Skin care should be something we all prioritize. It is often overlooked and mistreated. A lot of people don’t know that skin is actually the body’s largest organ and has an important job of protecting internal organs. Skincare routines are a great start for taking care of your skin. Let’s break down a proper skincare routine step-by-step:
#1 Cleanser
Cleanser is used to remove all makeup and cleanse the skin from any impurities. Cleansing allows the skin to breathe and rest from makeup, creams, etc.
#2 Toner
Toner is used to balance and normalize the pH level of our skin. The reason why the pH level can vary is after cleansing or any disruptions that irritate the skin. Toner is also great at removing the rest of makeup that’s left on the face.
#3 Exfoliator
Physical and chemical exfoliation are the two main types of processes that remove dead skin cells. Physical exfoliation requires the use of scrubs and manual exfoliation with the use of hands or a glove. Chemical exfoliants include AHA and BHA acids and give a more noticeable effect. It’s recommended you exfoliate once or twice a week. If you over exfoliate, you can severely damage your skin.
#4 Moisturizer
Hydration is key to healthy, beautiful skin. Moisturization gets rid of dry skin patches, redness and spots. It also helps prevent wrinkles and potential skin issues. It’s also a good base for makeup and helps it apply smoothly.
#5 Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an extremely important step in every skincare routine. It helps prevent dark spots, wrinkles and protects the skin from harmful UV rays that can cause a lot of future skin issues, as dangerous as skin cancer. It’s important to note that sunscreen should be used all year round and not only during the summer or when the sun is shining. UV rays can be present even in cloudy, rainy or snowy weather.
Cleansers should be used twice a day – morning and night – to clean the skin from everyday impurities, oils, dirt and production of sebum. It’s surprising to know how much dirt and oil can be on your face after a full day out. Cleansers can come in different formulas and consistencies: liquid, foam, scrub or oil. The best way to decide which is best for you is to consider your skin type. Liquid or gel cleansers are best for everyday, morning and nightly use. They are super gentle on the skin and can be used up to twice a day and aren’t too irritating on the skin. Scrub cleansers are best for oily or acne-prone skin since they are a bit more harsh and penetrate deeper into the skin. These scrub cleansers shouldn’t be used everyday though – twice or three times a week is enough. Foaming cleaners are very lightweight and gentle – those with more oily skin will also prefer this formula since it doesn’t clog pores and isn’t heavy on the skin. Oil cleansing is also an effective way of cleansing the skin and removing makeup. The way it works is that you first remove all makeup with a face oil and then you wash off the oil residue with another facial cleanser. It’s a very thorough cleansing routine and leaves the skin feeling soft, pampered and clean.
Organic benefits
Natural and organic products are better for both your skin and the environment. Toxins and harmful chemicals found in many products can be extremely harmful for the skin and cause short-term or even long-term damage. Organic products contain only beneficial and safe ingredients while also being eco-friendly and cruelty-free most of the time. The high-quality, chemical-free ingredients in organic products aren’t aggressive on the skin – they are delicate and gentle for sensitive skin.
Many brands are realising how beneficial organic products are becoming, especially because of their availability on the market. It’s much better to switch to organic products.
What to avoid:
- Triclosan – it’s linked to have many negative effects on human health. It causes abnormal endocrine system/thyroid hormone signaling and weakening of the immune system. Children exposed to these type of antibacterial products at an early age have an increased chance of developing allergies, eczema and asthma.
- Formaldehydes – they cause burning sensations in the nose, eyes and throat as well as coughing, wheezing, nausea and skin irritation. It’s can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath and has been linked to cancer. It’s linked to an increased risk of asthma and allergies in children.
- Petrochemicals – these chemicals help produce lather and bubbles in soap. Some common ones are SLS and SLES. They strip the skin of its natural oils and increase penetration of the skin’s surface.
- Oxybenzone – it’s linked to hormone disruption and can potentially damage cells which leads to skin cancer.
