Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide

I didn’t always have a healthy relationship with my skin. For a number of years, I dealt with adult acne from hormonal, stress, and gut issues. (The photo on page two was taken after my second baby was born. It was at this time that I began struggling with acne.)

Over the past few years, I’ve been committed to learning how to care for my skin, naturally. I’ve read books, listened to podcasts with skincare experts and functional medicine doctors, had experts on Live Simply, The Podcast, been on the receiving end of and skin treatments (like gua sha, peels, and microdermabrasion), and experimented with many different products.

I was never taught how to care for my skin as a teen and young adult. I thought skincare was about applying a bunch of makeup and

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hiding everything underneath. Now I know that isn’t the answer. The answer is to care for and nourish the skin.

Don’t get me wrong, I love makeup. I find makeup to be fun and it can enhance a look. My emphasis today is on caring for my skin with lifestyle choices, nourishing food, and a skincare routine that supports my skin.

In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned about creating a skincare routine using non-toxic products with the goal of inspiring you to create your own skincare routine. I’m not talking about anything crazy here; just a simple skincare routine that nourishes and supports the skin.

2 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Skincare Routine Basics

3 Nourishing Steps With these 3 steps you can create a nourishing skincare routine.

1 CLEANSE

2 TONE

3 MOISTURIZE

3 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Step One: Cleanse

A face cleanser shouldn’t be harsh, strip the skin of its own natural (beneficial) oils, or sterilize the skin. This stripping causes an imbalance of the skin and this can cause breakouts and other issues. Instead, a cleanser should clean your face, gently, by removing dirt, makeup, and other debris from the day.

Some people like to double cleanse, which simply means cleansing the skin twice. If you wear a lot of makeup during the day or you find your skin just doesn’t feel clean after one cleanse, double cleansing may be a good option. To do this, use the same cleanser twice, or use an oil cleanser first (or even a makeup remover made with nourishing ingredients, like this makeup remover balm) and then a dedicated cleanser. Personally, if I feel the need to double cleanse, I just use the same cleanser twice.

I’ve learned the secret to using any face cleanser is to first massage the product on a damp face and then use a soft, wet washcloth to rinse off the cleanser and any dirt/makeup (rinse a couple of times, if needed). The cleanser will loosen dirt and cleanse the face, but it’s important to use a cloth to aid in the process. I use gray washcloths since they don’t show makeup or dirt.

There’s no need to use a cleanser in the morning, unless you exercise in the morning and want to remove sunscreen or sweat from your face.

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The Best Non-Toxic Cleansers

The following cleansers are sorted by price, ranging for low to high.

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Homemade Honey and Aloe Cleanser: This cleanser is easy to make and affordable, containing just three ingredients: aloe, honey, and oil.

Homemade Basic Natural Face Wash: If you want a soapy cleanser, this is a great one. This face wash is made with a base of castile soap and can be customized based on your preferences.

Acure Cleansing Gel: Acure is a budget-friendly brand found at many retail shops. They make two different cleansers, a gel and a cream option, based on your preference. $8-10

Luminance Skincare Delicate or Cream Cleanser: The delicate cleanser in this line reminds me of the homemade face wash above, but with other nourishing ingredients. If you’d like to use a cream cleanser, particularly if your face feels dry after cleansing, this is an affordable option. $19-23

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One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser: If you’re looking for a store-bought option that’s foaming, this is

5 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide a great option. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types, including dry skin since it won’t dry or strip your skin. $25

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Marie Veronique Cleansers: Marie’s products are formulated specifically with the microbiome of the skin in mind. Marie’s Gentle Cleanser and Replenishing Oil Cleaner are my favorite. If acne is a concern, I highly recommend checking out this brand. $35-40

OSEA Ocean Cleanser: I use this cleanser daily. The seaweed cleanser hydrates, balances, and removes makeup and other residue from the day. It contains lactic acid (derived from beets) which helps to exfoliate the skin. $48

6 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Step Two: Tone

A is a liquid sprayed on the skin that helps to calm, hydrate, balance the pH of the skin and regulate oil production, and prepare the skin for a .

There are couple of ways to apply a toner. Either spritz the toner on the face and then use your hands/ fingers to press it into the skin or apply the toner with a cotton ball.

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The Best Non-Toxic Toners

The following toners are sorted by price, ranging for low to high.

