Beauty is more than skin deep and so are our skin care products. Did you know that our skin is the largest organ in our body? And anything we put on it gets absorbed immediately. And unlike eating something unhealthy, your skin doesn’t have a digestive system to push out the bad stuff. That’s why I’d strongly recommend you switch to natural organic skincare products.
Listen to this. The average American woman applies 168 chemicals to her face and body each day. Let that sink in.
Of course, some of these chemicals have been tested and proved harmless. Although not too long ago doctors were still telling people that eggs and butter were bad for their health so I don’t always take everything they say as gospel.
(This is a sponsored post and may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here. )
Switch to Natural, Organic Skincare Products
Why? Because some chemicals we use have shown to be endocrine disruptors, full of carcinogens (think burnt food) and toxins. Others aren’t even reviewed fully before hitting shelves.
In 2013, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists admitted that there is evidence linking chemicals we use in our every day lives to “adverse reproductive and developmental health outcomes.”
AKA that means the chemicals we use can either prevent us from getting pregnant or contribute to cancers.
While personally, I believe in fewer regulations for our nation’s businesses, I do believe we have a responsibility to do our own research about what we eat and put on our skin each day.
For more information about the unfortunate adverse effects of chemicals on our health, read this Guardian’s article on the subject.
Ingredients to Avoid in Beauty Products
PARABENS
Parabens keep bacteria out of our beauty products giving them a longer shelf-life. And while parabens can be found in nature (blueberries, vanilla, carrots), these are not the kind companies are putting in your shampoo and conditioners.
Why people think they’re bad: Parabens have been known to cause skin sensitivity. Worse yet, some claim parabens have been linked to breast cancer, although the research doesn’t seem conclusive enough. While the jury is out on parabens it hasn’t stopped companies like Herbal Essences from removing it from some of its products. (Though they still contain sulfates.)
Look for: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutylparaben.
SULFATES
Sulfates are what create that wonderful lathering or foaming experience we love in our shampoos and body washes. And as mentioned above they are the only way to get silicone out of your hair. The bad news is they are very harmful to your hair, stripping them of natural oils and eventually leading to dry, brittle, straw-like hair.
How to find them: sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and ammonium lauryl sulfate
PHTALATES
Phthalates are a chemical used to soften plastics and make them more flexible. They are found not only in the bottles we use but also in the products themselves from hairsprays to lotions.
Sounds like just what I want in my skincare. They are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to an increased risk in breast cancer, early puberty in little girls and reproductive birth defects.
For the rest of the ingredients make sure to read the article the Huffington Post put together called 10 ingredients to avoid in your beauty products.
Now, I don’t believe in fear-mongering but I also think we should err on the side of caution when it comes to the chemicals we expose ourselves to. Why not go natural and organic when possible, instead?
Not only that but in my own life, I’ve seen PROOF of clearer skin and better health after reducing my exposure to chemicals in cleaners, makeup and skincare products.
How Switching to Natural Organic Skincare Products Changed My Skin
After years of suffering from acne one day, I decided to change my diet and clean up my skincare routine. What a difference it has made! I won’t talk too much about diet because it’s different for everyone, but cutting out milk and sugar helped my skin the most. Don’t get me wrong, I still eat dessert. I just try to be a little more careful about how many Reese’s Peanut Butter cups I eat in one sitting.
(Just don’t ask my husband or he may tell you a different story about me.)
As for my skincare, I stopped buying chemical filled products from the drugstore. Oddly enough I found that the ones that promised to clear my acne always made it worse.
Did you know many breakouts can be avoided simply by being kinder and gentler to your skin? And yet, we keep scrubbing, wiping, scraping, and exfoliating in hopes of finding a magic concoction.
Try This Instead…
Instead, try a simple face wash like this one homemade Rose & Almond one, natural toner like Apple Cider Vinegar or Witch Hazel, and DIY face moisturizers like this washed ghee.
Not only was I trying to use chemicals to clear my skin, but I was mixing them from different products and irritating my skin even more.
Oh, and if you want a few other pointers on how to get clearer skin, head over and read my post on 10 Ways to Get Clearer Skin that You Might Not Be Trying.
And they cleared up my face! As I get older my skin requires even more TLC and there are some awesome companies out there with products full of ingredients that I am just not able to get my hands on easily to make myself.
My New Favorite Organic Skincare Company
My new favorite company is Shelby Naturals.
I’m going to borrow from Shelby’s site below:
Here she is talking about what sets her organic skincare products apart from the ones you’ll find at the drug store.
We use all active ingredients, no fillers. Our products are active, and that is why they perform so well. Most companies fill their products with cheap, often toxic ingredients that do nothing, and even cause premature aging to your skin. They put more money into the marketing of the product, then into the actual formulation! This is completely backwards.
What are active ingredients? Simply put, they are ingredients that your skin recognizes, exotic ingredients found in nature that are full of antioxidants, polyphenols, and skin cell rejuvenating abilities (collagen production) – everything we want.
What is an antioxidant?
