One of the first ways I started “going natural” was to stop putting chemicals on my skin. I read labels for food, so why not for the products we use on our skin, especially considering how quickly our bodies absorb things? It was a much easier transition than I expected, because there really are so many great products out there!
Moisturizing
Among all the natural products on my face, organic coconut oil is probably the one I use the most. There are some others out there, like salves and balms, and other oils, but coconut oil covers the need for moisturizing. I find that coconut oil is easy to use and works well for me. If you are concerned about being a greasy mess, use it sparingly after a shower or before bed, or opt for a coconut oil scrub to use in the shower. There are lots of brands out there, and I choose an organic brand. Coconut oil is a solid at room temperature, so you may want to use a spoon or popsicle stick to dig it out. You can also mix coconut oil with other ingredients depending on your needs – e.g. tea tree oil to help with acne.
Makeup
For makeup, I stick with a natural mineral powder foundation and blush, as well as eyeshadow.
I tend to go minimal for makeup, mostly as a time issue, but also because I try to minimize how much I’m putting on my skin. But mascara is a necessity for me! You can find some natural brands out there, and I usually use something like Bare Minerals. Again, read ingredients! Many companies are advertising their products as natural, when they still contain some chemicals.
Makeup removal
Recently I learned of some great ways to naturally remove makeup! One is coconut oil. This works so well, and is a great little tip to know even for times that the kids wear face paint for Halloween or other occasions!
My most recent find are microfiber makeup-removing cloths. These little cloths are like a Mr. Clean Eraser for your face – you just wet the cloth and it scrubs the makeup away. I travel with a couple of these so that I don’t ruin towels while I visit relatives. I recommend getting about a week’s worth, so that you have a fresh one for every day of the week.
Washing
Years ago, it could be tough to find decent natural soaps and body washes for the shower, but now there are plenty. If you can’t find them in the store, you can find them online. I like bar soap, but there are so many bars and liquid soaps to choose from. Read the ingredients and stay away from Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfates and other chemicals.
Exfoliating
Gone are the days of microbeads! Find a natural product that has a natural type of exfoliating particles in it, or use an exfoliating cloth or sponge.
Masks
I like to help detox and refresh my skin with the occasional mask. I look for all-natural, organic formulas, with ingredients like bentonite clay, seaweed, etc. I stay away from anything with dyes, artificial fragrances, etc. The masks do help me with dry skin (which exfoliates like a breeze after I wash off the mask), and keeping my skin clear.
Sun Protection
Protecting yourself from the sun can be tough. You want to keep the sun from damaging your skin, but you also don’t want to slather your skin with chemicals. Even when it seems like a sunscreen is labeled organic or natural, read the ingredients. If it is a spray sunscreen, it might contain a lot of alcohol or propellants. Other sunscreens are loaded with chemicals like synthetic fragrances and more. So do some research. While I do get frustrated at slathering the kids with sunscreen by hand, instead of using a spray-on product, I certainly don’t want to spray chemicals on their skin.
I use coconut oil for my skin and hair, too, using raw and organic. Rub it on my face daily, and warm it on my hands and put it on my ends every day. Love it!
I stumbled upon using coconut oil as a remover, and it really does work well. I also use it as a moisturizer, and to sooth my skin after shaving or plucking.