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Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Toner: Use apple cider vinegar from your kitchen to make an inexpensive and effective toner. The one downfall is you’ll smell like vinegar and the scent does linger, particularly if you sweat. Always dilute vinegar with water before spritzing or applying on the skin.

Homemade Herb-Infused Toner: This is a recipe from my Natural Body Care Simplified Book. This toner is made with a dried herb of your choice, witch hazel, and water.

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Rosewater (I like Cocokind): Rose hydrosol, also known as rosewater, is a fantastic and budget-friendly toner. Look for a rosewater that contains just that: rosewater. To do this you’ll need to read the ingredient list. Other hydrosols (floral waters) may also be used as toners. Evan Healy makes and sells several other hydrosol options, including lavender hydrosol. $12-20

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8 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Marie Veronique Pre+Probiotic Mist: This toner is unique in that it contains micronutrients that encourage microbial diversity. This is a great toner for any skin type. $40

True Botanicals Nutrient Toner or Mist: This toner does have a very heavy scent, so if you’re not into a strong scent this probably isn’t for you. True Botanicals makes three separate lines: clear (for acne), renew (for aging) , and calm (for rosacea). This product is called a nutrient toner (antibacterial to clear congestion) in the clear line and a nutrient mist (antioxidant and hydrating to prevent damage) in the renew and calm lines. $48

Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner: This hydrating and balancing toner is made with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. As the name suggests, it’s formulated with the antioxidant CoQ- 10 for extra protection from environmental pollutants. $34

Laurel Facial Elixir: Laurel makes two versions of her elixir (toner): oily/combo skin and normal/mature skin. Both versions are essential oil heavy, but don’t have an overly-strong or unpleasant scent. I’ve used the oily/ combo skin option with good success. $56

9 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Step Three: Moisturize

When it comes to hydrating and moisturizing the skin, there are a few different options.

The first option is an oil. I know, applying oil sounds scary. Many of us, including myself, were taught that oil equals breakouts. Just like we were taught that margarine is healthier than butter.

Oils have been used for generations, including by ancient civilizations, to nourish skin. Certain oils are more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts, which is why it’s important to avoid oils that are high on the comedogenic scale. The higher the number on the scale, the more likely that oil will clog pores and cause breakouts. Coconut oil is one of the highest ranking oils on the scale, at a 4. This means coconut oil is more likely to clog facial pores. Oils can be incredibly nourishing for the skin and have radically transformed my skin; it’s just important to pick the ones that will work best for your skin.

The second option is a cream. Creams are different than in that they are made with oil and water, but have more oil in the mixture than a . Again, if you’re concerned about clogged pores, it’s helpful to think about how the oils rate on the comedogenic scale. (You can find this scale via a Google search.)

The third option is lotion. A lotion is made with oil and water, so the oil used isn’t concentrated. Because of this, lotions are many times cheaper than facial oils (since they’re “cut” with water). This doesn’t make them inferior; just different.

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The Best Non-Toxic

The following toners are sorted by price, ranging for low to high. While most bottles are small, they do last quite a while (about 3-4 months for me).

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Homemade Lightened Up Moisturizer: A light oil moisturizer made with aloe vera and a nourishing oil of choice.

Homemade Shea Butter Cream Moisturizer: An ultra hydrating moisturizer made with shea butter and a nourishing oil of choice.

Cocokind Chia Facial Oil: This is about as basic as moisturizers come (just two ingredients), but it’s a fraction of the cost of other chia facial oil options. Another plus is you can find Cocokind products in many stores: Target, Whole Foods, and health food stores. $13-15

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Luminance Skin Hydration Moisturizer: This is a silky moisturizer with a lighter feel. It definitely feels more like a lotion consistency. This moisturizer is blended with oils for anti-inflammatory and hydration as well as rosewater. $29

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11 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Laurel Unburden Facial Serum: This is a concentrated multi-oil moisturizer, anti-aging serum, and elemental defense all in one bottle. It’s also made with anti- inflammatory herbal ingredients, so it’s great if you’re looking for an aid in calming inflammation on the skin. All of the Laurel serum products make great moisturizers. $88

True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil: This is my go-to moisturizer. It’s what I use morning and night and it’s transformed my skin for the better. I love the scent and the way it feels on my skin. True Botanicals makes three separate lines: clear (for acne), renew (for aging), and calm (for rosacea). I use the renew line for aging skin. $110

