Converting to natural skincare is a journey that is certainly not the easiest to navigate. I have slowly but surely gone from dipping a toe in, to making a complete transition to all non-toxic, clean skincare products.
Not all "clean" products are created equal. I have been excited about dozens of hyped up or local novel sounding products only to be disappointed with their effectiveness. Since writing my first blog post about my favorite clean products a couple of years ago, I have added many new members to the gang! Thanks to the expertise of my pals over at Tall Short Blog, I have been able to find what works best for sensitive skin.
Here are my general tips for finding what works for you, before I dive into my specific recommendations:
Do your research! Utilize the EWG site and trusted sources who have reviewed
Find local products when possible! Reap the benefits of local ingredients, while also supporting local small businesses in your area
Test, test, test! Don't give up and think "natural products don't work for me"- it may take time, but there are definitely products out there that will work for you!
New favorites that I share below. I have another post where I share additional products I still love!
Favorites! (for more, check out Clean on the Inside, Clean on the Outside, Naturally Powerful Anti-Aging Skincare and my Products Page)
Face:
Pratima Neem Rose SPF 30 moisturizer is balancing and effective, uniquely developed based on ayurvedic knowledge. That is what I have been keeping on my face 24/7. When I want to look more polished and have my skin look flawless without wearing makeup, Well People Tinted SPF Moisturizer is a miracle worker.
Jade Rolling reduces puffiness and improves circulation.
I put either of those on top of Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum, which is pricey, but a worthy alternative to prescriptions to fight inflammation and acne by getting to the root cause and balancing the skin. Post-serum, pre-moisturizer, I jade roll to reduce puffiness and improve circulation. I got mine from the jade market in Hong Kong, but there are lots of great ones you can purchase online out there!
The only time I wash my face is when I shower after working out, and use the gentle One Love Organics Cleanser. Check out my last post for their product I use to cleanse my face in the evening. I use January Labs Brightening Tonic to exfoliate, stimulate collagen and get a deeper clean once a day. This is a gentler way to exfoliate for sensitive skin, rather than using a harsh scrub.
Eyes:
Two Poppies Apothecary Eye Serum literally wakes me up in the morning with natural energizing ingredients like chaga, cacao, coffee and green tea. Nighttime is when I opt for an intense anti-aging formula with January Labs Advanced Eye Technology. I cannot compromise wrinkle prevention with going all natural and thankfully the two can coexist!
Body:
My body routine revolves around bath/shower time. If I have the time to take a bath, Aydry + Co. Beautiful Rose Mineral Bath Soak is a relaxing, detoxifying and balancing dream. I like to exfoliate my hands, elbows and knees with CBD infused hemp scrub (I can't find a link for the small biz I got mine from sadly).
Dry brushing is an evening ritual I have been doing for 5 years now and cannot live without. It detoxes the body, improves circulation and polishes the skin, while possibly preventing cellulite- jury's still out on that one! I actually lightly oil my skin before I dry brush right before bed. Using this local lavender oil from my farmers market + taking a hot shower or bath has really helped me relax and fall asleep better at night.
Deodorant has taken me the longest time to figure out and I have tried 1273982 natural kinds! I am currently using Maddie's Market Peppermint Pit Stick which has yet to irritate my skin the way most of the others I've tried have. It has also kept me smelling good even in the toughest workouts or most stressful workdays.
Have you tried any of these? What are you favorite clean skincare products? Share in the comments below!