Get Ready With Me: Skincare Edition

I've been playing around with my shower-time skincare routine since moving to an excessively dry climate two months ago, and I've finally found my "happy place."  I've always had dry skin - in fact, my skin has a number of pretty serious issues.  

First, I had a stage one Melanoma removed back in 2010, so while I don't consider myself a "cancer survivor" (a quick removal took care of things), I do have to keep an eye on every mole and dark spot on my body.  Second, I have psoriasis - it's plagued me since childhood and is currently flaring up pretty bad on my fingernails, shoulders, and arms.  Third, I have sensitive skin, so the vast majority of skincare products irritate my skin to the point of rashes. 

So when I say that I've got a CAREFUL skincare routine, please know that I genuinely have to take a great deal of care in what products I use on my body.

I have typically have a certain amount of DIY scrubs and creams on hand, but work has been so nuts lately that I've been pulling long hours and don't have the time to make any right now.  That being said, I do try to be as healthy and natural as possible without breaking the bank.

Shaving

I hate shaving - my skin gets SO irritated if I'm not careful.  Years ago I found the Schick Intuition razor and I haven't used anything else since.  There are a few different options within the Intuition range, but I stick with the Naturals Sensitive Care.  The way that the razor itself is surrounded by a natural aloe and vitamin E moisturizer helps to sooth my skin as I shave.  The razor itself is usually about $10 at the drugstore, with the refills pack going for $15-30 depending on how many cartridges you're buying.

Body Wash

If I had to pick one natural ingredient as my "favorite," coconut would probably be it.  I recently found the OGX Coconut Milk & Hibiscus Body Wash and I absolutely love it - I use the same brand for my shampoo and conditioner and these products are really impressive for the price, with really great organic ingredients.  This product usually sells below $10 a bottle.

Facial Wash / Scrub

While I generally use only coconut oil to remove my makeup (see the link below), I still need a little something more to give my face a deep clean.  Simple is another brand I love - Really affordable and they acutally make a facial scrub that I can use (in addition to very limited chemical ingredients)!  

Usually my skin freaks out with scrubs and I have to DIY something that doesn't really provide a lot of exfoliation... The Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub is so mellow on my skin that have used it multiple days in a row before and not had any issues (I generally try to limit myself to twice per week with a scrub).  The Moisturizing Facial Wash by Simple is also really great and provides a gentle clean for sensitive skin.  Both products cost under $10 each.

Moisture

While everything that I use is "moisturizing," I still have to lather my entire body in lotion both in the morning and at night.  I use Aveeno products... I'll be the first to admit that neither is ideal from a "Safe Cosmetics" perspective, but because of my psoriasis, I have to use them - nothing else works on me without the assistance of a corticosteroid cream... and I don't like to use corticosteroids unless its a serious flare-up.

On my face I use the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion - It moisturizes without feeling heavy and you can find travel sizes for $2 in addition to the regular bottles, which retail for around $10.  On my body, and probably the most important product in my entire skincare routine, I use the Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream.  This cream changed my life - it costs $15 and you can find it at any drugstore.  It allows me to treat my psoriasis without steroids or a doctor's visit, plus it helps to control flare-ups all together.

The Truth About Mascara

I can't walk out of the house without mascara on - Period.  But given that I'm a safe cosmetic junky, can I really say that mascara is okay to use?  As with most cosmetics, it's a complicated answer.  Mascara can contain, as with any cosmetic, most pretty harsh chemicals.  Some brands carry nasty stuff like parabens and retinyl acetate.  These chemicals can cause developmental and reproductive toxicity, ecotoxicology, endocrine disruption, allergies, immunotoxicity, biochemical changes at the cellular level, AND cancer.  Not good.

If all of those chemicals and effects sound like a foreign language to you, check out my post on the "Dirty Dozen" chemicals found in cosmetics for more information and explanation by clicking here!

But even with all of that, it doesn't mean that ALL mascara's are bad - like I said, I wear the stuff everyday.  It's important to do you research before buying a makeup product to be sure that you're buying something that not only works, but also doesn't put harmful chemicals on your body.

So what should you buy?

There's a number of great options out there, and I've found several at a low price-point for us "bargain shoppers."

Almay One Coat Nourishing Mascara, Lengthening: This formula is designed to lengthen lashes without clumps - it's a good option for those of us who like a more natural look.  Almay has included aloe and Vitamin B5 as well to help keep your lashes healthy.  This brand is also super cost effective and you can find this one at Target and WalMart below for less than $7 - not bad!

Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Lash Boosting Mascara: "Organic" in the name of a product always makes me happy, and this one has great packaging... plus it actually works too!  This one is advertised to enhance both lash length and thickness - so it doesn't give you as much of a natural look as the other two options in this post, but it's even better for lashes with less artificial ingredients.  It's right in the middle on cost, around $10 at most retailers.

enhances the appearance of lash length, thickness and volume for dramatic lashes instantly and long-term - See more at: http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/eyes/mascara/07561.html#sthash.ojB9aBWP.dpuf

enhances the appearance of lash length, thickness and volume for dramatic lashes instantly and long-term - See more at: http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/eyes/mascara/07561.html#sthash.ojB9aBWP.dpu

bareMinerals Flawless Definition Waterproof Mascara:  If "natural" is what you want out of a mascara, this one will give it to you - no clumps, loads of length, no smudging, and a wand that is good for both upper and lower lashes.  I actually LOVE this one, though I don't use it often because of the price.  Like most bareMinerals products, it's expensive - this one checks in at $18.

Safe Cosmetics Brand Review: philosophy

About the Brand

By now, you've probably heard of philosophy - they are a super trendy brand of "inspirational beauty" beauty products with super cute packaging and wide range of variety in offerings - we're talking everything from lip balm to shampoo to moisturizers to shower gels and everything in between.  On their website you'll read that their "promise is to deliver remarkable products that inspire you to live a better life by being better to yourself."

They also discuss the "science" of their products (which is what I'm mostly interested in). Their website states that "philosophy skin care offers revolutionary ingredients, breakthrough formulas and advanced technology. It is designed to not only deliver dramatic results but to enhance the integrity of your skin." 

That sounds awesome! Seems, to the casual observer, that this brand should be a healthy mix of products that should promote healthy skin and hair.  On a side note: From a "frugal" perspective, this is NOT a budget brand and many of their products are very, very pricy... But is it a "safe" brand that's worth the price?

Safe or Not?

First and foremost, it should be said that philosophy does NOT advertise themselves as an all-natural brand, so it wouldn't be right to not address that before moving on.  As a result, they have a combination of both "safe" and "not" products on the market - you just need to do your research to figure out what to avoid.  They are a brand that follows the newer trends in chemical formulas for quick results and "high quality" fragrances.

With that said, many of philosophy's products are NOT "safe" - The amount of fragrances alone make the vast majority of their products an issue from, if nothing else, an allergen perspective.  Since their brand is so diverse, let's take a look at few of their products:

The Good

Keep The Peace Protective Color Corrector: This product is advertised to camouflage redness, smooth the appearance of fine lines, pores and uneven texture and it leaves behind a smooth, satin finish.  It's also a relativity "safe" product, with only one ingredient of note - Phenocyethanol can cause toxicity issues, is an eye irritant, and a known allergen.  If you actually read the ingredients label on this one, it's all chemicals, but generally those considered safe for use... but this product also costs $32 here in the US, so I'd recommend shopping around for a more natural and less expensive color corrector.

Just Release Me Eye Makeup Remover: I really like this one - among the "affordable" members of philosophy's makeup line, this product is advertised as an "oil-free eye makeup remover that gently yet effectively breaks down and removes the toughest eye makeup, even waterproof makeup, without irritating eyes."  As with the previous product, there is really only one ingredient that causes alarm - Benzalkonium Chloride.  This is a preservative that can cause allergies and severe skin irritation.  On the positive side, the product also contains super ingredients like aloe, chamomile and cucumber extracts.

Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub & Facial:  Sadly, it doesn't look like this product is offered by philosophy any longer - I've actually used it in the past and loved it.  Phenoxyethanol was the only worry with this product - it is a preservative and fragrance agent that has proven evidence of skin and immune system toxicity and is an allergen.  Other than that, this was actually one of my favorite philosophy products - too bad it's no longer for sale!

The Bad

Eternal Grace Spray Fragrance:  SO much to say about this one - but if you'd rather skip ahead, simply put, I would never use this.  The ingredients in this range from those that could cause massive allergy issues for the user, to those that cause endocrine disruption, organ toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, ecotoxicology, and more.  Some ingredients of note include Oxybenzone, Lilial, and Citral.  Take my advice and consider natural fragrances versus those made from chemical compounds.

Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, Mangos & Cream: This 3-in-1 product runs just shy of $100 for 32oz... Ouch!  On top of that, it contains DMDM hydantoin, which is an antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative.  This ingredient is known to cause skin toxicity issues and there is also evidence that shows it can cause cancer.  CANCER - From your bubble bath.  Not good.

Kiss Me Color Lip Shine: Another relic of philosophy's past that is no longer available, this product was another member of the "cancer club," containing BHT - an ingredient that not only is a carcinogen, but also an allergen and known to cause developmental and reproductive toxicity issues.  This product also contains MULTIPLE endocrine disruptors like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.  Thank goodness it's no longer on the market!

