I thought I’d mix things up and talk about something more grounded for once- skin care. Admittedly I am pretty low maintenance in this department.
While my skin care routine varies depending on the season and my mood, I wanted to share some of the items I reach for again and again. By the way, these are not in any way sponsored, just my honest opinions. I included the links to the brands I use simply because that is a frequently asked question. Enjoy!
My 5 Favorite Natural Skin Care Products
1. Rosehip seed oil– I first heard of rosehip seed oil from the blog Peanut Butter Fingers. Julie explained how it reduced dark spots and improved the overall quality of her skin. I was intrigued. I fell in love with it immediately. I have incorporated rosehip seed oil as part of my nightly routine. I use about 4-5 drops and warm it in my palms before applying it to my face. I like that the oil absorbs easily and there is no odor. In my opinion, it is a holy grail product because it makes my skin look bright and clear and it consists of only one ingredient. I have converted my mom and my friends who are now as obsessed as I am.
2. Jade roller– The jade roller is a game-changer because it is luxurious and effective. It is basically a facial massager that fights inflammation and promotes lymphatic drainage. I carry tension in my jaw and sometimes grind my teeth at night. The jade roller helps ease the pain. A quick tip is to store your roller in the freezer. Not only does it immediately cool you down- ideal on a hot summer’s night- you can say goodbye to facial puffiness. This is especially useful during allergy season or if it’s that time of the month. First you want to apply an oil to your face- rosehip seed, jojoba, coconut, etc. and then massage it in using your jade roller. Mine came with a diagram illustrating the best way to use the roller, but I’m sure there are youtube videos that could assist you as well. To prevent breakouts I recommend cleaning it with a towelette after each use. A jade roller is an easy and indulgent way to practice self care.
3. Tea tree essential oil– Whenever I feel a breakout coming on, tea tree is my go-to. I make my own concoction of tea tree diluted with jojoba oil because pure tea tree can cause facial burns on sensitive skin. If you want to learn how to dilute your essential oils for safe use, this is a great article. The first time I used tea tree on my face its pungent, menthol-y aroma made my eyes water. It is definitely an acquired scent. I put three drops of the diluted mix on a cottonball and apply it to the pimple or breakout site. It works best as a preventative, but it also helps clear up existing acne. Tea tree is truly a life saver!
4. Witch Hazel– I didn’t even know what toner was until about a year ago when I decided to try the Korean skin care routine (a little too much work for me personally). I learned that toner wipes away excess grime from your skin and restores the overall pH balance which helps prevent acne. I found out about Thayer’s Witch Hazel toner which is a holistic and affordable option. It was far superior to the pricier Lancome variety I had been using which actually made my skin break out. The fact that it is alcohol free is also very attractive because it doesn’t cause drying. It is best to use toner right after cleansing, and I couldn’t recommend this one more. My skin looks fresh like a baby’s after using it.
5. Paw Paw Ointment– I learned about this product when I was at the hair salon a few years ago reading trashy celebrity gossip magazines. Natalie Portman touted Paw Paw ointment as one of her favorite products. She strikes me as a down-to-earth person (just look up her street style) so I thought I would give it a try. Seriously, this stuff is my favorite. I have chronically dry lips and paw-paw ointment is a lifesaver. It’s a little pricey, but one tube lasts me at least 6 months. It reminds me of Carmex but without the off-putting odor. It is made with fermented papaya and it is seriously amazing because it can also be used on burns, cuts, bug bites and other wounds. A veritable miracle salve, I always have a tube stashed in my purse.
I hope some of these holistic skincare picks become your favorites too.
If you have any holy grail products that you recommend please share them with me in the comments below!
