Is your bathroom filled with bottles, jars, tubes, and sprays? The skincare market is completely oversaturated with hundreds of options that make it nearly impossible to choose what is best for you. When ten different bottles all promise to give you a "youthful glow," how do you know which one to trust? Well, you can try each one and waste a ton of money, or, do your research and see what other people say. I suggest that you relinquish your never-ending search for the next best miracle product and instead use a few basics and let your body do the rest. I found that less is often more when it comes to skincare. Your body does not need a thick paste of 100 ingredients slathered on day and night. By cutting out unnecessary products and instead relying on a few ones that have minimal and natural ingredients, you will be doing your skin a favor, as well as your wallet.
Our bodies are pretty resilient, and often produce most of what we need already. Try giving your body a vacation from all the pastes, serums, and scrubs - Your body may surprise you! There are so many ingredients in conventional products that can negatively impact our bodies. Here are some common ones that you may recognize:
Synthetic fragrances: These also can be disguised as "fragrance" or "perfume." These terms are what companies use to call the bucketload of chemicals that they do not want to disclose. It is better to be safe and opt for fragrances that come from essential oils or disclosed sources.
Parabens: You've probably heard everyone and their mother talking about these, and for good reason. Parabens are proven hormone disruptors which consequentially harms reproductive organs, affective birth, and increases your risk of cancer. Not to mention they can irritate sensitive skin. Do your research, it's pretty scary!
Oxybenzone: This is a biggie. If you use conventional sunscreens, look on the active ingredients list and there is a good chance you will see this one. Oxybenzone is a known endocrine disruptor which can wreak havoc on the way your body regulates hormones. Oh, and it also contributes to the killing of coral reefs... :(
Formaldehyde: Yup, you heard that right. The EPA has classified formaldehyde as a "probable human carcinogen," yet it's still commonly seen in a variety of products such as hair straightening products or nail polish. The scary thing is, even if you don't see "formaldehyde" listed in the ingredients, there is a god chance that there are lesser known ingredients that release formaldehyde. This way companies don't have to write formaldehyde on the bottle.
These barely touch on the hundreds of chemicals used in products that can be potentially harmful. You may be thinking, "Everyone is going to die anyways, and these things have been around forever and people are fine." Well, it's true, we are all going to die. However, why not opt for a natural and more sustainable route to protect not only our bodies but the environment?
Since many natural products are so basic, they can be affordable, and a lot of times even cheaper than chemical-ridden ones. It depends where you shop. Don't go looking in a fancy boutique skincare store for cheap natural products then come back complaining that the living naturally is too expensive. However, since this whole article is about cutting down your supply of products, you may even opt for a more expensive version of something because you will be buying less products. Quality>quantity!
I want to share with you my small arsenal of plant-based skincare products which work well for me. Please remember that every single body is different, and what may work well for me might not for you. At the end of the day, do what is best for your own body. Only you can be the judge of that.
Moisturizer/Body: Jojoba Oil & Tea Tree Essential Oil
I am a big fan of using oil as a moisturizer. It's just one ingredient, as opposed to cream moisturizers that can have > 50. I like to keep in simple, and know what I'm putting on my skin. There are many oils out there such as argan, hemp, and coconut, just to name a few. Each one has its benefits and may work for you. I use jojoba oil because it is moisturizing, antibacterial, noncomedogenic (doesn't clog pores), promotes collagen production, and so much more. A little goes a long way! You can use this on your face, but I usually use it everywhere else and use a different oil for my face.
Tea tree essential oil is absolutely amazing and multipurpose. I paired it with jojoba oil because I will mix a few drops of tea tree in with it to make a great moisturizer. Since tea tree is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it is great for preventing and soothing acne, as well as irritated skin from shaving. I rub this mix anywhere I shave. I also put a drop of tea tree oil directly on pimples, but some peoples' skin may be too sensitive for this. When in doubt, dilute essential oils with carrier oils such as jojoba oil.
