Why Clean Beauty Matters

By Lauren Martyn

What you put onto your skin is so important. Your skin is extremely porous and is the body’s largest organ, so it absorbs everything into the body through the blood and lymphatic system.  Every time we put something on our skin, such as makeup or skincare, the harmful ingredients can make their way into the body, disrupting just about every other bodily function. These harsh, toxic chemicals, colors, and fragrances can disturb our bodies’ hormonal systems even in small doses, as they have the ability to mimic the way our bodies naturally interact with hormones. Additionally, when our bodies are undergoing certain periods of development, we are more susceptible to hormone disruption, which can have big health effects later in life. Hormonal imbalances also can lead to skin issues such as acne, dry skin, redness, clogged pores, dermatitis, or wrinkles. In other words, many skincare products may be doing more harm than good. With this in mind, it is necessary to be sure our skincare products are clean and do not contain any harsh dyes or chemicals.

You may be wondering what is considered “clean skincare.” Essentially, products can be considered clean when they are safe for both you and the environment. Clean beauty really is a spectrum, but these harmful chemicals should be avoided: 

Parabens, Fragrances,  Aluminum Compounds, Ethoxylated Agents, Formaldehyde, Refined Petroleum, Hydroquinone, Talc, Triclosan, Silica, Oxybenzone

Luckily, there are several US-based companies that are making clean, non-toxic products and have banned even more than 1,400 ingredients that are commonly used by many big name brands. These amazing companies are trustworthy and affordable, and their products are amazing!

Below are some of my favorite clean, non-toxic brands and products I recommend trying!

• Cocokind

  • Rosewater Toner (I love to use this everyday for skin hydration!)

  • Sea Kale Clay Mask 

• Youth to the People

  • Superfood cleanser

• Supergoop

  • Unseen Sunscreen (Necessary for everyday...even in the winter!)

• Indie Lee

  • Daily Vitamin Infusion

• January Labs

  • Moisture Balancing Lotion

• Tower 28 

  • SOS Spray

• ALO 

  • Head to Toe Glow Oil

Switching over to non-toxic products may seem like a huge change; however, there is no need to stress. Give yourself time and do not overwhelm yourself by trying to eliminate everything all at once. Take it slow, and switch out one product at a time. And remember- every little bit counts...you do not have to achieve perfection! Even if you make just a few swaps, your skin will thank you :)