Vitamin C Benefits For Skin

Vitamin C – it may appear to be one of the “newer” hot topics as far as skin care, but in reality, its not so “new”! Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has fantastic benefits for your body and your skin. We know that and vitamin C as a nutrient has been popular for a long time for nourishment and its role as an antioxidant. Well, the same awesome vitamin C has fantastic benefits for not just your insides, but your skin too! So while it is encouraged to eat lots of foods rich in vitamin C, unfortunately, not all of the vitamin C you consume will go to your skin. So the best way to ensure your skin is getting benefits of vitamin C is to directly apply it – give your skin its own daily dose!

Let’s take dive into some of the benefits of vitamin C for your skin, choosing the right kind and how to use it.

Benefits

There are many benefits for using vitamin C in your skincare routine, but here, we will just hit on a few! Vitamin C helps brighten your skin. It is a known antioxidant, which means it helps fight against damaging stressors (free radicals) – both inside and outside the body. When using it for your skin, it offers protection from pollutants, daily stressors and sun damage that can be caused by free radicals. While vitamin C is not a sunscreen, it does help fight the UV-induce sun damage.  It also helps fight  hyperpigmentation or discoloration from other environmental stressors which is often caused increased melanin production (1). 

Vitamin C also aids in collagen production in the skin by playing a role in the regulation of collagen synthesis as well as increasing collagen protein synthesis (2). Collagen is known for helping fight against wrinkles and signs of aging and its production decreases over time. As vitamin C aids in collagen production, it is helping combat signs of aging. Vitamin C can also be anti-inflammatory for the skin which can lead to redness reduction, potentially promoting overall more even skin tone. Also in the anti-inflammatory role of vitamin C, it may also help fight against acne. 

Importance of Stability

Vitamin C can be somewhat unstable, therefore, the stability and type of vitamin C you use on your skin is an important factor. Exposure to heat, air and/or light can slowly start to degrade the vitamin C serum (2) and therefore lose it potency and effectiveness quickly. The most pure form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is the most unstable. 

In the Beautycounter All Bright C Serum, a blend of two ultra-stable forms of vitamin C was used for a  supercharged 10% potency.  This includes 5% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate which is an antioxidant that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and boosts skin brightening to reveal more youthful-looking skin. And it also includes 5% Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate which is a second form of vitamin C, this ingredient moisturizes skin while providing antioxidant benefits known to protect skin from damaging environmental stressors—and helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (3).

How to Use

As mentioned above, for many people, vitamin C can be safe to use on the skin and in conjunction with other skincare products. Beautycounter recommends using the All Bright C Serum as a Treat step with any regimen. In the morning, use it after cleansing, toning, your regimen’s regular serum then apply the All Bright C Serum on top (3). Follow it up with moisturizer and you are good to go for the day! 

Ready to really boost your skincare routine? The Bright Side Duo includes two of Beautycounter’s best-selling, brightness-boosting treatments: the All Bright C Serum works by day to instantly enhance skin’s radiance and help reduce the appearance of dark spots, and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel works all night to reveal improved skin texture and clarity by morning - it’s the ultimate glow duo!

It is kind of wild to think one great antioxidant can provide so many great benefits! Many benefits all in one bottle – which makes it super convenient!  To add to all of the greatness of vitamin C, one of the best things about it is that it is generally considered safe for most people to use! 

Wishing you happy, healthy & vibrant skin!

Sources:

1. Doyle, Annie Walton. “11 Reasons to Use a Vitamin C Serum.” Edited by Alan Carter, Healthline, Healthline Media, 9 Mar. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-c-serum-benefits.

2. Michels, Alexander J. “Vitamin C and Skin Health.” Edited by Zoe Diana Draelos, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University , 2 Jan. 2020, https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C

3. Beautycounter. “All Bright C Serum: the science behind our supercharged vitamin C serum”. Beautycounter. 4 April 2020. Web. 30 July 2020.

