If you’re like many women, natural skincare and clean beauty might be new to you. Maybe you put a lot of thought into the ingredients you put in your body, but you haven’t given much thought to the ingredients you put on your body. It’s time to change that because you deserve to take care of yourself from the inside and outside!
Before we dive into all things natural skincare, I want to share a little bit of my own story. Until fairly recently, I didn’t think twice about what I put on my skin. I tried all the drugstore cleansers, masks, and moisturizers with big promises on their bottles, and I filled many prescriptions from my dermatologist.
In other words, if you’re skeptical of natural skincare, I get it. You might be thinking, “What’s the big deal? I’ve slathered myself with all sorts of lotions and potions and I’m fine.” I thought the same thing before I learned more about environmental toxins and their impact on women’s health (more on that in a minute!). Natural skincare is not about beauty, anti-aging, or magical results. It’s about something much bigger – your health.
Why should you care about natural skincare?
The personal care products industry (which includes skincare products) is largely unregulated. This means that many of the ingredients in common products have not been evaluated for human safety. Yikes! Many of these chemicals are known or likely toxins that can disrupt hormones, impact fertility and menstrual health, and contribute to certain health conditions.
Since women are the heaviest users of skincare products, we are at the highest risk of exposure to these chemicals. It’s estimated that women are exposed to 168 chemicals a day just from the use of an average of 12 or more personal care products. Take a second to count the number of products you use each morning. If you use shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, a face cleanser, moisturizer, deodorant, and a handful of cosmetics, you reach 12 products very quickly.
So, why should you care about the products in your lineup? Women and girls with the highest use of personal care products and cosmetics have the highest blood levels of the chemicals in the products. Pregnant women who use cosmetics have also been found to have significantly elevated chemical blood levels.
What is natural skincare?
As women have started to pay more attention to what’s in their skincare products, the marketing departments have jumped on board. Similar to the food industry, it’s wise to learn to see through the marketing hype. The term “natural” is not regulated or officially defined. When it comes to skincare and cosmetics, my interpretation of natural is products that are formulated with safe ingredients.
How do you know if a product is made with safe ingredients? The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database is an incredibly helpful tool for looking up products and seeing how they are rated.
5 Favorite Natural Skincare Product Swaps
Over the past few years, I’ve tried a lot of different natural skincare products. I’ve tried DIY, homemade products from local herb shops, a lot of the brands you find at Whole Foods, and several popular online “clean beauty” companies. I am not a person who enjoys buying and trying so many products. I’d much prefer to find a brand that works for me and that I feel good about, and move on. My skin is pretty sensitive to breakouts, so finding products that work can be a little challenging.
I tried Beautycounter, an online clean beauty company, for the first time several years ago at the recommendation of a friend, and I haven’t looked back. Their products not only agree with my skin, they’ve actually improved the feel and look of it. I feel good about the way they formulate their products, their transparency, and their advocacy efforts. Many of Beautycounter’s products are verified as safe by the Environmental Working Group.
Here are my 5 favorite natural skincare product swaps from Beautycounter that I’ve made to clean up my skincare routine.
Cleanser: Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil
This lovely cleanser removes makeup and dirt from the day without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. I love that my face feels both clean and moisturized after I use it. I use this cleansing oil at night. You simply rub a few pumps onto your dry face, add a little warm water, then rinse it off.
Anti-aging Serum: Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum
First, I have to say that I hate the term “anti-aging”. As an old soul, I’ve always stood by the knowing that I will only improve and become more myself as I age. That being said, I’m all for taking extra good care of my skin (especially after years of sun and tanning bed worshiping as a teenager). This serum contains plant-derived bakuchiol which is comparable to retinol without the drying, irritating effects. I rub it onto my skin at night after washing, and I’ve noticed that my skin feels smoother after using it consistently.
Moisturizer: Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream
This is my go-to daytime moisturizer. I like the way it feels light and still keeps my dry skin hydrated. Many of the “natural” moisturizers I’ve tried don’t look or feel great under makeup, but this one disappears in a good way! It’s from the same line as the cleansing oil and serum above, so if anti-aging is your jam, then I recommend checking out the Countertime Regimen Set. All of the products in this set are awesome!!
Moisturizing Mask: Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm
This multi-purpose balm is hands-down my favorite Beautycounter product. It can be used as a makeup remover, cleanser, deep moisturizer, and overnight face mask. When I first moved to Colorado and experienced the incredibly dry winters, I tried so many different products to moisturize my dry skin. This is the only thing I’ve found that does the trick! In the winter, I wear it as an overnight mask almost every night.
Clarifying Mask: Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask
I love a good face mask! This charcoal face mask is great for oily skin, breakouts, blackheads, and clearing skin congestion. I like to bring it along when I travel, especially in humid climates. You can also use it as an overnight spot treatment for breakouts.
Browse more of my favorites here.
Want free samples?
Skincare is about so much more than what you see on the outside. The products and ingredients you put on your skin can directly impact your hormones and overall health. If you’re interested in switching to natural skincare products or have any questions about the products above, fill out this form and I’ll send you samples to try for free!
