My Clean Skincare Routine
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A good and consistent skincare routine is essential to not only protect your skin, but to have healthy, glowing and beautiful skin for years to come. The earlier you start, the better.
What is clean or nontoxic skincare and why should I care?
What goes in and on our body matters. Our skin is our body’s largest organ. It’s important to do your research because your skincare routine and personal care products could be doing you more harm than good. The European Union and other countries have banned or limited more than 1,600 chemicals from personal care products. The United States has only banned nine.
Clean or nontoxic skincare are cosmetics and skincare products that are free from harmful chemicals. This includes ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
I am also a firm believer that the products we use in and around our homes should be nontoxic.
If you’d like to learn more about which cleaning products are my fav and why, you can read about them on my blog post: 16 Amazon Must Haves For Nontoxic Cleaning.
Parabens
What are they?
Parabens are synthetic chemicals that are used as preservatives in shampoos and conditioners, moisturizers, cosmetics, deodorants, sunscreens, toothpaste, food, and pharmaceutical products to extend a product’s shelf life. They prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Why are they bad?
There are five parabens that are banned in the European Union. Unfortunaltey they have not been banned in the United States. Parabens are endocrine disruptors. They have been linked to breast cancer, reproductive issues and ecological harm. The parabens in SPF have been linked to coral reef damage.
Phthalates
What are they?
Phthalates are used to make materials pliable. They are used in plastic, fragrances, nail polish, hair products, skincare and makeup.
Why are they bad?
You guessed it. Phthalates are banned in the EU but not in the US. They are endocrine disruptors linked to breast cancer, hormone disruption, infertility, early puberty, diabetes, asthma, and obesity.
Sulfates
What are they?
Sulfates are detergents used as cleansing agents. They create a lather and remove dirt. They are typically found in shampoo, facial cleansers, body wash, bubble bath and toothpaste.
Why are they bad?
Synthetic sulfates can adversely affect people with asthma. They also strip your skin and hair of their natural oils which can cause dryness and irritation.
Synthetic Fragrances
What are they?
Synthetic fragrances are developed in laboratories derived from petroleum by-products. Synthetic fragrances are used in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, deodorants, scented candles, laundry detergents and cleaning products,
Why are they bad?
The EU regulates 120 fragrance allergens. Synthetic fragrances in the US include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene and many other known toxic chemicals are endocrine disruptors and linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, migraines and allergic reactions. To top it off, there is a major loophole in the US with the term “fragrance.” Companies are not required to state what they actually use in their fragrance. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has said that the average fragrance contains approximately 14 chemicals that are not even listed on the product’s label.
How do you find clean or nontoxic skincare?
I use the EWG Skin Deep database when researching skincare products. They have over 100,000 skincare products listed. A product with the EWG VERIFIED® mark means it has met the highest standards created in the interest of public health. There are currently over 2,200 EWG VERIFIED® skincare products listed in their database. You can learn more about that here.
Brands I Use and Love
All of these brands have made it their mission to create clean skincare while caring about our planet and most of the products I use from them are EWG VERIFIED®.
OSEA
Why I love OSEA?
OSEA stands for ocean, sun, earth and atmosphere. They package their products in glass, and prioritize naturally-derived ingredients and sustainable packaging materials.
OSEA prides itself on creating clean, vegan and cruelty-free luxury skincare and body care. They became the first company to sign The Compact for Global Production of Safe Health and Beauty Products, an initiative from the Environmental Working Group. Their mission is to ensure products are “free of chemicals that are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, mutation or birth defects.” They have a long list of ingredients that they don’t use. You can read more about them here.
Osea Products I Use Are Linked Here:
Dime
Why I love Dime?
DIME is a clean, EWG VERIFIED® skincare brand. They are committed to providing clean and safe alternatives for traditional skincare and beauty products without sacrificing performance. They are 100% transparent about every ingredient included in each of their formulas. Dime products never contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or BPA/BPS. They do not use any animal products, by-products or derivatives and they do not test any products or ingredients on animals. They also package their products in glass and use biodegradable and 100% recycled boxes.
Dime Products I Use Are Linked Here:
Acure
Why I love Acure?
Acure prides itself in creating the safest nontoxic personal care products. Their products are free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum and formaldehyde. They are also 100% vegan. Every Acure package is made from recycled materials and is recyclable or compostable after use. I also love how accessible they are. You can find their products Amazon, Thrive Market, at Whole Foods, Target and Ulta.
Acure Products I Use Are Linked Here:
Ultra Hydrating Green Juice Cleanser
Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream
Radically Rejuvenating Witch Hazel Toner
Honest Beauty
Why I love Honesy Beaty?
The Honest Company, founded by Jessica Alba, has a list of over 3,500 chemicals and materials that they will not use in their products including sulfates, synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde, parabens and dyes. Many of their products are EWG VERIFIED® and they are never tested on animals.
Honest Beauty Products I Use Are Linked Here:
Other Clean Skincare Brands
Beauty Counter
Biossance
Versed
My Skincare Routine
Morning
Cleanser
Toner
Vitamin C
Hyaluronic Acid
Moisturizer
SPF
Night
Exfoliator
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Hyaluronic Acid
Moisturizer
Extras (Used 2-5 Times A Week)
Eye Cream
Retinol
Red Light Therapy
Cleanser
A good cleanser should remove dirt, oil and makeup without drying out your skin.
Toner
Toner is used after cleansing your face. It removes dirt, bacteria or makeup left behind after cleansing. It can also balance pH, brighten and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that reduces the appearance of dark spots. It also makes skin look firmer and brighter and helps prevent premature aging.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid hydrates our skin. It leaves skin feeling plump and visibly reduces fine lines.
Moisturizer
Moisturizer should be used morning and night to prevent dryness and reduce the signs of aging.
SPF
SPF is a must in any skincare routine as it protects from sunburn, skin cancer and signs of aging.
Eye Cream
There are many options for eye cream. Each one is formulated to target different concerns such as bags, puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles to name a few. I prefer to apply eye creams at night because I find them a little too thick for daytime use, with the exception of OSEA’s Ocean Eyes, which is a serum instead of a cream.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin can remove dirt and dead skin cells which improves complexion and skin texture. It can also unclog pores, promote collagen production, and improve absorption of your skincare products. If you have dry skin you should exfoliate once a week. If you have normal to oily skin, you can exfoliate 2-3 times a week.
Serums
Serums are used to target specific skin concerns such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles and are applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer.
Retinol
Retinol is synthetic Vitamin A that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. When you begin incorporating retinol into your skincare routine, it is recommended that you start using it twice a week and slowly work your way up to nightly use as it can irritate your skin. Sunscreen must be worn daily when using retinol.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a type of phototherapy that can treat acne, scars and psoriasis. It can also support collagen production which reduces wrinkles. There are also many additional benefits to using RLT such as supporting better sleep, joint function, muscle recovery and inflammation. When incorporating RLT into your skincare routine, you should cleanse your face first, then use red light therapy before applying your skincare. The Red Light Therapy device that I use is the Lumebox.
Body
Finally, don’t forget about the skin on the rest of your body. It is also important to exfoliate and moisturize your body. This will prevent your skin from looking dry and crepey. Instead, it will look soft and smooth.
If you have any clean skincare brands or products that you love, share them in the comments below.
If you’d like to learn more about which cleaning products are my fav and why, you can read about them on my blog post: 16 Amazon Must Haves For Nontoxic Cleaning.
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