An antioxidant destroys free radicals and protects your cells from oxidation, both of which cause aging.
What is a polyphenol? A polyphenol is an anti-aging compound that protects cells and acts as an antioxidant.
The quality and source of the ingredients are also crucial to the performance of the product. We source our ingredients from people that specialize in the ingredients they are sourcing, who put high standards and quality before everything else. We do not heat any of our oils, allowing the antioxidants, enzymes and vitamins to remain intact. All of the oils we use are certified organic or wildcrafted. Keep in mind, “certified organic” ensures only safety, not quality. We have taken the extra measures to guarantee only the highest quality ingredients are used in our formulations.
I’ve been using Shelby Naturals for several weeks now and my skin is fresh and clean. First, my breakouts caused by my Easter candy almost instantly cleared up. Second, my skin glows! Yes, it GLOWS. But let me talk a little bit more about the specific products I’ve been using.
Face Cleanser
So the face cleanser is not your typical lathering cleanser. Instead, it follows the Oil Cleansing Method or OCM. OCM is when you put natural oil on your face, then place a hot wet cloth over it to help the oil seep into your pores and give you a deep clean.
The OCM feels so much more luxurious than other face cleansing methods and it WORKS at deep cleaning your pores. It is antibacterial and stimulates cell reproduction. Yes, please.
Toner
The Toner – oh the toner! Guys, this smells beyond amazing! I can’t get over the orange blossom smell. But not only does it smell heavenly, but it also neutralizes bacteria and opens your pores so the serum and moisturizer can work even better.
Serum
Argan oil is infused with neroli, myrrh, bergamot and sweet orange oils that attack all sorts of troubled skin and makes it glow. I only recently started using serums but will keep it a part of my skincare routine going forward.
Moisturizer
Lastly, I’ve been using Shelby Naturals organic moisturizer made with seabuckthorn fruit oil and Moroccan argan oil – AKA full of antioxidant and collagen-boosting abilities. As I march forward in my 30s words like “collagen-boosting” abilities get me really excited.
What are your favorite natural organic skincare products? I’d love to know!
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I entered!! My hubby is a farmer, and we’ve got into essential oils last year, so I’m all about this post!! Going natural has helped us feel better. I wish we had to money to get everything natural!
So glad you’re going the natural route, too! Good luck on the contest!
I LOVE this! Instead of using lotion with all of the other crap in it, I started using coconut oil… I’ve been using it in my hair and on my skin for almost 2 years now. It’s amazing..
Love my coconut oil, too!
I am just getting into organic products to assist with Hashimoto’s where I can. You provide a great breakdown of what to look for and what to stay away from to make the switch over easier. Thank you!
I like using products where I can pronounce all the ingredients 😉 I recently had a big birthday and it was kind of a wake up call that I really need to get serious about my skincare. I’ll look into these products, thank you!
Entered! I switched to making my own makeup remover and using coconut oil. It’s been a fantastic change for me!
Entered! I love foxbrim organics ocean face lotion. I totally think it’s worth going organic for skin, it’s the biggest organ of the body after all.
I really like the Green Goo all natural face wash. It is moisturizing and doesn’t irritate my skin.
Sorry forgot to put entered.
Ooh never heard of that. I will have to look into it!
Essential oils are so useful for so many different things…I make a lot of my own products with them.
Thanks for the chance to win connie danielson
Entered! I like the serum. I need organic products for my face because the weather makes it super dry. This looks like a great company with wonderful products.
Entered! My favorite beauty product is organic argan oil because I can use it in so many ways as a hair moisturizer and to help hydrate my skin.
Entered 🙂 This is great- I have been wanting to switch to a more natural routine. I have used oils before, which I liked.
ENTERED! I do not have a favorite.
Just yesterday a friend was asking me about Organic products and why we should switch to them. I will share your post with her.
❥ tanvii.com
Thanks, Tanvi!
Entered I like Shea butter.
Entered. I love coconut oil.
Essential oil is great for a lot of things. We love using them here at home. Thank you for sharing thisZ
I love this and have been loving your blog!! So happy to have found a like. minded person!
AWw thanks, Jenn! THat’s super sweet.
ENTERED!
My favorite beauty product is Shea butter. Then I mix with olive oil when the weather is a bit harsh as I have a really dry skin. it keeps me moisturized all day.
Thanks Sarah for these tips.
Entered! I would love to try more natural products for my face!
Entered! What I’ve found is the best for my skin is coconut oil.
I have to admit, I don’t pay enough attention to what goes into my beauty products. Thanks for a bit of an eye-opener!
This was a great post, thanks so much for taking the time to write it! I’m going to check out your other DIY posts and the 10 ways to clear up acne post…I’ve had a feeling part of the reason why my acne is so out of control lately is because I’m frantically trying to clear it up with whatever drugstore brand promises to get rid of it!
I hope they are helpful, Brittany!
Thanks for the suggestions – I think many people underestimate the impact of chemicals that we constantly take in via our skin.
I am always looking for natural remedies so these are perfect! I have noticed since ditching “mainstream” products for more natural products my skin looks better than it ever has! Thanks for sharing!!
