The Outside Counts as Much as the Inside
The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it will quickly and thoroughly absorb what you apply. Over time, if you absorb too many chemicals from personal care items, the body can become overwhelmed. Detoxification can become difficult, which is especially true if you’re not eating well, hydrating yourself, or doing things like sweating to release toxins. If chemicals don’t get excreted from the body, then over time this could contribute to disease forming.
Various ailments such as chronic headaches, blood sugar imbalance, digestive problems, hormonal troubles, and others are sirens from the body that it is out of balance. If you don’t head the warnings at that time, then something more serious will manifest. The one disease we hate to mention is cancer, but thousands of people have put their cancer into long-term remission by detoxifying their bodies and their homes. Below, I’m going to walk you through my routine for personal care, which has natural products I trust and love using. As a bonus, they rank highly by the standards of the Environmental Working Group.
Good Morning: A Look at Getting Ready for the Day
- Upon waking, drink a glass of water. This gets the lymphatic system going, as well as rehydrates us from the night. Save coffee for after breakfast, or try an herbal tea or mushroom coffee.
- I highly recommend having a good quality water filter in your home. For the kitchen sink, we have an under the counter filter, as well as filters on the shower heads. I researched various companies, and found Aquasana to be the best in regard to quality, price, and customer service. Many people experience long-term exposure to contaminants in their water through drinking and bathing. This can lead to many illnesses, so why not invest in clean water? We spend money on many things that don’t benefit us in long-term ways. I say invest in your health!
Breakfast and Teeth
- It’s best to avoid fluoride and use natural pastes like Redmond Earthpaste. Fluoride can contribute to thyroid dysfunction, and has been shown to inhibit absorption of iodine, so we stay away from it.
- Removing processed sugars and other unhealthy foods increases the health of your teeth as well. Another great paste is Himalaya toothpaste
Skincare
- There are so many great options, but one that I love is Mad Hippie Facial Cleanser, which I found by mistake at Whole Foods. It was on sale one time years ago, and I bought it not really knowing anything about the brand. It’s truly my favorite cleanser, and I also use their vitamin c serum and moisturizer. You can check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep listings to see how Mad Hippie and your own products rank. I’d use that site to help you choose personal care items.
- I know someone who uses virgin coconut oil as an all-over moisturizer and her skin is amazing. It has antioxidants and protective properties against the sun’s UV rays.
- Companies like Beautycounter skincare offer many great products. Their Counter Time line is exceptional. Any of these products are great, and you can rate yours on the EWG site as described above.
Sunscreen and Preventing Sunburn
- From what I have researched and experimented with, I discovered that suffering from sunburn or having damage from the sun is the result of three things:
- a diet that contains too many unhealthy fats, sugars, and processed foods.
- using chemical sunscreens which actually promote damage to your skin because of the chemical interaction between the sun and the toxic ingredients in the sunscreen!
- being dehydrated.
I have followed the advice of the health coach I saw in the beginning of my journey (Janet). Janet told me that if you apply coconut oil to your skin, drink plenty of water, eat a diet rich in healthy fats, oils, proteins, and get plenty of vegetables and fruits, your skin will be able to defend itself from the harmful effects of UV rays. For me and many others, this works. She also recommended we take shade breaks, which we do. I also find it helpful to gradually work your way up to being in the sun starting in the spring. Maybe do 10 minutes, then 15 minutes, then 20 minutes, and just slowly build your exposure as summer approaches. That way, your skin isn’t shocked by the summer sun!
Those Guidelines Have Worked for My Family and Me
- My family and I have fair to medium skin, and we have not suffered sunburns by following those guidelines! Coconut oil contains antioxidant properties that help prevent the damage from UV rays. For more information on coconut oil as a sunscreen, you can check out this article which sites Dr. Bruce Fife’s findings. If you feel more comfortable using a moisturizer with SPF or SPF in general, you can check out Lemongrass Spa for various sunscreens they carry. They rank highly on EWG for their safety, and their pricing is great. You should also check out Kitchen Stewardship’s site for a fantastic review of the best sunscreens that are natural and safe. Katie was on the news recently in the spring of 2017 sharing her findings on safe and healthy sunscreens. Check it out!
Makeup
- Some of the best makeup I’ve used is from my friend Sara at Lemongrass Spa, and I have a couple things from my friend Brie at Beauty Counter. Both companies are top scoring for their safe and natural ingredients on the EWG. Sara has the same values as me and introduced me to Lemongrass Spa. I fell in love with their nourishing and natural approach to personal care and beauty. I love that everything is made here in the United States, and it all started with one woman in her garage in Colorado.
Face and Eyes
- Check out Sara’s page to view products and buy directly. I use their body scrubs, bath salts, and facial care, and they are all great.
Lips
- I like using the tinted lip gloss or lipstick from Beautycounter. They have 109 products featured on the EWG (Environmental Working Group) site. They are truly dedicated to “getting safer products into the hands of everyone” as they say on their website. Check out their “Never List” of prohibited ingredients, as well as their backstory to see how committed they are.
Further Information on Products to Avoid
- Check out more information in this free guide on safer make-up and personal care products from ConsumerNotice.org. They are an organization who strives to inform the public of dangerous ingredients and cancer-causing agents in personal products such as asbestos.
