  Morning Routine:   Cleanse – rinse with water to cleanse your face.   Balance – then follow with clarifying toner   Treat – next, use the Blue Balance Serum  Spot Treat – then follow with clarifying serum   Moisturize – then moisturize with Blue Beauty Cream if needed     Nighttime Routine   Cleanse – cleanse with Clarifying Cleansing Oil.   Balance - follow cleansing with the Clarifying Facial Toner,   Treat - and then follow with Blue Balance Serum  Spot Treat - apply a small amount of Clarifying Serum. The Clarifying Serum can be used as a spot treatment or on the entire face for more severe acne.   Moisture - if you need a little extra moisture, you can also end the day with the Blue Beauty Moisturizer at night. It can be a little heavy on some, so only use a little!    We have a kit with these items, including a Charcoal Cleansing Bar that you can use on the face and body.   Here's that kit: Clarifying Kit for Acne Prone Skin      Product Recommendations for Oily or Acne Prone Skin: Clarifying Cleansing Oil for Acne Prone Skin   Clarifying Facial Toner for Acne Prone Skin-2 oz   Clarifying Serum for Acne Prone Skin     Anti-Aging Skincare Routine    Morning routine: Cleanse - Rinse the face with water only Balance - Mist on the Toner  Spot Treat Apply your serum.  Apply cream only if you need extra moisturizing.  1X per week, you can do the Wild Rose + Honey Probiotic Mask, and I would mix it with yogurt or honey for some extra soothing.  Nighttime routine:  Cleanse - Try oil cleansing with the Farm Girl Cleansing Oil and the Wild Rose Facial Cleansing Grains.  Balance – follow by  Pure Rose Facial Toner Spot Treat Serum- for Anti-aging I recommend the Rose Glow Serum or Plum Glow for dryness. You can spot treat discoloration with our Brightening Serum as well.  Use Fresh Face Cream for anti-aging + moisture as the last step.       View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Keel (@pretty_farmgirl)     Skincare Recommendations for Psoriasis, Eczema, and Rosacea For psoriasis on the body, I recommend trying the Tallow + Honey Cream, and either the Milk + Honey or Buttermilk Soap bars.   While you can also try using the tallow cream on your scalp, we have several other items in our shop specifically for the scalp and hair such as our Golden Hair + Scalp Serum, Warrior Shampoo, and Revive Conditioner.    For eczema, I recommend trying the Tallow + Honey Cream, and either the Milk + Honey or Buttermilk Soap bars. I wouldn’t use any facial cleansers other than water or if you can oil cleanse, try the Clarifying Oil Cleanser or even straight castor oil. With castor oil, organic, hexane-free, cold pressed is best. Less is more with anything eczema related!     For rosacea, I recommend trying our Blue Balance Serum and/or Blue Beauty Face Cream. They both have blue tansy flower oil which many have found helps their rosacea.   You can read more about our suggestions for rosacea here: https://prettyfarmgirl.com/blogs/skin-concerns-2/natural-treatments-for-rosacea    Final Tips for All Skin Types    Consistency is Key: Stick to your routine daily for the best results.   Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.  Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to support skin health.  Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your skin to repair and regenerate.  Sensitive skin – all of our products can be used for sensitive skin for as young as 3 months old and nursing mothers.    Patch Test New Products: Always test new products on a small skin area to ensure they don’t cause irritation.  Pregnant women - should not use any of the following products from our shop – Blue Beauty Cream and Blue Balance Serum     By understanding your skin type and following a tailored skincare routine, you can achieve and maintain healthy, radiant skin. Remember, the key to beautiful skin is not only in the products you use but also in the consistency and care with which you treat it.     For personalized skincare advice, it’s always best to consult with a licensed dermatologist who can provide recommendations based on your unique skin needs.     This article is crafted with care to provide accurate and helpful skincare advice. Remember, your skin is unique, and finding the right routine may take some experimentation and adjustment.