Final Thoughts

While it's not fair to hold philosophy to an "all natural" standard that they've never claimed, it is a bit discouraging to find so few "safe" products in their catalog.  I personally can't afford to buy a lot of their products to begun with, so I'd say your best bet would be to search for more natural and cost effective alternatives.

The Scoop on Jojoba Oil

I feel like I talk about Coconut Oil all the time, without giving a whole lot of attention to the other amazing natural oils that we can use in our skin and hair care routines - these types of natural ingredients not only cut down on the amounts of chemicals and toxins our bodies absorb on a daily basis, but they also save us money - Who doesn't want that?

So today I wanted to give you the scoop on Jojoba Oil.  This one has a funny name, so it's easy to remember, but not a lot of people actually know WHAT jojoba oil is.  Technically speaking, jojoba oil is really a wax.  It's extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, a species of shrub native to North America.  It is used - widely - in beauty products, and has a huge range of benefits for the hair and skin.

Skin Care

Jojoba oil is a hugely beneficial ingredient for the skin because of it's moisturizing and conditioning properties.  Used alone in small amounts (we're talking 5-10 drops), jojoba oil can double as a makeup remover, skin moisturizer, massage oil, and even a lip conditioner.  It is ideal for those with sensitive skin and can even assist in preventing razor burn following a shave or in repairing skin with sun damage. 

An additional benefit to using jojoba oil on your skin is that it doesn't leave the oily residue that many store bought creams and lotions do.  If you have a favorite body lotion that you just can't part with, you can even add jojoba oil to your store bought products to assist them in softening and moisturizing the skin - typically these products become even more effective with only 2 or 3 drops of jojoba oil added to them.

Hair Care

Because of the conditioning and moisturizing properties of natural jojoba oil, it can be a miracle worker on dry and damaged hair.   Applying a small amount (quarter-sized amount to the palm of your hand) of jojoba oil to your damp hair after a shower, concentrating on the ends, will work as a conditioning treatment to repair damage and limit frizz.

Be careful about buying shampoos and conditioners with jojoba oil already in them - because of the high frequency of chemical toxins in many store bought hair care products, you need to be wary of the "Dirty Dozen."  Many times, using the oil in it's natural form will get you the best results.

Where to Buy Jojoba Oil

While jojoba oil isn't the toughest thing in the world to find, it's not going to be in every grocery store like coconut oil is - it's also slightly more expensive than coconut oil, but still cost effective.  Depending on the size of the container, jojoba oil generally retails between $10-$20, and you can purchase it in bulk for $30-$40... though, given the tiny amount you need for hair and skin care, you likely wouldn't ever need to buy it in bulk.  Below are a few online resources for purchasing jojoba oil if you aren't able to locate any in health stores near you:

Want to know more about beauty products and their impact on your health?
Check out these articles from The Cozy Life.

All Natural Coconut & Coffee Foot Scrub

One of my biggest issues this time of year is dry skin - especially on my feet.  While there are tons of store-bought foot scrubs on the market, the best one that I've ever used is a DIY coconut oil & coffee scrub.  It only has four ingredients, and all of them are almost always in my kitchen. These ingredients are all natural and healthy for the skin - with none of the chemical toxins found in many store bought scrubs.

Combine the quarter cup of coffee grounds and tablespoon of sea salt together first in a bowl.  Once they are evenly combined, set them aside and heat your third cup of coconut oil so that it is in it's liquid form.  Heating the coconut oil doesn't necessarily require a microwave - you can set it on a windowsill in the sun to warm it up as well, depending on the climate where you live.  Be sure that the oil isn't HOT - warm is fine, but too hot might dissolve the sea salt.

Once your coconut oil is in its liquid state, combine both the teaspoon of vanilla extract and the coconut oil with the salt/coffee mixture.  Stir until it becomes a paste.  I recommend letting it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes at this stage so that the coconut oil can cool slightly, making the scrub firm up for application.

Fill a tub with warm soapy water and soak your feet for at least 10 minutes.  Once your skin is nice and soft from the soak, you will begin to apply the scrub - I always do this in the shower or tub - don't forget, coffee stains!  If you're applying it over a towel or on carpet, you may be causing some troublesome clean up later.

Because the scrub contains coconut oil, your feet WILL become slippery - please be careful and try to sit while applying the scrub (I usually sit on the edge of the tub for this).  You can use a scrub brush, pumice stone, or your hands depending on what you'd prefer.  I like how soft my hands feel after I apply it with my fingers, but it will also leave a coffee smell on your skin for a few hours, so it's up to you.  If you have deep cracks on your feet, it might be best to use a stone/scrubber to assist you.