How to get ACNE FREE skin without harmful Ingredients

The most popular over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for facial acne (acne vulgaris) is benzoyl peroxide, which can be found in cleansers, all-over face treatments, spot treatments, and moisturizers. Often times these products are formulated with harsh surfactants, artificial fragrance, PEGs, and other harmful and irritating ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide is allowed to be present in OTC products up to a strength of 10%, which is quite strong and can cause a  number of unpleasant side effects.

Common side effects of using products with benzoyl peroxide include painful or irritated skin,  redness (which can be severe), and skin peeling, flaking, itching, burning, blistering, or crusting. (source)

Additionally, benzoyl peroxide can cause an allergic reaction in some people (allergic contact dermatitis), and some scientists believe this is a more common reaction than is currently reported, and can lead to hospitalization in severe cases (source).

And while there are some gaps in the research, it is worth knowing that animal studies have found that repeated high-dose exposure to benzoyl peroxide can have harmful reproductive effects (source) and that it can promote the growth of tumors (source) since it is a free-radical generating substance. In fact, it is used in scientific research exactly for this purpose: to speed up the growth of skin tumors! Free radicals are also a cause of premature signs of skin aging.

Salicylic Acid For Gentler, Safer Acne Treatment

So what is a better, safer option? Salicylic acid (SA), which is a beta hydroxy acid that has multiple functions when used topically on the skin, including being skin-soothing, anti-acne, and an exfoliant. SA is an effective treatment for acne because it kills the bacteria that cause acne, it gently exfoliates to unclog pores, and it also reduces the overproduction of oil. (source)

Plus, salicylic acid has a long history of safe use; humans have been using it for over 2,000 years to treat various skin conditions (source). Benzoyl peroxide was only first manufactured in 1905 for use as an industrial chemical; it wasn’t used for medical purposes until 1930!

However, just like many mainstream benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products, mainstream salicylic acid OTC treatments can be formulated with the same harmful ingredients listed earlier.

Enter Countercontrol by Beautycounter. This new line includes products for a complete skincare routine designed especially for acne-prone and/or oily skin, with a cleanser, alcohol-free toner, all-over acne treatment, acne spot treatment, and oil-free moisturizer.

Why is Beautycounter’s Countercontrol safer and better for treating acne?

1. The salicylic acid is present at 2%, which is strong enough to be effective (see results below!) yet below the maximum allowed amount of 5% which may be slightly irritating for those with sensitive skin.

2. The products are formulated with beneficial botanical extracts in a proprietary blend called SkinBalance Complex, which contains rosebay willow and wintergreen (a natural source of salicylic acid). These plants are a potent source of antioxidants from polyphenols and flavonoids. Rosebay willow is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and has anti-aging properties (source), and wintergreen is a potent anti-inflammatory agent (source). The All Over Acne Treatment also contains quince extract, which is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial (source).

3. Like all Beautycounter products, Countercontrol is free over over 1,500 known or potentially harmful ingredients (see The Never List). Reminder: the U.S. only partially restricts 30 ingredients in skincare and cosmetics!

In an independent consumer study after four weeks using Countercontrol:

• 100% said skin clarity improved

• 100% stated skin feels healthier

• 95% said skin looks clearer

• 95% said skin looks less red

Meet the Countercontrol Products:

The entire line contains the signature SkinBalance complex to control oil production, purify pores, reduce inflammation, and address the root causes of acne.

Clear Pore Cleanser: contains soothing aloe vera and features eco-friendly biodegradable jojoba beads for gentle exfoliation.

Instant Matte Toner: eliminates excess oil and reduces the appearance of pores.

All Over Acne Treatment: gentle enough to use twice a day, every day yet effective at clearing existing blemishes and preventing future breakouts. Contains phytic acid (from green rice) for extra antioxidant activity and to refine skin texture, plus squalene (from olives, not shark livers like other brands!) which is an effective emollient (soothing moisturizer).

SOS Acne Spot Treatment: an invisible gel formula that treats breakouts without being over-drying, a must-have in everyone’s medicine cabinet for unexpected blemishes!

