Diet and a cleansing lifestyle can drastically transform your skin, but when the products being used topically are counteracting your effort, the results may not be dreamy.
Many of the skincare products on the market today, whether sold at the counter of your favorite department store, or purchased from an infomercial, contain ingredients that irritate the skin. This is also true of “Natural” products. Instead of truly helping our skin, we find ourselves living in quite a paradox– taming sensitive skin with irritants, reversing aging with chemicals, and trying to heal blemishes with harsh ingredients.
For years I struggled with my skin. If I could have written a note to my younger self, I would have told her to first change her diet ASAP.
And then I would have told her to toss those skincare products out the window.
Before discovering the Naturopathica Skincare line a few months ago, I was frustrated by all skincare products. Unlike some women, I do not collect a variety of “product.” I like simplicity. I want something I can wash my face with, and something to use as a moisturizer. I am a busy lady. I have a bustling and sometimes hectic day. Sometimes I don’t get enough sleep. Sometimes I stress over little things, and… more often then not, it shows on my skin. I want results without chemicals, or irritants.
The skin is the body’s largest organ. It serves as a backup organ to the kidney and the liver and it is a means of releasing unwanted toxins through the pores of the skin. A cleansing lifestyle will stir up unwanted debris and bring them to the surface. This becomes apparent when the skin becomes congested.
I am very particular about the ingredients I place on my skin. As promised, and after trial and error, I have created my own Skincare Regimen.
I like the ingredients. I like the results.
CLEANSE.
My Favorite cleanser is the Naturopathica Aloe Cleansing Gel. I use it morning and night. It is cleanses the skin of impurities without stripping away it’s natural oils. It leaves the skin feeling fresh, without feeling depleted. It is perfect for sensitive skin, or any skin in my opinion.
- According to the website: 99% of the total ingredients are from natural origin. 51.51% of the total ingredients are from organic farming.
After cleansing, I will use an enzyme peel, once or twice a week. I love peels. They make me feel feminine and special.
EXFOLIATE.
My absolute favorite product, the Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel is a delight. Pumpkin gently exfoliates the skin, while enzymes work to breakdown dead skin cells. After rinsing, the result is a smoother, and less congested surface. After repeated usage, tiny but consistently clogged pores have all but disappeared across my chin– something I was starting to think impossible without eliminating an irritant from my diet.
My Recommendation: When you can, enjoy this peel in a warm bubble bath. I never tire of the enticing and fragrant aromas that this results-driven pumpkin peel has. Relax. Unwind. This is a real treat– during and after!
HYDRATE.
Can I have two favorite products because I fell in love with the Calendula Essential Hydrating Moisturizer over the holidays. As someone with “sensitive” skin, I have always disliked moisturizers. As I have aged, I realize the value of keeping the skin protected and hydrated is of paramount importance. While a diet should be hydrating, the weather, climate, environment, stress, and social gatherings (indulgence) can not only cause dehydration but also create inflammation.
The moisturizer is appropriately named after Calendula, an herb used topically on slow-to-heal wounds, mild burns and dry skin. I cannot tell you how much I love this product. It is deeply hydrating, without leaving behind a touch of unfavorable, or oily residue. As far as inflammation, I was absolutely astonished at the remarkable decrease in any redness after my first use. If you wear makeup, this moisturizer will provide you with a smooth and even canvas. If you don’t want to wear makeup, well this just might be your new best friend.
I use the hydrating lotion after cleansing, in the AM and PM.
- According to the website: 100% of the total of the ingredients are from natural origin,
58.915% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming
What are your favorite products? How about natural solutions you have come up with? What works for you? Are there certain “natural” ingredients that irritate your skin? What is your skin type?
I love using things I already have in my pantry. I’ve recently begun a “no ‘poo” routine for my hair, using baking soda and apple cider vinegar. I haven’t gotten the amounts perfect just yet, but can really tell a difference in my hair as soon as I get out of the shower.
I also like to use pineapple for an enzyme mask. And if it gets in my mouth, it’s not gross. Haha!
Thanks for the skincare advice. Also, the Environmental Working Group web site (ewg.org) is an excellent resource for info on chemicals in the environment, skin products, and espcially sunscreen.
Especially sunscreen??? That is great! Thank you!
I love naturopathica. I had a skin epiphany when I quit using harsh cleansers and moisturizers that advertised clear skin (which were not working) and stuck to cold cream and cotton balls for a few months. I was amazed how beautiful my skin became. Since then I’ve been searching for the least invasive products available to use on my skin.
If you are looking for a good sunscreen that blocks physically rather than chemically, try Blue Lizard products. No one does sunscreen better than pale Australians.
Blue Lizard… thanks! I will check into that for sure! I head to Hawaii soon.
Hello Lauren,
I just found your blog & I must say – I love it. Thank you for sharing such wonderful information. After reading your skincare regimen I am curious to know what type of make-up you would recommend. I have a list of ingredients to stay away from which are found in make-up but I can’t seem to locate items w/ out those ingredients, especially for sensitive and normal – oil skin like I have. Any suggestions you have would be great & so helpful.
Thank you!
~k
Thanks for the info, Lauren. I’m going to order the 3 products you mentioned. I’m getting to the age where wrinkles are coming. Is a moisturizer enough or do I need something else and what would be good to use for that?
With a good moisturizer and clean diet, you should be absolutely fine with minimal products
I hope you enjoy!!
I’m looking into those products right now, I think I’ll get all three! A bit pricey, but so is the Proactiv skincare line that I’ve been using so hopefully this works better and is less harsh on my skin.
I was wondering what your opinion on sunscreens is and the importance of a daily SPF, I’m only 20 years old but I want to start wearing a light sunscreen everyday to minimize harmful radiation. Anything you recommend?
The Naturopathica line is pretty great. You should notice a big difference in how your skin reacts in comparison to harsher substances like Proactiv.
I honestly do not really love sunscreen because the ingredients are always going to be less than favorable, but aside from wearing a hat!
I think Derma-E products with SPF and Kiss My Face will do the trick.
Yes! I switched to the brand Organique, which has no harsh chemicals and there’s definitely a noticible difference
It’s a bit more affordable, but someday soon I’d like to try the Naturopathica line as well.
I know, but sunscreen is so necessary for me, I’m in college and walk dogs for work in the hot Cali sun for 4 hrs a day!
Naturopathica also has the Lavender Protective SPF Moisturizer, which is a non-synthetic sunblock, free of the harsh chemical suncreens that cause irritation and inflammation for most. Lycogel seems to be a nice liquid makeup for getting good coverage, and ColoreScience makes a wonderful mineral makeup (always use a primer under any milled makeup- ColoreScience makes several).