Clean Beauty Jumpstart: Skin Care Tips
Way too often, our skin is taken for granted.
You know it’s there & you expect it to do its job of protecting your entire inside, but have you stopped to consider how you are supporting such a large organ.
How are you helping your skin do its job?
How are you making sure it’s as healthy as possible?
I, myself, had fallen into the trap of really only taking intentional care of my skin when something is “wrong” with it.
That has to stop. Our skin deserves better.
You deserve better.
So let’s outline a few important pieces of a good skincare routine.
Part of having a consistent (and clean) beauty routine is to be organized.
A great way to start is by decluttering. Start by tossing the products you never use.
Throw away expired products. (follow the guidelines below).
Expiration Guidelines
Mascara - 3 to 6 months
Eyeliner - 6 months to 1 year
Powder cosmetics - 1 year
Foundation - 6 months to 1 year
Lipstick - 1 year
Sunscreen - 2 years
Moisturizer - 1 year
Serum - 1 year
It’s just as important as purging your closet, purse, car, junk drawer. We have to start somewhere!
Take the time to read labels. For the sake of avoiding overwhelm out the gate, look for 6 offenders: parabens - parfum/fragrance - phthalates - PEG (polyethylene glycol) - formaldehyde - SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl/sodium laureth). You can also scan your products with the EWG Healthy Living App or the Think Dirty App.
When it comes to transitioning to clean beauty, start with a product you use the most. Or you can start with a product focused on skin goal you have. Or just wait until the next time you need to replace or buy something new. Either way, next time you bring a new product into your house make it a clean one. Period.
Now tips on what to use & why.
Masks address skin issues quickly. Remember - clay: reduce oil & gel: reduce redness
Dry skin is best addressed at night.
Give products 1-3 minutes to absorb before you apply the next step. (think of this as self care time)
Sunscreen. Use it. Everywhere.
Products generally go from thinnest to thickest.
Please just take off your makeup before bed. Do it as if you have no other option. Because you don’t.
Dairy mimics the hormones that trigger oil production.
Vitamins for your face matter, too. Look for serums with Vitamin A, B, C, D & E.
A microneedle will enhance the effects of products. (I use this one)
Your neck is a part of your face. Treat it as such.
Sleep well & find a stress release activity to include in your daily routine.
Have you recently implemented a skincare routine? What changes have you noticed?
Do you currently use any clean beauty products? Which ones?
If not, name one product you can start with.