Matte Effect Gel Cream: this is an innovative cream-to-gel formula that is oil-free and will control oil over-production for up to 8 hours. This is also an excellent primer to use before applying makeup.

How To Use Countercontrol:

For acne: for best results, use the entire collection every day, twice a day to clear existing breakouts and prevent future breakouts from forming. You will notice the full benefits after 4 weeks. Make sure to take a before photo so you can reference it as your skin clears up!

For oily skin without acne: use the Clear Pore Cleanser, Instant Matte Toner, All Over Acne Treatment, and Matte Effect Gel Cream. The All Over Acne Treatment is beneficial and effective at controlling oil overproduction and is safe to use even when acne isn’t present.

For acne scarring: add the Overnight Resurfacing Peel into your regimen 3 times a week.  Apply the peel to a clean face and let it sit for 5 minutes.  Apply the Matte Effect Gel Cream over top.  Do not use the toner or acne treatment on the evenings you use the peel.

Beautycounter has a 60 day no questions asked return policy, so there is no risk in seeing if these products are a safe option for you!!

Wishing you happy and healthy skin!

Is your Sunscreen Harming Your Health?

It's officially summer, so I am sure you are stocking up on sunscreen for your hikes, trips to the pool and  beach vacations!  Have you ever considered that the sunscreen that you’re currently using on yourself and your kiddos is actually doing more harm than good?

What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it!  Your skin is your largest organ, and can absorb much of what we put on it.   That includes the harmful chemicals typically found in personal care products, including sunscreens. These toxic ingredients get into your bloodstream and disrupt your immune system and endocrine system...hormones!!! 

Many personal care products and many popular sunscreens contain an alarming number of harmful ingredients.  (Did you know the European Union Bans over 1400 ingredients in the industry and the United States has only banned 30 to date!!)  Last month, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released their 2018 Guide to Sunscreens, which includes a list of which chemicals to avoid and their recommendations for the safest brands. To make safe and educated decisions this season, check sunscreen labels for the six most common and concerning ingredients below.

1. Oxybenzone – absorbs and filters UV light and is therefore one of the most common ingredients in chemical sunscreens.  It penetrates the skin at very high rates and acts like estrogen once it enters your bloodstream, disrupting your endocrine system...wreaking havoc on your hormones!  It undergoes a chemical reaction when exposed to UV rays. When oxybenzone is absorbed by your skin, it can cause an eczema-like allergic reaction as well.  This ingredient is also killing our coral reefs and will be banned in Hawaii in 2020!!

2. Octinoxate –  also disrupts your endocrine system, affecting  hormonal activity, reproductive system and your thyroid. Octinoxate may actually be a culprit for premature aging, as it produces free radicals that can damage skin and cells. This ingredient is also contributing to the destruction of our coral reefs and will also be banned in Hawaii.

3. Homosalate – another common ingredient that disrupts hormone balance. It can accumulate in your body faster than your body can detoxify it through your liver, lingering in your body and increasing your toxic burden.

4. Octocrylene – when exposed to UV light, it absorbs the rays and produces oxygen radicals that can damage cells and cause mutations. It is readily absorbed by your skin and may accumulate within your body in measurable amounts. 

5. Retinyl Palmitate – A form of Vitamin A. It's function in sunscreen is to improve the product's performance against the aging effects of UV exposure.  However, certain forms of vitamin A found in sunscreens—namely retinyl palmitate can be cause for concern. When exposed to the sun's UV rays, retinol compounds break down and produce destructive free radicals that are toxic to cells, damage DNA, and may lead to cancer.  Yikes!!  This is found in many face creams too!

6. Parabens – are commonly added to cosmetics and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria and serve as a preservative. Like many of the ingredients above, they disrupt hormones, potentially leading to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.  The European Union has already banned 5 types of parabens and the FDA is under pressure to ban them in the U.S.  Fingers crossed!

