So at age 46, I’ve come to know a lot more about my skin and what it likes and more importantly, what it doesn’t like. When it comes to facial skincare, it’s pretty clear. It does NOT like any of the unnecessary bad stuff that most products contain like parabens, phtalates, SLS, propylene glycol, etc. So for my nightly routine, it’s pretty simple as you can see below…I only use products that are 90 to 100% natural. Just like most women, I used to go for every new product out there with the latest and greatest claim…not anymore. I stick to these brands for the most part AND more importantly, I read the labels thoroughly when and if I do try a new product (I wished the labels weren’t so small in print…squinting is not is great for our skin either).
For most, using products with the bad stuff I noted above, will never be an issue (that we know of anyway)…for some, problems may not manifest until later in life. My situation is the latter. When I turned 30, I started showing symptoms of dermatitis and eczema. I went to so many dermatologists and allergists, most of whom perscribed creams with steroids and antihistamines (Zyrtec before it was available OTC). They made the red blotches go away temporarily but never actually cured them. It was only recently (a year ago) that I learned about what I now refer to as the “bad stuff” in these products. Read this blog post by Sarah Frasca Makeup for a list of the bad stuff. I stopped using any product that touched my skin containing any of the bad stuff. Now don’t get me wrong, of course I knew they existed in most beauty products…I supposed I was in denial and in some ways ignorant about their true origins and possible side effects. My gosh…vanity can come with a costly price sometimes. Now my skin problems are under control as long as I stick to this routine. I don’t use the prescription creams or take Zyrtec anymore either. Also, if I can impart only one rule to anyone out there – never ever go to bed without washing your face; especially if you wear make up. No matter how crazy tired you are after a long day, take the few minutes to wash your face….your skin will thank you the day after and for many years to come later.
Anyway – I hope this post is helpful to anyone suffering from the same skin conditions…and even if you don’t have the same issues, it doesn’t hurt to use products that are safer and better for your skin.
PS: The Josie Maran moisturizing stick is phenomenal; in the winter time, I get dry patches and this is a lifesaver during those cold months de-void of moisture. Wished it came in a smaller tube though.
Dear Boo and Lulu 
[…] some of the natural products I’ve been loving lately; as seen in my older posts (here and here), I try to use beauty or skincare products without the bad stuff (parabens, sulfates, propylene […]