Many commercial facial cleansers and moisturizers contain ingredients that may irritate or harm your skin, especially in the winter months. For those of us with very sensitive skin, reading ingredients is a must, as well as calling the company to verify an ingredient, if necessary.
Finding products that work well, and leave your skin glowing with health can be few and far between. Learning to make your own can be a plus, but it can also be time-consuming and impractical if it leaves you with too much product. Shelf-life can be a concern, proper storage also. Making small batches can work, as well as using something as simple as a small canning jar.
Sometimes it’s all just too much.
How can you streamline your skincare to make it simple, healthy, and affordable? I’m glad you asked! Here are three simple skincare tips to help you during the winter months:
1 – You don’t always have to go the conventional route for skin cleanser. Sometimes simple soap and water do the job best, although it can be rather drying during the winter.
What to avoid: Chemicals that can increase dryness and irritation include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, synthetic fragrances, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, and retinol. Chemicals such as parabens, petroleum, triclosan can also be problematic.
What to use instead: Cream cleansers that contain ingredients derived from coconut oil (Cocos nucifera), olive oil (Olea europaea), and oats (Avena sativa) are among the gentlest and nourishing. You can make your own by using a little liquid castile soap, with some calendula (Calendula officinalis) or chamomile German (Matricaria recutita) tea, and a healthy oil. Calendula, plantain (Plantago spp), and violet leaf (Viola sororia) are helpful herbs you can use as a rinse, in a cleanser, or in a moisturizer. All are beneficial for the skin, including being anti-inflammatory and nourishing.
2 – This part of your skincare routine does not have to be either complicated or expensive. One ingredient moisturizer can be the best thing for some people. One of the absolute best out there is olive oil. Plain, simple, wholesome, easy to obtain. Oh, and it’s been used as a moisturizer for thousands of years, so it’s definitely time-tested!
What to avoid: Petroleum products top the list. While it seems to be ideal for locking in hydration, it will do the same for any bacteria present on the skin. Also avoid strong fragrances, including essential oils. Propylene glycol is another to avoid, as it’s known to irritate the skin, as do retinol and alcohol.
There are essential oils that are good for skincare, but they are often not diluted correctly, or used “neat” (undiluted) – this can cause irritation, allergic reaction, burns, and sensitization. I suggest working with a trained aromatherapist if you’d like to incorporate eo’s into your daily regime. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii), Chamomile roman (Chamaemelum nobile), and Rose (Rosa canina) are a few I personally love to use.
What to use instead: Moisturizers containing coconut oil (Cocos nucifera), olive oil (Olea europaea), oats (Avena sativa), evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), hemp (Cannabis sativa), almond (Prunus dulcis), and jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). All these oils have wonderful moisturizing and nourishing qualities.
Pro tip: Put on lotion before your skin is completely dry. Not only will it go on easier, it will also help lock moisture into your skin.
3 – Our bodies need more water than we are likely getting, especially in the winter. When our bodies are properly hydrated, our skin not only looks and feels healthier, it is better able to heal.
What to avoid: Avoid drinking too much soda pop, lattes, hot chocolate, and alcohol. These can dehydrate you. Tea is better, as long as it’s not hyped up on sugar, just be aware that most teas are also diuretic (they help get rid of fluid).
What to use instead: Drink more water. It sounds so simple, and it is. Consider having some water with a spritz of lemon or lime. Add in some unsweetened cranberry juice, too. These help boost your vitamin C (good for the whole body!). It’s both refreshing and energizing. Getting more hydrated, along with dry skin brushing, can help rid you of dry skin and encourage healthy elimination of toxins from the body.
For the house: Consider a humidifier, too, if you’re house is overly dry, because skin takes on moisture from the air, as well as through drinking.
Damsel in Distress Face Serum / Knight’s Honor Face and beard oil. This is my proprietary blend of healthy oils, that moisturize and nourish the skin. Lightly scented with a blend of essential oils, both Damsel in Distress and Knight’s Honor are soothing, softening, and hydrating to the skin. And just three drops can moisturize your entire face when applied to damp skin.
Pro tip: These oils are also great for hair. Available in my Etsy shop! Click Damsel in Distress or Knight’s Honor.
Click here, If you’d like to get a personal consult. I offer a 15 minute free consultation to see if working together would benefit both of us. To book a Reiki session or Intuitive Reading from me, click here.
Resources:
- http://bit.ly/2Rr2Y2s
- https://blog.reneerouleau.com/four-skin-care-ingredients-your-facial-cleanser-should-never-contain/
- https://oneloveorganics.com/ingredients-to-avoid/
- https://www.byrdie.com/olive-oil-for-skin
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/harmful-moisturizer-ingredients_l_5dd6f424e4b075184b4cd7e4
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/harmful-moisturizer-ingredients_l_5dd6f424e4b075184b4cd7e4
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10980-understanding-the-ingredients-in-skin-care-products
Disclaimer: Linden Tree Intuitive would like to remind you to consult with your doctor for all things medical. We do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any illness or disease. All material in this blog is for informational purposes only, and you are encouraged to do your own research and question everything!
