Cleaning up your skin care
I have experimented with a lot of skin care, and been exposed to a lot of products through work. And I have come to find that it is really important to limit the amount of chemicals you put on your skin by starting to buy natural beauty products when you can.
You take the steps to try to eat right and avoid containers / drink bottles that contain toxic chemicals like BPA, but it is also important to care about what you put on your skin. Many products contain chemicals which day to day all add up and can affect your skin, health and disrupt your hormones. Your skin is your biggest organ, and around 60% of what you apply to your skin is absorbed.
I like to use pure products made from oils and plants with no added nasty chemicals - when I can (not an over-obsessed hippy! That just creates more stress). I found that when I threw out all my harsh cleansers, creams etc that my skin became more supple and eventually much clearer. I try to steer clear of chemical sprays, deodorants, perfume, lotions, makeup, hand wash and shampoos which are made up of all sorts of long named substances like synthetic fragrances, petroleum, sulphates, parabens, plastics to name a few. They can really irritate the skin and cause more bad than good.
Look for products that don't have a long ingredients list, and are certified organic, I've included some links below, but the ingredients I really look to avoid are Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS), parabens, fragrances and ingredients I can't pronounce! I personally use mostly 'Sukin' products- Natural cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, deodorants, body and hand washes. I have it in the shower and at the kitchen sink. They are not only natural and do a great job, they are also extremely affordable! Found in any good pharmacies.
I use Hourglass Foundation which has fantastic coverage and is a chemical free range. I also use mineral powders on days where I only need slight coverage, like Nude mineral powder, Bare minerals or Youngblood mineral makeup.
Do you get dry skin or slight rashes anywhere? Eczema like bumps on your face/body? Itchy? Blotchy? Rosacea or Dermatitis? Or hands so dry you feel like a tradesman!? Try to avoid the amount of chemicals you put on your skin.
For more detailed information on the ingredients I try to avoid:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vanessa-cunningham/dangerous-beauty-products_b_4168587.html
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/
Comments (2)
Ally
Do you know of any good quality body bronzers/fake tans etc that aren't loading with chemicals or agents that aggravate skin? It'd be a bonus if it's waterproof also so I can use in the summer.
Thanks,
Ally
Alex Davis