- Parabens – some parabens can mimic the activity of hormone estrogen in the body’s cells and can form breast tumors. They can also cause a variety of allergic reactions and skin irritation. They may even cause contact dermatitis- a serious skin inflammation that results in rashes, blisters, and burning skin.
- Irritating foaming agents – these include a lot of sulfates and other substances that are extremely drying to the skin.
- Phthalates – this ingredient combined at low levels can cause much harm. Phthalate exposures in humans has been linked to changes in hormone levels and altered development of genitals.
- Sulfates – sulfates cause irritation to the eyes, skin and scalp. They are also very drying and irritating.
- TEA/DEA – they’ve been linked to cancer and organ system toxicity. Studies have even found that DEA affects human male reproductive health and alters sperm structure, causing abnormalities that affect the sperm’s abilities. It accumulates in the liver and kidney (this is what causes organ toxicity and neurotoxic effects like tremors). It also affects memory and brain development.
How to avoid harmful chemicals
You can’t always completely avoid harsh ingredients in makeup products. The best way to make sure you’re using products that are good for your skin is to switch to organic makeup brands. These brands typically use only all natural and safe ingredients that can benefit the skin. When it comes to certified organic makeup there are plenty of options to choose from.
Our recommendations
Acure – ORGANIC FACIAL CLEANSING CREAM
Featuring organic Moroccan argan oil, acai berries, mint, and calendula, this creamy organic cleanser is a fantastic all-around face wash. As a non-foaming cleanser, it won’t dry out your skin; however, it’s not the best at heavy makeup removal so there is a tradeoff. This is a great organic cleanser for normal/dry skin types during dry climates and cold winter months because it helps to replenish lost moisture.
Naturopathica – CHAMOMILE ORGANIC CLEANSING MILK
An ultra-gentle chamomile organic face wash made with 100% natural and 86.8% certified organic ingredients. Key ingredients include chamomile (anti-inflammatory), rose water (toning), and aloe (hydrating): perfect for healing dry, irritated, red, and problematic skin. This cleanser is very hydrating (you almost don’t need to apply moisturizer afterwards) and leaves your skin feeling clean + soft.
Ursa Major – FANTASTIC FACE WASH
A solid all-around organic face wash for all skin types. It’s made from 99.5% natural, 51% organic ingredients, and none of the bad stuff. This cleanser exfoliates with natural AHA/BHA fruit acids and then soothes and hydrates with aloe + coconut. One of the great things about this cleanser is that it really does a good job of removing makeup, dirt, and oil while leaving your skin feeling super soft.
Nourish Organic – CUCUMBER + WATERCRESS ORGANIC FACE CLEANSER
A solid and affordable USDA certified organic face wash made from completely clean and unscented ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin. While this is a lightly foaming face wash, it uses organic oils such as coconut and sunflower oil as the basis for the soap so it won’t dry out your skin. It’s also packed with acne-fighting ingredients such as aloe vera, sesame oil, and neem oil.
100% Pure – TEA TREE + WILLOW CLARIFYING USDA ORGANIC CLEANSER
A great product for those suffering with cystic acne and USDA certified organic cleanser that gets in deep to clear pores, kill bacteria, and soothe inflamed skin. Even though it contains a powerful dose of anti-bacterial tea tree oil, this cleanser is non-drying and won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. Other potent acne-fighting ingredients include neem oil, rosemary, lemon, and turmeric. It’s actually best for all skin-types with acne.
Tata Harper – REGENERATING ORGANIC CLEANSER
A perfect exfoliating cleanser for clogged pores, uneven skin tone, and mature skin types! Made from 100% natural and 82% certified organic ingredients, this organic face wash is a true luxury. Using a combination of clays, enzymes, and essential oils this organic cleanser exfoliates, decongests, and minimizes the size of pores. A fan favorite of Tata Harper’s with hundreds of five star reviews.
Try out organic cleansers yourself and see the difference! They are better for your skin and the environment and can upgrade your whole routine entirely. Get rid of harmful ingredients in your products and be the change you wish to see!
