Skincare EXTRA's... Harmful? or Helpful? - Skin Product Wellness Series - Part 7
EXTRA's... Are They harmful? Or Helpful?
As you may have gathered through this series, it is that I have really changed the way I do things over the years. Largely, because, I chose years ago to create a lifestyle that is the least toxic-free I can possibly be. This includes facial products, but that also includes body care, cleaning products (and other household items), food etc.
But that also includes not using skincare "helpers" such as cleansing wipes and cotton rounds. Honestly, I never really could use the cleansing wipes, my skin was just too reactive with them… and for good reason. But I did used to use cotton rounds, until I learned more.
So let's get into these a bit…
Pre-made Cleansing Wipes
Oh dear, where do I even start? Please know that if you are someone who uses them, I am not coming at you 💙 My goal is to simply educate you about WHY these wipes are harmful for your skin.
I totally get it, they are crazy convenient, great for traveling and busy days. BUT I’m asking you to think twice before using them again.
They can cause acne, spots, wrinkles and allergic reactions. AND can cause advanced aging, YIKES!
To begin, most of them contain alcohol, which is crazy drying. It is used to dissolve and cut through makeup. This is not only irritating, but can cause micro tears, invisible to the eye, but bad, nonetheless. And while they are cutting through that makeup, they are also cutting through that beautiful protective barrier our skin should have AND wiping away your skin's natural oils! Bummer, huh!
2nd, they contain a REALLY high amount of preservatives. Why? Well, because of the high water content, in order to keep bacteria from forming, it absolutely must contain a high percentage. This can cause irritation and trigger allergic reactions, and possibly age your skin quicker.
3rd, because they don’t actually do a good job cleansing, you are essentially just moving the debris and makeup around and sadly further into your pores. This can be pore clogging and trigger breakouts, so you could potentially breakout. Furthermore, some of the ingredients used can be acne causing too.
4th, To add fuel to the fire, many of these wipes are terrible for the environment, since they are single use and NOT biodegradable.
So what should I use instead?
Do you know what else cuts through makeup???
An Oil Cleanser!!!
Yep! A much better option if you ask me and WAY more gentle and nourishing for the skin. And it does an AMAZING job at cleansing the skin and taking makeup off.
My recommendation? First, switch to an oil cleanser.
Also, if you are someone who wears a decent amount of makeup and feels that these cleansing cloths are a great pre-cleanse - what I recommend instead is to use, Organic Facial Rounds to assist with the pre-cleanse.
How?
Removal 1 - Massage your skin with the oil cleanser, paying close attention to the areas with the most makeup. Wet your facial round with warm water, ring it out, then wipe gently to remove makeup.
Removal 2 Or if you're someone like me who only uses some eye makeup every now and again, I use the same method for the wet round, but instead, I apply the oil cleanser straight to the round and do a gentle wipe to remove it.
For those who do use a fair amount of eye makeup, I would recommend doing both. Begin by pre-cleansing the skin, with Removal 1, then proceed with Removal 2.
Even Removals 1 & 2 together will seriously only take, like a minute longer than your pre-made wipe, yet WAY more gentle and beneficial for your skin. Then you can go ahead and do your normal Oil Cleanser for a thorough cleansing and remove with a soft cloth like the Bamboo Facial Cloth.
Now I do understand that while traveling you may not be able to adhere to these. Totally get it. Just do your best, and be mindful when traveling that you are still being gentle with your skin. I personally do not go anywhere without my oil cleanser, and even though not ideal, a tissue could be used for removal. I haven't done research there. I have a feeling they are similar to the cotton rounds, but when in a pinch and needing something easy for travel, maybe those could work?
Cotton Balls and Cotton rounds
OK, now that I’ve talked a bit about Facial Wipes, let’s talk about Cotton Balls and Cotton Rounds.
I’m positive that some of you are using either a cotton ball or a cotton round. Sadly, they are both bad for the environment and bad for your skin.
For the environment.
Let’s do some math. If you're anything like me, math is my achilles heel. That said, it does come in useful at times. Such as…
Let's say you use 3 cotton balls or rounds a day, seven days a week. The result??? That’s just over 1,000 in a single year! Unfortunately, this ends up in a landfill.
And that’s just you. What about everyone else who uses them? It all adds up! Quickly, I might add 😉 (see what I did there?) And if they are not 100% cotton, they may not be biodegradable.
In addition, imagine how many times you go to the store and purchase those. This cost adds up too!
So WHY are they bad for your skin?
For starters… Did you know that most disposable cotton pads and balls are not made of 100% cotton? They are actually bleached synthetic fibers that include various chemicals.
The process of bleaching is irritating, especially around the eyes. Polyester is bad for us. According to Oecotextiles,
“Polyester is the terminal product in a chain of very reactive and toxic precursors. Most are carcinogens; all are poisonous. And even if none of these chemicals remain entrapped in the final polyester structure (which they most likely do), the manufacturing process requires workers and our environment to be exposed to some or all of the chemicals shown in the flowchart above. There is no doubt that the manufacture of polyester is an environmental and public health burden that we would be better off without.”
What's sad, is you're rubbing this on your face.
