Olly Olly Toxin Free Part IV: All About The Face
Have you ever stopped to ask why companies need to sell an entire system of products just for your face? Cleaners, exfoliators, serums, toners, creams, moisturizers, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, anti-oxidant....whew! It's enough to make your face gasp for air!
Like all the other store-bought products I have already talked about, facial beauty products are packed with chemicals and toxins that often deplete your skin of its natural moisture and repairing ability. Perhaps the reason you need 6 - 10 products in your face routine is because each one is a cure for the problem caused by the one before it.
Shouldn't a face wash and moisturizer be enough? In my opinion....yes!
I had enough of the expense, the consumer mindset that I needed these products to look beautiful, and the physical abuse I was ultimately putting my skin through.
So true to form, I threw all my products in the trash and started over.
First, I created my own cleansing and moisturizing items from natural ingredients. I wanted nourishing not drying and tight so I used high grade organic base and essential oils that regerate, tighten and heal your skin without causing any additional damage.
MY MORNING FACE ROUTINE:
I brush my teeth with a bamboo toothbrush and an activated charcoal toothpaste (without flouride) - this is my go to toothbrush and this my current favorite toothpaste
Then I wash my face with a microfiber cleansing cloth like this and Nourishing Cleansing Oil,
Next I spritz my face with Fresh Face Tonic. I love the smell and healing benefits of the ingredients and it’s a great refresher when you’re hot.
Lastly I finish with my Daily Care Moisturizer rich in antioxidants and restorative properties.
And that’s it! My skin feels amazing! It is never dry or oily and I have no break-outs....at least not from products!
Next I tackled make-up. The more I researched, the more horrified I was. Did you know there is little to no regulation on cosmetics in this country? And the regulations that do exist are grossly out of date.
Make-up is basically colored chemicals in a plastic tube/compact which is directly absorbed into your body through your skin and the ingredients are extremely harmful! There needs to be superior regulation on all products we put into and onto our body but that is a whole other series.
For now, it is up to you to educate yourself and make healthy choices.
Initially, I dabbled at making my own blush, mascara, eyeliner and colored lip balm. What I quickly found out was, there is a definite art to crafting make-up and it isn’t something I am naturally skilled at doing. Although my mascara did end up being a great eyebrow filler, I began searching for reliable sources who had successfully mastered the make-up craft.
There are an abundance of cottage industry people on Etsy who make some good products. Read reviews and purchase samples to try new products. I had success finding a couple of Etsy sellers I really liked.
There are even a couple of big name companies trying to produce make-up with more natural ingredients. But be aware, that labeling is very loosely regulated and companies can put “natural” and other misleading catch words on the label and still be chocked full of chemicals.
Again, the responsibility to look after your health is in your hands (because the FDA isn’t doing it for you). Read labels and learn what the ingredients are and what harmful effects they can have on your body.
I turned 50 this year and admittedly, I don’t wear a lot of make-up anymore but what I do wear I feel good about.
WHAT I USE:
Skin Loving Powder Foundation - all natural, light weight, smells yummy and doesn’t clog your pores
Glow Stick - Rose Gold - all natural and cruelty free, I use this on my cheeks, eyes and sometimes lips (I love all in one!). They have a variety of colors to choose from.
Moonstone Lavender Lengthening Mascara - all natural, no itching or watery eyes, doesn’t stain, easily removed without with water and cleansing cloth.
Lip Love - Whiney Lips - all natural, nourishing not waxy or dry, smells great
The Yellow Bird Lip Balm - Calendula - a lip balm that repairs and nourishes with all natural ingredients you can feel good about.
It has been my pleasure to share some of my chemical/toxin-free lifestyle journey with you. I hope you have learned some and are inspired to live a cleaner, greener life for yourself.
Next month….Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Series begins.