This is something I have been researching a lot more lately!
I entered!!! Love going natural
I’ve started to slowly swap out my make up and body washes/perfumes for more natural options. It is an expensive process, but a necessary one! I used to laugh at my sister for being ‘a hippie’, but it is starting to rub off on me as well! I’ve started replacing my son’s skincare stuff with more natural options as well!
haha I’m a “hippy” too then!
Entered! These products sound amazing. I have several autoimmune diseases, so I am very careful what I put in/on my body. Some of my favorite natural oils are argon, coconut, and grape seed. Essential oils that work great for my skin are tea tree, lavender, grape fruit, lemon grass, and frankincense. Thank you for the giveaway!
Entered! Thank you!!!
entered. I like using rosehip oil.
I switched to natural organic everything in my beauty routine when I found out I was pregnant last year. BEST decision I ever made!
Entered! I started using Colleen Rothchilds products a few months ago and really like them a lot. I don’t think the products are totally organic but they are very close. I’m a skincare junkie, so it’s great to hear about something new, thank you! I’m still looking for a good eye make up remover, any suggestions anyone?
Melanie – coconut oil is my go-to makeup remover!
ENTERED! One of my favorite products is the Lavender Protective Cream SPF 30 by Naturopathica. It’s lightweight and makes it so easy to wear my spf daily!
Entered! I’m all about natural skincare routines. Coconut oil is my favorite and I use it for EVERYTHING.
ENTERED – My fav product would be a makeup remover towelette for an easy and refreshing clean feeling. (or coconut oil and a tissue 🙂
Entered! My favorite beauty product is probably my Anastasia Of Beverly Hills Renaissance pallet.
ENTERED! I’m pretty simple, coconut oil is my favorite standby!!
Entered! These products are all look and sound so amazing!
Entered. My favorite beauty product is olive oil. Funny. I was just thinking about this as a goal yesterday. Its always in the back of my mind that skincare products and makeup are full of junk, but I’ve been brushing it aside for awhile. Time to make a change!
Woohoo!
Yes, I have totally revamped my skin care routine after eliminating the junky stuff I was using from the store. There are so many great natural products!
These products look amazing, I entered the contest earlier and would absolutely love to win!
Good luck!
I have only used natural products on my skin for years and years. It’s so much better for your body! The orange blossom hydrosol sounds wonderful!
It’s definitely an eye opener when you realize how many chemicals are in everyday products out there, especially those that you use on your face and hair. I much rather prefer natural ingredients and natural products.
I LOVE this! I love coconut oil 🙂
ENTERED! I love coconut oil, I use it for everything and honestly couldn’t be without it now!
Entered! My favorite product is argan oil. i like to use it on my hair as well as skin
yes yes yes! It’s so gross what is in all the other junk-y stuff. I love this topic and I am so glad you are sharing!
I definitely need to make a switch to natural products!!!
One of the best blog post I’ve read till now regarding organic skincare products. I never liked products that had parabens and sulfate in it. Recently shifted to all natural skin care product, and believe me- I can see how beautifully my skin has changed. Thanks for this detailed post. 🙂
Love,
Manavi
http://www.beforbeauty.com
Thank you for your kind words, Manavi!
Entered! After struggling with reproductive disorder most of my adult life, I try to be so careful with my hormonal health.
ENTERED! I love Trader Joe’s face serum and tea tree face wipes!
Organic skincare products are the best! Their so much gentler on your skin for sure!
Couldn’t agree more. So glad I shifted to organic products years ago.
We are currently on an all organic kick! Must say we are enjoying the benefits
These tips are very helpful. I was aware that certain chemicals where harmful but I did not know some chemicals caused cancer and affected fertility. Thank you for sharing! Xo, Jessica
Entered! I love sweet almond oil for oil cleansing.
I love your knowledge! Thanks for sharing all the details (which can get so over-looked!)
xo~D
ENTERED.
Ivory soap.
sulfates are the worst, especially for color treated hair. i avoid it like the plague!
http://www.layersofchic.com
Yes I’ve heard it being the enemy of colored hair for sure!
Great tips! I have been trying to use natural skincare products or make my own beauty products.
It’s so scary that all these chemicals are approved by the FDA, or at least that they let companies use them. It’s so hard and time consuming to figure out which product you need when you just want to pick up a bottle and go.
also, ENTERED
this giveaway would help Start off that new healthy routine!
ENTERED. My favorite product is coconut oil I also use shea butter a lot.
ENTERED – I LOVE DevaCurl products. Don’t know how I would tame my curly hair without it!
Ah I’m going to go check out her products! I’ve been breaking out here recently, and I want to find something that’s not going to make it worse. I’ve been using this face wash, but I think it’s time to switch it up. I’m going to check out that cleanser, and see how that works for me!
Larissa it has definitely cleared my skin. Good luck!
Organic everything is always better for you! When eating, it digests better and for skin care, it’s wayyyy healthier!
Woh I like your blog posts, saved to fav!