With that said, it may also cause types of cancers, skin problems and potentially respiratory. issues. I know we are only talking about ski products and accessories, but think about the detriment it can have on your body if you are wearing polyester clothes too? Not my forte, but something to think about.
Check out the oecotextiles.blog/ and healthy-holistic-living.com/toxic-fabrics/ for info on that.
Why you should ONLY choose USDA Certified, 100% Organic?
This means they have been approved by strict inspection agencies for using safe, non-toxic methods and materials that protect the environment and our health.
Besides the above things mentioned, it can also be a blend of synthetics, like rayon, which can cause allergies, irritation and discomfort for sensitive skin. OR they contain synthetic fibers that are microplastics and can cause micro micro-scratches on your skin. GEEZ!
Cotton is a more naturally breathable fiber and simply put… that’s better for your skin. Why??? Because organic cotton is pesticide free, which means our bodies, the environment and the farmers growing the cotton aren’t being exposed to the needless chemicals used on regular cotton.
Oh and… it’s also renewable and biodegradable. Compare that to most synthetic, or chemical fibers, which are petroleum based, either made from nonrenewable resources, or less renewable, like tree-based wood fluff pulp. So these biodegradable cotton cosmetic accessories decompose easily for less waste.
A VERY good reason to switch to organic is because even some of the premium quality 100% non-organic soft and absorbent facial cotton pads are commercially chlorine bleached and treated. The process of bleaching is irritating, especially around the eyes.
According to vivwomane.net “The purpose of bleaching is to disinfect and whiten the color of these materials. So unless you know for sure they’re not bleached, you could actually be leaving some bleach residues, namely dioxin, on your skin, which is toxic and can stay within the fluff fibers of the product materials that come in contact with your body. Instead of chlorine, organic cotton rounds are bleached through a safer process which uses hydrogen-peroxide, a natural and safe alternative to chlorine.”
The last PRO for using organic is that genuine organic rounds are not tested by animals.
A whole lotta good reasons, huh?
So what DO I get behind then?
THESE. I choose to use and sell Marley’s Monster’s Organic Facial Rounds and Bamboo Facial Cloths. I LOVE that they are hand-made in Oregon, and that the owner is extremely picky where she sources her materials. She takes a great deal of care when choosing her suppliers and fabrics. The founder/president Sarah Dooley remains as committed to purchasing safe, ethically sourced, and sustainable materials as she was when she started making Bamboo Washcloths for her new baby, Marley, almost 9 years ago. Here’s more on them.
ORGANIC REUSABLE COTTON FACIAL ROUNDS
Switch to reusable Facial Rounds and never buy single-use cotton balls again! This set includes a pack of 20 washable Facial Rounds in organic cotton. Each 2-ply Facial Round is made from 100% ORGANIC cotton flannel.
Each pack replaces at least 1,000 single-use cotton balls or pads REPEATEDLY for years. These reusable Facial Rounds are gentler on your skin and the environment. Organic cotton is ideal for those with sensitive skin as it contains no pesticides or dyes. Remove makeup, apply toners or serums, remove nail polish and more!
▴ Each pad is approximately 3" diameter
▴ Edges are surged for durability and to prevent fraying
▴ Handmade in Eugene, Oregon
ANGIE’S PRO TIP
I love using these reusable Facial Rounds to remove my eye makeup. I use it with my Minimalist Skin Wellness Cleansing Oils. There is nothing worse than using chemically laden cotton rounds. BONUS, it’s 100% cotton so it doesn’t create micro scratches on the skin. Furthermore, I LOVE that these are toxin-free and reusable!
Now, I spoke a little earlier about the Bamboo Face Cloths.
Honestly, these are THE softest things I have ever used on my face! It’s like washing my face with a cloud ☁ I also love that they hold the warmth well, because I like doing compressions when cleansing my face and they feel amazing!
So why these VS a traditional Terrycloth washcloth?
Well, a few reasons.
First, the more you use a regular washcloth, the more scratchy it becomes. And with that, it becomes too easy to over-scrub your skin with these seemingly soft cloths. But instead of exfoliating, you're actually creating tiny tears in your skin, which can lead to inflammation and aging.
Are you catching a theme throughout this series? That's be gentle! Our skin does not need to be treated like a greasy dirty dish!!! Be kind. Be gentle.
The other thing to note both the bamboo and traditional, is that you should always use a clean cloth every time you wash your face, especially if you have acne. Bacteria thrive in moist environments such as a wet washcloth, so hanging them up for later use is a bad idea. That said, if I’m being honest, I use mine twice and then get a clean one. I probably should be switching each time, and I AM working up to that;) I buy myself a new cloth every time I make myself a new cleanser, so I am working my way up. This way, I have several cloths to switch between!
More on the Bamboo Cloths here…
BAMBOO FACIAL CLOTHS
Experience the softest, most luxurious washing and drying you can imagine.
▴ Face Cloth measures approximately 11”x13”
▴ Made of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton fibers
These Bamboo Face Cloths are made of two layers of high-quality bamboo fleece. Bamboo fleece is naturally cream in color, silky soft, dense, and absorbent.
