Clean Beauty is an Inside Job

Through my own health journey, I came to an important conclusion: clean beauty is an inside job. When my health was at its worst, I had acne, rashes, bloating, weight gain, and inflammation. The glow was gone.

Getting my health back was a long process that involved healing my gut with dietary changes, sleep, exercise, stress management, supplements, medications and focused elimination of environmental toxins.

I truly believe that any beauty routine starts with good nutrition and lifestyle practices, and addressing underlying health issues. When I got my health back, I got my glow back. And in doing so, I revamped my beauty routine and ditched the toxic chemicals I used on my skin and hair.

We Have To Advocate For Ourselves

Did you know that many personal care products expose you and your family to toxic chemicals? While the European Union has banned approximately 1,400 harmful chemicals¹ and ingredients from personal care products, the United States has only banned about 30.

An analysis by the Environmental Working Group² found that

“more than 1 in 5 of all products contain chemicals linked to cancer, 80% contain ingredients that commonly contain hazardous impurities, and 56% contain penetration enhancers that help deliver ingredients deeper into the skin. Cosmetic ingredients penetrate the skin and may pose health risks, particularly for children. Personal care products may be the primary exposure route for many chemicals that raise significant health concerns. Consumers can be exposed through skin absorption, inhalation, and ingestion.”

If you’re not convinced that the products we slather on our skin are actually absorbed, think about the topical medications we prescribe, like hormone creams. It is well known that topical estrogen raises systemic estrogen levels.

And to make matters worse, the average woman uses 12 personal care products a day, exposing her to over 168 unique chemicals³…. before she even walks out the door.

You Don’t Have To Compromise Health In The Name Of Beauty

Skin care and beauty products can be both safe and effective. That is why I counsel my patients to utilize resources like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetics Database and Think Dirty to evaluate the safety of their personal care products. You can also look for the EWG VERIFIED mark on products that meet EWG’s strict criteria based on a variety of health standards.

It’s also why I endorse companies like Beautycounter. Their mission is one I can stand behind. They started by eliminating over 1,400 chemicals restricted in personal care products by the European Union, and then eliminated chemicals screened by Beautycounter and found to be of concern. This means approximately 1,500 questionable or harmful chemicals on their “Never List” are already off the table before they even begin to formulate a product. In fact, Beautycounter is a founding member of EWG VERIFIED. Plus, these are hands-down my favorite beauty products on the market. And I’ve tried a lot!

But the truly beautiful thing is that we have lots of options when it comes to clean beauty! Some of my other favorite brands/ resources are Good Molecules and The Detox Market (try their subscription box!).

My Safe and Effective Clean Beauty Routine

Below, I share my favorite products and resources for my own clean beauty routine. Many, but not all, of the products I use are from Beautycounter. You might be thinking the same thing as me… that’s a lot more than 12! I don’t use all of these everyday, but this is honestly what you’ll find in my bathroom. And maybe I’m a little excessive. Details below (with a * next to my top essentials).

Skin Care

Charcoal Cleansing Bar – This is my daily face wash for removing makeup at the end of the day. Charcoal detoxifies and absorbs impurities without drying out my skin. A Beautycounter fan favorite. I also love the Counterstart Cococream Cleanser which is more hydrating.

Counter+ All Bright C Serum* – I layer this serum under my moisturizer and foundation in the morning. Vitamin C and turmeric brighten skin and help reduce and prevent dark spots.

Overnight Resurfacing Peel* – this is a new favorite that everyone (including me) loves. Botanically-derived acids improve skin texture and minimize pores, fine lines, and dark spots without irritation or over-drying. Gentle enough to use every night, though I like to alternate with a facial oil.

No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil – I love all of the facial oils, but this one is my favorite. I layer this under my serum and moisturizer several nights a week.

Countermatch Recovery Sleeping Cream* – I use this every night, and swear that I wake up to smoother, firmer, more hydrated skin.

Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream – I use this day and night for the sensitive and delicate skin around eyes. Plant-derived Retinatural Complex and Persian silk tree extract reduce the appearance of under-eye shadows and crow’s feet.

FOREO LUNA Facial Cleansing and Firming Massage Brush– This cleansing brush is part of my nightly routine. I use it with the Counterstart Cococream Cleanser to prep my skin and make my other products more effective.

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