I use Aura Cacia Tea Tree
Moisturizer/Face: Rose Hydrosol and Rosehip Oil
Yes... I like roses. These are the only two things I use consistently on my face since my skin is sensitive. Rose hydrosol acts as an amazing cleanser and toner. I swipe some on my face morning and night. It is best used right before your moisturizer. Rose hydrosol controls and balances sebum production, making it great for both oily and dry skin. It can help balance PH and tighten pores, while also being antibacterial. Plus, the scent is absolutely lovely. Close your eyes and you can trick yourself into thinking you just walked into a rose garden.
I use The Home Farm Rose Cleanser and Toner made in Orlando, FL. I randomly picked up a bottle of this at a coffee shop while traveling.
I have been using rosehip oil as my main moisturizer since high school. It is very light, and is a noncomedogenic oil. It reduces inflammation, brightens skin, hydrates, reduces hyperpigmentation, and more. It is also rich in vitamin A which contains retinoids that reduce signs of aging. It is simple, effective, and cheaper than the wild concoctions you will find while shopping for skincare. If I am wearing makeup, I also use this as a makeup remover. It works wonders. A few drops go a long way!
Face Masks: Enzyme Peel & Bentonite Clay
I love a good face mask every now and then. It makes me feel queenly and self-indulgent. I never do a mask more than 2 times a week because the skin needs a break. This enzyme peele has sweet cherries which make it smell delicious. Try not to eat it. It also has lactic acid and complex of alpha hydroxy fruit acids which help with exfoliation and wrinkles. I honestly bought this product on a whim after my skincare-pro roommate taught me all about enzymes and acids. It's a fun product to pamper yourself with, but I wouldn't say this was necessary.
I use Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel which I bought from a vegan skincare store called Follain (basically the exact opposite of affordable skincare products)
Bentonite clay works like a sponge on your skin, absorbing dirt and oil. It has amazing healing properties, and is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. You simply mix this stuff with water, leave it on your face for around 10-15 minutes, and you won't be able to move your face in the best way possible. It's kind of fun looking at yourself in the mirror with the mask all dry and seeing a monster staring back at you. This stuff really stretches your face out. It leaves your skin free from oil, so definitely moisture after using this!
Sunscreen: Zinc
After ditching oxybenzone, you are left with using mineral sunscreens containing zinc. I am not the best at using sunscreen, but this product has made it a lot easier for me. Zinc sunscreens have a tendency to give your face a white cast, and if you don't want to look like you use flour as foundation, this can be a problem. When I was working in Ohio on the island of Put-In-Bay, I found this amazing local product by OntkOrganics that does not give me zinc-face. The product still contains zinc, but it is mixed with cacao which masks the whiteness of the zinc. Cacao also has anti-inflammatory and contains many antioxidants which are amazing for the skin. Also, this stuff smells like cookies. Don't eat this one either.
Deodorant: Salt Crystal and Baking Soda Based
Armpits are deserving of skincare too! I switched from conventional deodorant to natural deodorant quite a few years ago. Conventional antiperspirants often contain the harmful neurotoxin aluminum chlorohydrate which is linked to breast cancer. This ingredient blocks sweat glands, but our bodies need to release some sweat in order to rid ourselves of toxins. I use a pure salt crystal deodorant right when I get out of the shower. You simply wet the crystal with water and rub. It might seem weird to be rubbing a rock under your pits at first, but trust me, you'll get used to it. I like the crystal because I never get any irritation from it because it is just one ingredient; salt.
When I want something with a scent, I use this jasmine scented deodorant with shea butter, baking soda, vitamin E, coconut oil, arrowroot powder, beeswax, and essential oils. It does a great job of making me smell lovely all day, at least I think so!
*** Be aware that when switching from conventional deodorants/antiperspirants to natural deodorants, you will go through an "armpit detox," meaning that you might sweat more than usual and smell more. This could last for a few weeks because your body is expelling all of the toxins that were built up, but don't worry it is worth it! Just stay away from others and you'll be fine - Just another reason to social distance. :)
At the end of the day, you can put whatever you want on your body. However, you will do yourself and the environment a favor by being mindful about what those products are. Clean, natural beauty does not have to be costly if done smartly. I have found that by having just a few essential products, my skin is happier because of it. I suggest checking out the ingredients on a bottle of lotion you have. Do you know what they are? Chances are, no. Do some research, and you might be surprised of what you find. Be kind to your bodies, and the planet. ❤️