My Favorite Safe Sunscreens

Beautycounter is my favorite and most trusted brand for sunscreen and personal care products.  I love their commitment to transparency of ingredients, strict ingredient screening process and their commitment to not only safe products, but to high performing products too!! Beautycounter’s line of sunscreens has consistently been on EWG's sunscreen guide, meaning they are safe and pose very low-hazard. 

The mineral-based sunscreens are available in a lotion, stick and mist (non aerosol) and a lightly tinted moisturizer.  They are made with non nano zinc oxide and ingredients such as antioxidant-rich California poppy.  These sunscreens are blocking blue light rays as well!! (It is now being discovered that blue light might be just as damaging to the skin as UVA and UVB rays!!) They are water-resistant and free of preservatives, allergens, and chemicals that can damage coral reefs–so they are safe for the environment too!  The mist and stick makes it very easy to apply to your kiddos!  All three products go on easy and fully rub in so you aren't left looking like a ghost!!  

Badger is another great brand that I trust.  They have an assortment of sunscreen products as well, but they come with a downfall.  They don't rub in as well and leave you white!   If that doesn't matter to you, then grab a bottle of this at Whole Foods the next time you're there!

Have a Happy & Healthy Summer!  

PS...If you would like to learn more about all my favorite safer skincare products, please join my Better Beauty ~ Safer Skincare email list!!  i’ll send you occasional e-mails on education, new products, special incentives and giveaways (freebies!) on my favorite safer skincare, cleaner cosmetics, and healthy living products.  For the next couple of weeks I am giving away 10 of my favorite products shown below!  All you have to do is join the list to be entered to win!!  You can see all the details in my Instagram Story Highlights!  Only 2 products have been claimed!! I will be announcing 3 more winners this weekend, including the winner of the Beautycounter Sunscreen Mist!!

The 6 Most Harmful Ingredients In Your Beauty Products

I am sure most of you, like myself assume that we live in a highly regulated country, so the products I am using must be safe. I honestly, never questioned safety at all until recent years. I was so surprised when I finally learned that when it comes to the personal care industry, there are very minimal regulations. 

Companies are allowed to use known toxins—ingredients that have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and hormone disruption—without even disclosing these ingredients to us! Seems crazy, right?  Personally this makes me mad!

Luckily, it's not all doom and gloom. There are some great companies working hard to create safer skincare products and to change the industry. And, these products work just as well or better than the department store brands we have learned to love!  I've been spending tons of time researching them.

I am excited to share what I’ve learned with you and to educate and inspire you to make safer choices!

Yes, you read that right! 1938! 
Are you as shocked as I am by this?

And wait for it...

And only about 10% of the 10,000 chemicals commonly found in personal care products have safety data.

There are many ingredients allowed in beauty and skin care products that really should never be used.  The 6 worst offenders are harsh sulfates, formaldehyde-releasers, artificial fragrances, PEGs, mineral oil, and carbon black. Start by replacing these six worst offenders.

Ready to come clean?

1. FORMALDEHYDE RELEASERS ~ common in preservatives that are used in many personal care products. These chemicals, which help prevent microbes from growing in water-based products, can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to cancer and allergic skin reactions.

FOUND IN: Moisturizers, nail polish, nail glue, eyelash glue, hair gel. hair smoothing products, baby shampoo, body soap, body wash, color cosmetics.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: Formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and glyoxal.

Many traditional face and eye creams are made with preservatives which can potentially release formaldehyde and wreak havoc on the immune system.  

----> SAFER SWAPS:

• Face and eye cream: I use and love Beautycounter's Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream, Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion and the Countermatch Sleep Recovery Cream that are naturally preserved with phytic acid from green rice.  This adaptive moisture line is fantastic for sensitive or dry skin!  Beautycounter has 3 safer skincare lines for all skin types
• Nail Polish: my go to clean brand is Cote.  They have tons of colors to choose from along with base and top coats and remover.

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2. PEG's ~ PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane as a possible human carcinogen. Ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system and the California Environmental Protection Agency has classified it as a developmental toxicant based on evidence that it may interfere with human development. 

