Over the past few years I've slowly developed an interest and passion in natural health and beauty. I've learned so much, and the whys are just as fascinating as the hows. I’ve made some small changes in my life that I just can’t keep to myself anymore! I decided to write up a few posts to share what products, protocols, and resources I’ve adopted into my lifestyle. I’m a work in progress and still have a long way to go, but I’m so grateful for the changes I’ve made so far. Are any of you also interested in this topic? I hope you'll tune in every once in a while to learn a little something or find some motivation to make a few small changes here and there.
My disclaimer is I am not a health professional, ahem--I studied art, so everything I'm sharing here is my own opinion and a compilation of ideas I've gathered from many different sources.
My disclaimer is I am not a health professional, ahem--I studied art, so everything I'm sharing here is my own opinion and a compilation of ideas I've gathered from many different sources.
Some of the topics I'd like to cover include:
- Why focusing on my endocrine health and digestive health is my #1 daily, hourly priority
- The moment I realized “green” cleaning and hygiene products are not just about protecting the environment
- Specific companies with incredible products I support, such as DoTerra, Norwex, and Plexus
- My favorite products and protocols, such as my homemade facial toner formula
- Books, blogs, and other resources that have changed my life. Seriously, start reading The Woman Code now!
- Going dairy, gluten, and sugar free -- sounds trendy and hokey right? I don't even have any allergies! Finally understanding why this is the right choice for me.
- ALL things menstrual cycle
I thought to start, I'd share my facial routine.
Growing up in the 90s I was a product junkie. Who didn't raid her older sister's products and pile on the Ten-0-Six, Sea Breeze, Clean and Clear, and basically everything else you can get at Walmart? The problem is until recently I've been piling on products full of chemicals that are disrupting my endocrine system, causing my estrogen to soar. When estrogen levels are higher than progesterone, all hell breaks loose. Acne, weight gain, severe periods, infertility. Products with sulfates, parabens, phthalates, MEA, DEA, and TEA cause these disruptions, because those chemicals mimic estrogen in your body. Check your labels. You'll be surprised how often these chemicals are present. And you use them everyday.
Want to know what I use to wash off my makeup now?
Water
With my amazing Norwex body cloth.
The microfibers are so tiny that they grab all the makeup, oil, and dirt from my face and pores. Way better than the ponds wipes I used twice a day and threw directly into the trash--buying a new pack every two weeks. After using my body cloth, my skin feels so clean, soft, and exfoliated. The cloth contains microscopic threads of silver woven into the microfiber. The silver acts as a natural anti-bacterial agent, so the cloth cleans itself in between my uses. After about a week of use, I wash it with a sprinkle of my Norwex laundry detergent that is free of all those terrible chemicals and protects the microfibers from being coated with waxes from standard detergents.
That's it. A few times a week, I'll use my Clarisonic with the deep pore cleansing brush with Alba Botanical Good & Clean Gentle Acne Wash.
After using my body cloth, morning and evening, I use a swab of my homemade facial toner. I make an astringent toner geared towards blemishes and reducing the appearance of pores. Many essential oils have astringent properties, which basically means it shrinks your pores. If that's not your need, I also have formulas for dry skin, oily skin, anti-aging, and tenderness.
In a glass bottle, using a stainless steel funnel and tablespoon, I mix
3 TBSP raw cider vinegar (balances pH of skin)
3 TBSP raw cider vinegar (balances pH of skin)
6 TBSP water
3 drops DoTerra Frankenscence (astringent)
3 drops DoTerra Thyme (antioxidant--anti-aging!)
3 drops DoTerra Melaleuca (antibacterial)
After my toner has dried a bit, I swipe on DoTerra's Immortelle, an anti-aging blend, around my eyes and across my forehead. These are the areas I'm concerned about first signs of wrinkles and discoloration. I only do this in the morning, after I've put my contacts in. If I use it without contacts, it burns my eyes too bad. You can always dilute it with fractionated coconut oil too.
Lastly, morning and evening, I use a dab of Plexus Body Cream as a moisturizer. It's gray, because it contains activated charcoal, which removes toxins, is anti-aging, and moisturizes wonderfully.
I should have been sponsored for this post, right?! I've got connections to people who sell each of these products, so let me know if you're interested in anything or want to know more. I love knowing exactly what's going on my skin and being absorbed into my body. I love controlling the properties within my products, and I'm not gonna lie, I love feeling like I own my own little apothecary adding a little of this and a little of that to get a result customized to my needs.
