Why I swapped My Fancy Cleanser for Nature ... and never looked back

A Personal Journey into Radiant Skin and the Power of Natural Cleansing

If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be formulating my own natural skincare line—and that strangers would stop me to ask what I use on my skin—I probably would’ve laughed. Because for a long time, I didn’t use anything on my face. Nothing. Not even water some mornings (I know, I know...).

Back then, I didn’t understand what the big deal was with cleansing. My skin didn’t look dirty, and I didn’t wear much makeup. So why bother?

But over time, I noticed something. My skin just felt dull. Like it was holding onto something heavy. So I did what many of us do: I hit the high street and bought a pricey Clarins Cleanser … in a plastic tube. It smelled like a day spa, promised miracles, and yes—it made my skin feel squeaky clean. But that “clean” came with a price. My face was tight, sometimes itchy, and weirdly enough... still kind of dull and dry.

What I didn’t realize back then is that your skin isn’t supposed to feel stripped. It’s supposed to feel refreshed, nourished, alive.

That’s when I started digging into what’s really in these so-called miracle products. Long story short: alcohols, sulfates, artificial fragrances, preservatives—substances that can be harsh, drying, and even irritating to the skin. Not exactly the kind of guests I wanted crashing my skincare party.

So I started experimenting. Mixing oils. Trying natural clays. Infusing essential oils. Slowly, my skin began to change. The dullness faded. The tightness disappeared. I saw glow, softness, even tone. And the best part? Other people noticed too. Customers and friends would ask me what I was using.

That’s when I knew I had to share what I’d discovered.

So, Why Is Cleansing So Important?

Cleansing isn’t just about removing makeup or the obvious grime. Every day, your skin is exposed to pollution, airborne toxins, sweat, excess oil, and product buildup. Even if you can’t see them, they’re there—and over time, they can clog pores, cause breakouts, accelerate aging, and leave your skin looking lackluster.

When we cleanse with natural products, we’re not just washing away the dirt—we’re helping the body eliminate substances it sees as foreign or harmful. Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and it’s constantly trying to balance itself. A gentle, plant-powered cleanse supports that process instead of disrupting it.

What Makes a Natural Cleanser Different?

Here’s the secret: a good natural cleanser doesn’t just clean. It heals. It nourishes. It supports your skin’s microbiome (yes, your face has its own little ecosystem!).

Ingredients like:

  • Botanical oils that melt away impurities without stripping moisture  … oils like Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Castor Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Cucumber Seed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil
  • Essential Oils that calm and soothe
  • Mineral-rich clays that draw out toxins gently (did you know we include Kaolin Clay in all our soap and facial cleansing bars?)

…are not just effective—they feel like skincare should feel. Soft, nurturing, grounding.

Building Your Natural Facial Cleansing Ritual

It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Here’s a basic framework to get started:

  1. Start with clean hands. Always.
  2. Wash your face with a facial cleansing bar to remove the first layer of dirt and/or make up.  Pat dry with a clean towel or dry wash cloth.
  3. Apply your natural cleanser—choose between the Orange & Geranium Cleansing Oil or the Cleansing Balm (with Cucumber & Rosehip Seed Oils).
  4. Massage slowly and mindfully. Let this be your moment of calm.
  5. Use a warm, damp cloth to remove. No harsh scrubbing needed.
  6. Follow with a toner*, serum and/or moisturiser.

This is your daily detox, your skin’s reset button.

A Final Word

My journey to radiant skin didn’t start with a miracle product. It started with curiosity—and a desire to feel good in my own skin. Now I get to share that with others through the products I’ve lovingly created.

So if your skincare shelf is full of synthetic promises and your skin still isn’t happy, maybe it’s time to go back to nature. Your skin knows what to do. You just have to give it the right support.

With love and glow

Clare
Founder & Skincare Formulator, CL&RE Wellness

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