FOUND IN: numerous personal care products

WHAT TO LOOK OF FOR ON THE LABEL: PEG with a number after it

Traditional facial masks can be formulated with PEGs, which are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners or solvents, Your masks should have nothing to hide.

----> SAFER SWAPS:

My favorite masks that I use a couple times a week are:

• The Alitura Clay Mask. The unique blend of 9 nutrient-dense ingredients exfoliates dead skin, reduces pore openings, stimulates blood flow, and encourages growth of new skin cells. At Beautycounter, all our masks contain naturally-derived glycerin, which helps condition and soften skin.
• Beautycounter's Brightening Mask brightens your skin and more even-toned complexion. It contains kaolin clay that deeply cleanses, while vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. 
• Beautycounter's Balancing Charcoal Mask also has kaolin clay that purifies and balances, absorbing excess oil and drawing out impurities. Activated charcoal minimizes the appearance of pores, giving skin a smooth, refined appearance while salicylic acid stimulates exfoliation.

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3. MINERAL OIL ~ Mineral oils are derived from crude oil and are a known human carcinogen. The concern is that mineral oils can target organs including eyes, skin, and respiratory system though inhalation, or skin and eye contact permitted in beauty products, mineral oil is a conditioning agent that may be contaminated with trace amounts of toxins and can suffocate skin. 

FOUND IN: a wide array of personal care products, including eye shadow, moisturizer, lip gloss, lipstick, conditioner, hair color and bleaching, facial treatment, styling gel/lotion, blush and concealer

Mineral oil is a conditioning agent that may be contaminated with trace amounts of toxins and can suffocate skin. Let your skin breathe easy. Look for body lotions that contain oils which are rich in essential fatty acids to revitalize and nourish skin.

----> SAFER SWAPS:

• Body Lotion: My favorite safer body lotion is Alba Botanica's Unscented Very Emollient Body Lotion that can be found at any natural grocers and many chain grocery stores in their natural section.  MAKE SURE you buy the unscented lotion so you avoid all fragrance!
• Body Oil: I love this Citrus Mimosa Body Oil.  It's a dry oil, so it's instantly absorbed and you aren't left feeling greasy!

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4. ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCES can be a blend of ingredients that are not required to be disclosed by U.S. law and can include trace amounts of phthalates (potential endocrine disruptors).  Fragrance can be linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies and sensitivities. 

FOUND IN: most personal care products

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: Fragrance, parfum, synthetic fragrance

As lipstick is applied on your mouth, it’s no surprise we ingest what we put on, including artificial fragrance. Another big offender in lipstick and really all color cosmetics is heavy metals!  We shouldn't be having the conversation that lead is still allowed in lip stick when it's ben taken out of paint, pencils and gasoline!  Heavy metals are known human carcinogens and are extremely damaging to the body!

----> SAFER SWAPS:

• Lipstick and Lipgloss: Beautycounter is the only brand I know of that is testing for heavy metals in every batch of their color cosmetics and possibly the only company testing for metals in general.  Companies are not required to do so by law!  Beautycounter Sheer Lipsticks are vibrant in color, transparent in ingredients, and scented only with natural vanilla.  I love the Twig!
• Perfume:  If you are looking for a safer perfume option, check out Phlur.  Their scents are free of Phthalates and you can buy testers before committing to a full bottle.  I love Olmstead and Vaux.

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5. CARBON BLACK - Carbon black is a dark black powder used as a pigment in cosmetics.  It is produced from coal tar and has been linked to increased incidence of cancer and negative effects on organs.

FOUND IN: Eyeliner, mascara, nail polish, eye shadow, brush-on-brow, lipstick, blushers, rouge, makeup, and foundation

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: Carbon black, D & C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black

Mascara and eye liner shouldn’t be that scary.