Laurel Healing Balm: This is a balm made with shea butter and a handful of oils (similar to the shea butter moisturizer above but already made for you and also infused with herbs). It’s suitable for all skin types, and particularly great for dry skin. It’s ultra hydrating but still light enough to use as a moisturizer. $68

Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream: This cream is made for dry, normal, and combo skin. The cream is incredibly hydrating and soothing. $48

Osima Purely Simple Face Cream: This is a cream formulated for sensitive or “reactive” skin. It’s made with a low amount of oil-based ingredients, so if you’re looking to avoid products that contain a lot of oil, this is a great one to try. $60

12 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream: My favorite cream- based moisturizer. This product is rich and indulgent and highly effective at hydrating the skin. You only need a small amount so the jar goes a long way. For $45 it’s a sweet deal. You can use this as a moisturizer alone or use it on top of an oil at night for extra hydration. $45

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream (with Broad Spectrum SPF 30): If you’re looking for a SPF cream that doubles as a daytime moisturizer, this is what I recommend. If you go this route, you will need to use something else in the evening. I love to use this product on top of a face oil in the morning. $85

13 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Finding the Right Products for Your Skin

Just because a product is natural or non- toxic and made with nourishing ingredients doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin. What works amazing for one person may not be amazing for you. Skin is incredibly unique and it’s important to get to know what your skin loves and also what it doesn’t love.

When it comes to store-bought options, here are my recommendations for experimenting with products without spending a ton of money.

1. Try samples. The Detox Market lets you pick up to 4 products to sample with My Little Sample Bag. This is a fantastic way to try products before making a final purchase. It costs $7.99 for 4 products, which is a small price to pay compared to dropping hundreds on multiple products that you may or may not love. Some individual companies will also send sample bags of products. You may need to email the company or just poke around on their website. If you try a product and love it, order a larger size. If you don’t, move on.

2. Take a quiz. Follain (online) offers a customized quiz that will help you determine which products will work best for your skin.

3. Visit a green beauty store. Green beauty stores are few and far between. Follain, Detox Market, Credo, AILLEA, and Lemon Laine are just a few of the 14 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide

stores you can visit across the nation and Canada. Most of these stores offer samples or you can try product while in the store. And most of these stores curate product, so they only sell what they believe is the “best of the best” in each category: cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Even sells some products now, but it’s hard to know what’s actually a non-toxic product and what’s not. If you’re new to non-toxic skincare, Sephora may not be the best option, unless you’re going in specifically for a product you already know about.

4. Try a subscription. True Botanicals, one of the brands under the high price category, offers a subscription service with a 10% discount advantage. Luminance Skincare offers a similar subscription discount option. If you fall in love with a brand, this is a good way to save money on your skincare favorites.

When looking for a non-toxic skincare product, choose a product made by a company who is transparent about ingredients. A company should be proud of the ingredients used and should clearly state these ingredients on packaging and their website. A company shouldn’t hide behind mysterious words like “fragrance.” Instead, a company should be willing to share exactly what’s in a product and how it’s made. Avoid companies who only share what’s not in their product.

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The price tag on most skincare products made with safe ingredients aren’t going to be the cheapest options on the market.

If you’re on a tight budget, I recommend going the do-it-yourself route. Making products is many times a less-expensive option, but even then the ingredients aren’t cheap. A bottle of oil to make your own facial oil will cost you $12-15 and that’s just one oil. If you want to combine oils or add an essential oil, you’ll need to spend more. Many times you can use these ingredients multiple times, making them less expensive than a store-bought option, but there’s still an up front expense.

With that said, if you don’t want to go the DIY route, let’s talk about prioritizing where to spend money for a budget-friendly approach.

If I had to pick the one product I recommend spending money on, it would be a moisturizer. My second pick for where to spend money is a cleanser. Finally, focus on a toner. This is my hierarchy of spending when it comes to non- toxic skincare (and just nourishing skincare in general).

16 Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide Non-Toxic Skincare Starter Guide TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Natural Body Care Simplified is my 193-page guide that teaches you everything you need to confidently make the switch to non-toxic body care (face, hair, and body). After working through the guide, you’ll be able to read product ingredient lists, stock natural ingredients to make your own body products, and determine what to buy versus make.

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