Keep massaging the scrub over your skin for 5-10 minutes (or until your feet become sensitive to the exfoliation) and then rinse off with warm water.  If you have severe cracks on your feet, the coffee will have temporarily stained these a slightly darker color than the rest of your skin, so pay special attention to them when you're rinsing the scrub off.  As you continue to exfoliate and moisturize the skin on this area with scrubs and oils, these cracks should begin to lessen and you'll be able to stop worrying about them all-together!

Benefits of These Ingredients

Ground coffee: This ingredient has a lot of medicinal benefits when used in skincare products.  First, and a key benefit for this scrub, is that it exfoliates the skin.  It can also reduce inflammation and swelling.  I tend to avoid using coffee grounds to exfoliate my face because it's a bit harsh for me, but I know many women who have used it to aid in lessening under-eye puffiness. 

Coconut Oil: This is a natural moisturizer that conditions your skin.  It moisturizes without impacting your skin's natural oil production, and helps to avoid the premature aging.  Coconut oil is also filled with natural proteins that can repair skin damage - this is important for use with a scrub like this one because it will keep your skin from feeling irritated while you exfoliate.

Sea Salt: This is a natural detoxifier that draws out toxins present in the skin.  It will also exfoliate your skin as well, whether you use "fine" or "coarse" sea salt.  For use on feet or elbows, I recommend coarse sea salt - if using anywhere else on the body, use "fine" sea salt in order to avoid skin irritation.

Pure Vanilla Extract: This serves as an antioxidant and skin protectant.  It promotes healthy skin and helps to prevent damage from toxins and pollutants.  Plus, it smells amazing.

A Few Things To Keep In Mind

• If you are pregnant, coffee scrubs of any kind DO contain caffeine and, as I've said many times, the skin is an organ, so it WILL absorb the caffeine into your body if used.  I've had several conversations with my doctor about the pros and cons, and while he has no problem with me using the scrub during my pregnancy, I've decided to skip it until the baby is born. 
• Decaffeinated coffee grounds will NOT work as intended, given that the benefits of coffee grounds are due much in part to the caffeine they contain.  Also, decaffeinated grounds are highly processed, so I would recommend avoiding them due to the chemicals they may contain.

Skincare Review: Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub

The "budget" brand Simple® is one I've seen on a few different YouTube "beauty guru" videos and I've been wanting try their stuff out for a while - On their website, it's explained that "all Simple^® products have no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh irritants that can upset skin and contain skin-loving ingredients and added vitamins for natural, healthy-looking skin."  I was at the store about a week ago and decided to pick up their facial scrub to give it a shot.

What's in it?

We'll start with the big question - is this product "safe" and devoid of the "dirty dozen" chemicals commonly found in cosmetic and beauty products?  Unfortunately the answer is no.  It contains three different chemicals that I'm not too happy about:

1. Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, which is a formaldehyde releaser,  can cause cancer, and is an allergen.  
2. Methylparaben, an endocrine disruptor that is also a known allergen.
3. Tocopheryl Acetate, which is fine alone and is advertised simply as "Vitamin E."  However, this form of Tocopheryl carries the risk of contamination with Hydroquinone, which is actually banned from use in cosmetics - it's a super nasty compound that can cause organ toxicity, cancer, and allergies.

In the grand scheme of things, is this a product I'd avoid?  Considering what's in most skincare products, this one isn't all that bad.   Many others, like the Clean & Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleanser and the OXY Daily Defense Exfoliating Face Scrub for example, present many more toxins and health risks.  

However, because there are many, many DIY exfoliating cleanser recipes out there that use zero chemicals, I probably wouldn't repurchase this one.  I'm aiming to remove as many avoidable chemicals from my beauty routine as possible, and scrubs a great opportunity to eliminate toxins.

Does it work?

Equally as important as what's in it, does this product actually work?  I'll be honest - It really does work well on my skin.  The packaging instructs the user to only use the product once every few days, and when I used it, my skin was left feeling super soft.  I haven't noticed any increased redness or irritation, which I typically see with store-bought exfoliating products.  The exfoliating beads are also smaller than those found in most other products I've tried, which creates a nice scrub without the "scratchy" feeling.

Would I recommend it?  DIY Options?

Probably not.  Like I said, scrubs are a great opportunity to eliminate toxins.  If you're going to try your hand at DIY skincare, they would be a great start - go on Pinterest and you'll find a million different options, several of which I've tried with a lot of success... and they're typically super cheap and easy to make.  Homemade facial scrubs can even be customized to your skin type, as you can learn here.

 

Image (c) Brit+Co