----> SAFER SWAPS: 

• Mascara: a safe mascara that works is hard to find!!!  The best performing and safe mascara that I have found is Beautycounter Volumizing and Lengthening Mascaras that are pigmented with naturally-occurring iron oxides. These mascaras actually stay on your lashes!! 
• Eye Liner and Brow Pencil: Beautycounter's eye and brow pencils are what I also use and are pigmented with naturally-occurring iron oxides as well.

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6. SULFATES, SUCH AS SLS & SLES are found in many shampoos, soaps, toothpastes and other personal care products.  It is known to cause skin irritation  It also  helps other chemicals get into your body.  SLS is a penetration enhancer, meaning that its molecules are so small they’re able to cross the membranes of your body’s cells.  Once cells are compromised, they become more vulnerable to other toxic chemicals that may be with the SLS.

Your scalp and body deserves a lot better.

----> SAFER SWAPS: 

• Shampoo: It took me a while to find a safer shampoo that actually lathered and performed like the salon brands I was use to.  I love the Volume and Shape Shampoo and Conditioner from Beautycounter!  These shampoos feature PureFoam Cleansing Technology which is derived from beetroot sugars to deliver the rich lather and cleansing performance.  It leaves my hair shiny, full and feels like I am using a salon brand!
• Dry Shampoo: Primally Pure is great!
• Toothpaste: I use Earthpaste that is free of flouride, sls, glycerin and artificial flavors.
• Bodywash/soap:  Dr Bronner's makes organic castile liquid soap you can use as body wash and many naturally scented bar soaps.

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There's a tool I highly recommend you all use for not only personal care products, but for food, cleaning and laundry supplies as well! EWG (Environmental Working Group) has developed their free Healthy Living app that allows you to scan the bar code of products with your phone's camera.  It will then give you a rating for that product from 1-10 indicating what ingredients are of concern and how they may relate to cancer, reproductive health and allergies.  This is super handy for the next time you are at Target and need to buy deodorant...scan away to find the safest option!  I always shoot for a rating of 1, 2 or 3 and it must not have any reproductive or cancer concerning ingredients

Happy Safe Shopping!!

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Switch to Safer in 2017: My Favorite Clean Personal Care Products

It's that time of year again when most of us have set new goals, resolutions, intentions or whatever you may call them. I love the feel of January and the freshness it brings, but I am not really a resolution person.  I believe you can start fresh and new any day, week or month of the year and should evaluate often, not just at the start of the year.  I wish you all the best with your goals for those that set them January 1st or for those that set them throughout the year!

It's also that time of year when you are hearing and reading about the latest detox, juice cleanse and diets for the New Year, I ask you to also consider a different "detox".  A detox of your personal care products, a detox for the outside of your body...for your skin, your largest organ! 

According to Environmental Working Group, personal care products include up to 10,500 unique chemical ingredients, most of which are suspected carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and include dangerous substances like coal tar and formaldehyde.

And while Europe has banned 1,400 of these harmful ingredients, the U.S. has only banned thirty...30! (What?!)  It was just 11 a few months ago, but earlier this year the FDA restricted triclosan and 18 other chemicals used in “antibacterial” soaps. This was a small victory that partially restricts anti-bacterial chemicals from hand soaps, but doesn’t address the use of these ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste and other applications.

This means companies are allowed to use known toxins—ingredients that have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and hormone disruption—without even disclosing these ingredients to us! Seems crazy, right?  Personally this makes me mad!

The biggest ah-ha of it all? That at least 60% of what you put on your body seeps into your skin and is absorbed by your cells. Every. Single. Day.  

And this. Adds. Up.

This may not be a wake up call to you. You may very well know that your favorite lipstick and daily face serum aren’t necessarily made from the cleanest of ingredients.  And you’ve probably thought about making the switch to clean products. But, where do you even start in making this kind of change?

Luckily, it's not all doom and gloom. There are some great companies working hard to create safer skincare products and to change the industry. And, these products work just as well or better than the department store brands we have learned to love! 

How do you start working thru your beauty collection that you spent so long (and so much money) building?!