Antiperspirant is the Pits
- There is a significant difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant is used to mask or neutralize body odor caused by bacteria. Antiperspirant changes the function of the skin and suppresses the flow of sweat. I don’t like the idea of putting something on me to prevent sweating from happening, because we need to sweat to let out toxins! Deodorant is the best choice. After testing many natural brands of deodorant, I have come back to Arm and Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant because it’s the only one that really works for me. No rashes, no stinging, and no odor. I’m open to trying others, but this is mine for now!
A Note on Triclosan and Arm and Hammer
- There was a dispute in recent times about Arm and Hammer Essentials Natural deodorant being labeled as “natural” while having triclosan as an ingredient. As of today, that ingredient is no longer found on the label. There is only one ingredient that doesn’t rank as a 1 (lowest risk) on EWG, and that’s octenidine HCL. It scores as “fair” in regard to its risk level, but its moderately low. It’s given a 2 or 3 depending on how much you apply your deodorant. I typically apply only in the morning, and it holds up extremely well. My deodorant journey is not over, as I still need to try more. For now, I’m using Arm and Hammer, and I’d recommend it if you are using a mainstream antiperspirant/deodorant that has aluminum in it. Consequently, this is a much better choice as you test other natural brands.
Hair Dye
- When I started paying better attention to the things I was putting on my body, I started wondering if there was a safer hair dye I could use. I’ve not heard the best things about henna dyes, as they seem to not provide great coverage. I never tried it, so I’m not going to completely knock it. What I have found to be extremely successful for me is Naturtint hair color. My hair dresser was shocked at how well it works. Many stylists will let you bring your dye and provide a discount. It never hurts to ask.
Good Night! A Look at Getting Ready for Bed
The Bed-Time Routine
- Even if you co-sleep, it’s wise for babies and kids to have their routine before sleep. I have a friend who gets her bath and reads while her husband bathes the kids and reads to them. She goes to the bed with the kids, and her husband gets a shower and joins them once he’s ready for sleep. I don’t co-sleep, but I respect those who do, and that’s why I mention this! Even if your children sleep with you, you can still find a way to wind-down before bed. It may have to happen right after dinner, or at a time that’s not exactly before bed, but whatever you can do, do it. Everyone needs a signal that it’s time to chill and get ready to sleep soon!
But First, a Bath
- I have re-committed to this night-time routine that helped me balance my hormones and heal my body. First, I go straight to the bathroom for an epsom salt bath with lavender essential oil. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which is an essential mineral responsible for 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium and lavender are both great for stress-relief and relaxation. Many people are deficient in magnesium, so enjoy your epsom salt baths.
Moisturize, Brush, and Breathe
- I love the Mad Hippie moisturizer on my face, as well as coconut oil all over. During my pregnancy, I had minimal itching or discomfort on my belly from using the coconut oil. The healthy fat absorbs through my skin, which is great for the hormones and skin.
- Have you ever used a jade or rose quartz roller on your face and neck? It’s amazing. It stimulates collagen production, minimizes pores, tightens and firms skin, and plumps fine lines.
- Another great tool is a dry brush. Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that renews the skin, stimulates the lymphatic system, and encourages the body to get rid of toxins.
A Therapeutic Night Cap
- If I’m not feeling ready for sleep, then I drink a glass of Natural Calm. This is a magnesium powder that you mix with water, and it alleviates stress, tastes great, and is a great way to supplement magnesium. My favorite flavor is the raspberry lemon. Natural Calm is helpful for leg cramps during pregnancy, as well as constipation.
- I switch this up with Curious Elixirs; herbal mocktails containing adaptogenic herbs like American ginseng. These are perfect for the evening and can replace traditional cocktails because they have benefits but have the feel of a drink.
But What If I Use My Tablet or Phone in Bed?
- What if you read on your phone or tablet? Make sure you have the setting turned on within your device settings that blocks the blue light from going into your eyes and brain. Blue light that emits from our devices tells our brain it’s high noon rather than night time. Good old-fashioned books are best, but if you read on the tablet, then turn off the blue light in your settings. If your device doesn’t have that option, then get a pair of glasses that block the blue light, or you can put an anti-blue light cover over your device’s screen.
- Another consideration is doing anything possible to block EMFs that come off of your devices. We take measures with our foods and drinks to avoid toxins, but our devices give off considerable amounts of harmful frequency. Consider investing in a good quality shungite pendant or sticker for your phone, tablet, or lap top. You can also purchase a plug-in device that goes in one outlet to neutralize your entire home from harmful EMFs both inside and outside the home.
The Curtain Call
- Once I’m ready to actually sleep, I make sure my room-darkening curtains are shut, electronic devices are on the other side of the room and powered off, and it’s as dark as possible. If you use your phone for the alarm, it’s an even better idea to put your phone on the other side of the room because you are forced to get up and turn it off. There have been studies that show how it’s unhealthy for us to sleep with phones, tablets, and lap tops near us. Those devices give off radiation and emit positive ions that are harmful to us. Just keep those items as far away as possible for the night and place your plug-in device or shunghite nearby on your night stand or dresser.
Looking for More?
If you’ve benefitted from reading through my tips for personal care, you can access additional insight to healing by signing up for my newsletter. You’ll receive my free eBook on iodine, a super-mineral that’s important for your thyroid and overall health.
Schedule a free consultation, or check out my latest ebook or online course.
Privacy and Disclosures
Please see my Privacy and Disclosures, so that you are fully informed of the relationships I have with the linked items/companies below. Transparency is extremely important in the online world, and I have to be FTC compliant. In that page, I also indicate the parameters of my role as a health coach.
