Spring is a time of renewal and growth where we burn through our old obstacles so that we can bloom into a better version of ourselves. Cleaning out old gunk, giving away clothes we no longer need, training for bathing suit season and, don’t forget, switching our skincare regimen to the purest products possible.
There are so many high-end beauty products on the market, but which ones should we choose? Is it worth it to buy a $200 eye-cream to fight aging? Or an acne regimen kit that costs a fortune to cure problematic skin? The key is to look beyond the label; Instead of looking at what the label tells you the product does for your skin, take a look at the ingredients. Just by the ingredients you can learn what a product truly does to benefit or destroy your skin and health.
Below is a list of beneficial ingredients along with ingredients to avoid at all costs. When reading the label keep in mind that the ingredients listed first are the most predominant and potent in the product. The ingredients at the end of the list are very minimal and usually there are just traces of them in the product (don’t be fooled, even traces of toxic ingredients can be detrimental for your health and beauty). Remember, your skin needs to be treated as purely as possible, as it is your largest bodily organ. Hello Spring and hello gorgeous!
Ingredients for flawless, radiant, and healthy skin:
Aloe Vera
Acts as a humectant which binds moisture to the skin
Natural antiseptic and antibiotic
Contains phytochemicals for skin + hair health
Creates a natural glowing effect to skin
Contains 75 nutrients, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, and 200 active enzymes
Cures and heals the skin from inflammation, burns, and wounds
Essential oil /blends
Can slow aging and help all skin types to create a flawless complexion
Can reduce acne breakouts
Slow sebum production
Help with psoriasis or eczema
Tighten the skin
Reduce the appearance of scars
Soothe and heal cuts and burns
Help with broken capillaries (couperose)
Help lighten the appearance of sun spots
Encourage new cell growth
Carrier Oils
(Such as jojoba, coconut, grape-seed, sesame, olive, or almond oil)
Benefits all skin types
Carrier oil necessary for essential oil blends
AHA’s
(Derived from natural fruit extracts)
Bilberry, sugarcane, maple cane, orange, lemon, grapefruit, raspberry, and kiwi
Magical, natural chemical exfoliants to exfoliate dead skin cells
Slows aging
Increases cell renewal
Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
Creates smoother, radiant, and healthier complexions
Green Earth Clay
(French Green Clay or Calcium Bentonite Clay)
One of nature’s strongest antiseptics
Draws out toxins and impurities – great for deep cleansing the skin
Heals wounds
Draws out poison from insect bites and aids in healing
Anti-inflammatory
Aids in healing tissues at a cellular level
Heals acne/problem prone skin
Raw Honey
Its natural enzymes keep skin clear
Highly moisturizing
Fights bacteria and fungus
Slows aging
Contains phytonutrients and antioxidants
Aids in healing scars and tissue regeneration
Anti-inflammatory
Soothes redness and irritation
Toxic Ingredients To Avoid :
Mineral Oil
Made from petroleum to produce gasoline
Toxic and is a carcinogenic
Clogs pores creating risk for breakouts
Contributes to body contamination
Parabens
(Methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)
Most widely used preservative In products
Although they reduce bacteria and fungus from your products, they are chemicals being absorbed into your skin
Slightly mimics estrogen which can lead to breast cancer
Sulfates
(Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)
Common in-toothpaste, soaps, detergents, and shampoos
Toxic when applied to the skin
Eye and skin irritant
Can cause cancer or mutations
Organ and reproductive toxicant
Dries out the skin
F,D & C Color + Pigments
Synthetic colors contain heavy metal salts
Deposits toxins in the skin
Skin irritant
Carcinogenic
Can cause death and oxygen depletion