And, what’s more; how do you have time to research better products that actually do the job!? I've gotcha covered!! Below I share 14 (pictured above) of my many swaps I have made over the years.  Believe me when I say that if I can do it, you can too!!   I was using fabulous brands that I didn't think I could part with...and the change has been easier than I imagined and it feels so rewarding and liberating to know I am using safe products!  

There's a tool I highly recommend you all use for not only personal care products, but for food, cleaning and laundry supplies as well! EWG (Environmental Working Group) has developed their free Healthy Living app that allows you to scan the bar code of products with your phone's camera.  It will then give you a rating for that product from 1-10 indicating what ingredients are of concern and how they may relate to cancer, reproductive health and allergies.  This is super handy for the next time you are at Target and need to buy deodorant...scan away to find the safest option!  I always shoot for a rating of 1, 2 or 3 and it must not have any reproductive or cancer concerning ingredients.

Here are some of my favorite brands and swaps I have made over the years.  

Sunscreen: Beautycounter's sunstick is my go to as it's a mineral based sunscreen.  I love the ease of a stick and the fact that the zinc can't separate since it's a solid.  It comes in a body and face size.  The smaller face size is so great to keep in your purse, golf bag or ski jacket!

Nail Polish: Cote based out of Santa Monica is a safe nail salon with a line of polishes that includes a TON of color options! I love getting my toes done, but not all the harmful products that can come along with it.  I take all of my own stuff to get pedicures including my own colors.

Teeth Whitening and Strengthening: Smart Ash from Bedrock and Bloom is an all natural tooth whitening powder that's actually good for your teeth.  It contains activated charcoal, bentonite clay and more to clean, detoxify, whiten, reduce sensitivity, strengthen and restore. I dip my toothbrush with paste on it into the ash and brush a couple times a week with it.  Teeth Whitening can also be as simple as hydrogen peroxide.  I so often get asked what I use to whiten my teeth.  Hydrogen peroxide swished around morning and night is my secret!!!  It also kills bacteria.

Face Wash: Nourishing Cream Cleanser is a cleanser and a toner all in one.  I love the simplicity of this cleanser and that it does not contain any fragrance, lathering agents or parabens that other cleansers may contain.

Body Lotion: Alba's Unscented Original Body Lotion is the most moisturizing body lotion I have found!  Make sure you buy the unscented or the safe factor goes away because of the synthetic fragrance and the dangers that come along with that!!

Foundation: Tint Skin Full Coverage Foundation replaced my favorite...Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.  I wasn't sure I could give that up, but it was easy with this moisturizing rich formula! I love the coverage and how it performs...stays on all day or night!  Did you now cosmetics are a big source of heavy metals and companies aren't require to test for them?  Beautycounter batch tests for metals every time for every cosmetic product!!!!

Deodorant: Piper Wai activated charcoal deodorant is the best I have found!  It now comes in a stick...so much easier than the paste!  It is free of aluminum and synthetic fragrance.

Lip Gloss and Lipstick is a must to switch to safe since you basically eat it all day long!  Lead is often found in these products.  I love these glosses and lipsticks that rate safe on the EWG app! There are so many great colors to choose from and they are very moisturizing.

Toothpaste typically contains fluoride and some other nasty things...not something I want in my body!  I switched to Earth Paste and it only consists of 5 simple ingredients.  No Glycerin, fluoride, foaming agents, artificial colors,  It' simply water, redmond clay, real salt , xylitol and essential oils.  I prefer the peppermint flavor.

Dry Shampoo is a must when you don't wash your hair every day...or every other day!  I love Monat's Dry Shampoo!!  It's derived from plant based ingredients and reduces the greasy look!

Body Soap can often contain synthetic fragrance, SLS and artificial colors.  I've found my skin prefers simple soap and Kiss My Face Olive Oil Soap is my favorite!