“This washcloth is the softest cloth I’ve ever used on my skin! I’m planning to buy them as gifts, everyone deserves to feel so pampered!” - Lonnie
BENEFITS OF CHOOSING BAMBOO
▴ Bamboo is hypo-allergenic and SUPER soft, which is great for sensitive skin
▴ Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial and antifungal.
▴ Bamboo is sustainable and eco-friendly plant that requires no chemicals or pesticides, very little water to grow and is 100% biodegradable.
• Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world and once harvested, bamboo can replenish itself within a year.
ANGIE’S PRO TIP
Hands down, the softest and most luxurious cloth I have ever washed my face with. It’s like washing your face with a cloud. BONUS, it’s not scratchy on the skin, so it doesn’t create micro scratches.
I love using the cloth to remove my Minimalist Skin Wellness Cleansing Oils.
I also love that they hold the warmth well, because I like doing compressions when cleansing my face and they feel amazing!
Now, my main priority for this post was written above.
However, this is the article for EXTRAS. Extras that can be helpful for a healthy skincare routine. With that said, I CAN NOT forget a good Facial Massage Oil.
First of all, I have spoken during this series about the importance of movement, and creating movement under the skin. Be sure to check out the next blog post on accessories for more information on why it is important and how you can create movement under your skin, you can download my 4 Pillars of NH's Holistic Skincare and the Holistic Skin Wellness Tips - Inside + Out through my FREEMIUMS page here.
And sometimes to create that movement, massage is necessary.
Facial Massage Oils are designed to spend a little more time on your skin and not absorb so quickly. This makes it a great medium for facial massage and facial Gua Sha. In keeping with my way of creating, I needed a facial massage oil, that I could not only use for myself, but also for something I could use on my clients during facials. That is why I created the Restoring Massage Oil. I’ll dig deeper next week into accessories (that’s a sneak peak of what’s to come😉). But for now, here is a bit more about this lovely facial massage oil…
RESTORING MASSAGE OIL
2 oz. Gorgeous, nourishing, and revitalizing massage oil.
THE BEAUTIFUL INGREDIENTS
▴ Moringa Oil - An outstanding source of vitamins and minerals, including Trace Minerals and Phytonutrients that works wonders in reducing lines and wrinkles and restoring moisture and elasticity, as well as for helping to heal acne and irritated skin.
▴ Meadowfoam Seed Oil - Closely resembles sebum, so it readily gets absorbed and helps your skin to lock in moisture. It can reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.
Infused with Balm of Gilead Buds that have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties found in the compounds.
▴ Elderberry Extract - Rich in a variety of phytonutrients that exhibit both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Bioflavonoids exhibit astringent properties that help tighten the skin and provide additional anti-wrinkle benefits. This unique super fruit is also an excellent source of undecylenic acid, an organic fatty acid that provides broad antimicrobial benefits.
▴ Rose CO2 Extract - Rose is gentle, soothing and protective, as well as plumping and firms the skin. It is a powerful humectant and visibly plumps and regenerates the skin.
HOW TO USE IT
Cleanse skin. Tone and make sure your skin is still moist when applying oil. You may also spritz the oil 1 - 2 times prior to applying. The amount of oil needed will vary depending on the surface area you choose to massage. (i.e. the face, neck/back of, décolleté, etc.). There is no need to remove the Restoring Massage Oil. Apply an oil serum, and/or a balm or moisturizer, if needed.
Lastly, one area of the face I have not yet mentioned in this series is the lips. They do so much for us, from helping to nourish our body through food and express our emotions through our voice, let’s be thankful and mindful of them. They can show age, and also help us to know when we are dehydrated.
So let’s keep them nourished, don’t ya think!?
For so many years, I tried lip balm after lip balm, and was NEVER satisfied. Not to mention so many of them were using shi**y oils! (Probably why I was never satisfied). So when I started making my own products, I found the perfect simplistic recipe to keep my lips nourished.
SPOILER ALERT! It only took 3 simple ingredients!
Nourished Lips
4.25g A nourishing lip balm. 3 simple ingredients. Incredible feel and protection.
“Before using this my lips were always dry, peeled easily. My lips are super picky and sensitive and most products dry them out. Now I hardly ever wear lip glosses or lipstick because of this. Feels great while on and works better than most. Love that it applies smoothly and without a waxy feel.”
- Rachael
STAR INGREDIENTS
Olive Oil – Ideal for moisture retention. High in vitamins and anti-oxidants. Making it a wonderful ingredient for protection and fine lines and wrinkles.
Beeswax - A natural emulsifier, yet also helps our skin to retain moisture, offers anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and wonderful skin softening properties.
As I wrap up for today, I just wanted to drive home that it’s not always topical products you need to be mindful of, aside from the cloths and rounds I spoke to above, be also mindful about your environments, the products you use in your home and other personal care products and keep a positive mindset for healthy and happy skin. For more on mindset and effects of it on the skin, view the series on the blog. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.
I hope this was helpful and that maybe I opened your eyes to switching out your disposables and your traditional washcloth.
My main point I want to set in is, be gentle, and be mindful 🖤