Going Natural
Can natural skincare products deliver the same kind of results as their chemical cousins? I decided to dive into some natural beauty lines this summer and find out. Thanks to a rise in awareness and demand, more botanically-based skincare options are being offered as an alternative choice. Over the years, I’ve found many of the mainstream products (chemically-based) leave my skin red, stingy, irritated, and prone to breakouts. I just thought that was part of the process, but I’m finding it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way.
Last summer, I freaked myself out after reading the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reviews on sunscreens. That was the turning point for me in finding more skin-friendly options that are free of petrochemicals, parabens, and sulfates. Why do I care about limiting those ingredients? Well, since skin is the largest organ on my body, the fewer toxins and allergens absorbed through it, the better for me in the long run. I know it’s a small act of purity, amid a cesspool of daily environmental gook, but it’s a fantasy that’s working for me right now.
Natural Beauty Product Reviews:
I’ve been a longtime fan of the Korres natural skincare products. Their Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer and Brightening Cream has been a staple in my cabinet for over 18 months and I truly love it. Now, I’m expanding my love and shelf space to include their newest set of products, the Quercetin & Oak line.
After reading the hype on the Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Antiwrinkle products, I wanted to try it. The claims are pretty strong, saying that 100% of women saw improved moisture, elasticity and texture and 91% of women saw a reduction in fine lines (with 84% seeing reduction in expression lines). Now I can say my own experience falls right in line. After using the serum ($62) for two months, I’ve noticed a softening of expression lines on my face. Recently, I added the Night Cream ($52) to my regime and now my chest and neck are looking vastly more hydrated and firm. Plus, there were no incidents of break-outs, irritation or redness.
Try before buying at any Sephora to see if you like it. Korres is offering great value set deals, so check that out too. (p.s. I’m not paid by Sephora to say that, I just like them best.)
Dr. T’s Supergoop Sunscreen
There has been a fair amount of belly-aching at my house when it comes to sunscreen. Natural varieties are notoriously annoying when it comes to rubbing in, the ghost-white glow of zinc oxide, and general consistency. Last year, in my Much Ado About Sunscreen post, I named Keys Solar Rx Broad Spectrum Sunblock as my favorite and I still love that product. This year, I was looking for a formula I could get locally and I found it. Doctor T’s Supergoop in both lotion ($28) and wipes ($29) are such great sunscreens. The formula sinks in right away, is invisible on the skin, and it’s highly rated by the EWG for being non-toxic, even though it does contain the chemical, Avobenzone. Technically, it’s not natural, however, the wipes are rated a 2 (out of a risk of 10) and that’s about as safe as you can find. Maybe I shouldn’t have included it, but it’s fantastic, so I did.
Sidenote: My daughter loves the wipes so much, she been putting on her sunblock all summer, by herself, without a fuss (and that goes for my husband too).
Josie Maran DailyMoisturizer SPF 40+ is a hybrid of sunscreen and lotion, infused with Argan Oil from Morocco that delivers a lightweight, but effective veil of moisture along with SPF 40+. It also comes in tinted shades, so you can speed up your morning routine by eliminating the 3-steps of moisturizer + sunscreen + foundation, and replacing it with just one.
I stumbled across Desert Essence Organics Green Apple & Ginger Shampoo and Conditioner ($7) at the local natural foods store. Come to find out, it’s been given two Beauty Awards, one by Fitness Magazine and a Reader’s Choice award at Goodhousekeeping.com. After using it for awhile, it wins my vote for imparting noticeable shine, volume and softness, plus it’s free of parabens, sulfates, dyes and petrochemicals. The bright, juicy smell delivers a nice wake-up-call in the morning.
What is Considered Natural, Anyway?
The classic definition of natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.
Recommend
What are your favorite all-natural products? There’s nothing better than getting a recommendation from a friend, so I’d love to hear what you’re using and why you like it.
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