Mascara is a tough one as it's such a personal choice.  It is so hard to find a safe brand that lasts, doesn't run and provides length and fullness.  Beautycounter's Lengthening Mascara won Allure's Best of Natural Beauty Award this past year and rightfully so!  It lengthens and lasts all day!!  It is hard to get off, but I can deal with that as long as it lasts all day!!

Lip Conditioner:  It's amazing how less chapped your lips are when you don't use petroleum based products!!  Keep in mind that anything you put on your lips, generally gets in your mouth! This Calendula Lip Conditioner is my favorite...I have one next to my bed and one in my purse!

I hope this is helpful!  Start with a few items and go from there!  Don't try to change everything at once or you'll be totally overwhelmed!!  If you need other suggestions, please comment below and I will try to help!!

XO

Health Conscience Gift Guide

Give the gift of Health!  Almost all of these ideas are under $50 and make great stocking stuffers too!!

1. Tranquil Roll on from Young Living.  I use this every night on the bottom of my feet.  Lavendar, cedarwood and roman chamomile help you relax and can help with sleep.  I love the smell of these oils and know how important a good night of sleep is!  The roll on is so convenient and easy to travel with!

2. Primal Palate Spice Blends are my favorite!!  I love that they are organic and they make it so easy to spice up meat, fish or vegetables!  You can find them on Amazon and they qualify for Prime!!

3. Alitura Clay Mask is one of my must have face products!  I love the powerful, yet safe ingredients in this mask.  It is a blend of 9 nutrient dense ingredients that exfoliate dead skin, reduce pore openings, stimulates blood flow and encourages growth of new skin cells.  I honestly can tell a difference after ever use, it makes your skin glow!

4. Naughty to Nice Charcoal gift set from Beautycounter makes a great gift for men!  It's for everyone though!  These lumps of "coal" are the best thing you could give your skin this season!!  Charcoal absorbs impurities and excess oil. It works fantastic on breakout and acne prone skin.  It detoxes the skin while leaving it smoother, brighter and younger looking.  This set includes the Charcoal Cleansing Bar and Charcoal Mask inside a beautiful red gift box.   Beautycounter is my favorite safe skincare and makeup brand!

5. Himalayan Salt Lamps are essentially large pieces of himalayan pink salt with a bulb inside of it. They have numerous benefits such as improving air quality, soothing allergies, light therapy for increased mood and more!  The darker the lamp, the higher the quality.  You can buy these on Amazon or at your local health food store.

6. Charcoal Eye Mask from Restoration Hardware. Charcoal is all the buzz right now and rightfully so!  It has amazing benefits including waking up refreshed with this padded eye mask!  It is infused with Binchotan charcoal from Japan. Naturally purifying and detoxifying, the ultrafine charcoal neutralizes negative ions and soothes the skin around the eyes, minimizing the visible effects of stress while you rest.  

7. Cote Nail Polish is non-toxic (traditional nail polish is full of toxic ingredients), cruelty free and made with the highest quality of vegan ingredients.  They have over 100 colors to choose from!  I love getting a pedicure, but don't love all the harmful ingredients in the products, so I take my own polish when I go!

8. FasciaBlaster is so much more effective than foam rolling!!  I use this on all my tight muscles to loosen the fascia.  There is so much I could go into here, but basically this torture stick improves sports performance, reduces pain, accelerates muscle recovery, reduces cellulite and can break down fat cells.  This is a must for those athletes on your list! 

9. Woodlot Candles are non toxic candles scented with essential oils!  These candles are eco-friendly made with cotton core wicks and renewable coconut wax. I stopped burning candles as they can be very toxic due to the fragrance, the wax and the wick traditional candles are made with.  It's so nice to have the warm glow of a candle in the winter and know it's safe!  I love supporting this small business!

10. Swanwick Blue Blocking Glasses to block the blue light at night from lights and electronics.  I have worn these for over 3 years now and can completely tell a difference...plus the research doesn't lie!  Blue Light is making us sick!   You can watch this quick video that explains why this matters!  Avoiding blue light and quality sleep should be just as much a priority as eating healthy!.  

Happy Holidays!