As I began transitioning further into a healthy way of eating and really becoming aware of what I was putting into my body, I started to think about all of the other things I was using externally day to day.  I realized that it was not only important to be conscious of what was in the food I was eating but also all of the chemicals and toxins that make up so many of the popular beauty products on the market today.  It is easy to forget that our skin is the body’s largest organ that is are actually absorbing everything it is exposed to.  This is a good thing when it comes to vitamins from the sun, but not so ideal when it is harmful toxins that may come from your daily body lotion.  Unless you are allergic or sensitive to these synthetic ingredients and chemicals you will not be able to notice the negative effects, however these toxins entering your blood system and may also become stored in your body fat.  Over years of long-term use the accumulation of toxins can create illness and ailments in your body that are not obvious or easy to directly relate to the products we are using.

Honestly, this was quite an overwhelming realization as I was looking at my inventory of products from hair to foot lotions that were quite expensive.  The extremist in me wanted to take a trash bag and toss everything, but luckily the rational side kicked in just in time.  Instead, I decided to take it one product at a time.  I started with my body lotion and moved on to my facial moisturizer, experimenting with different products as my old ones ran out.  I researched different brands online, consulted the representatives at the local health markets, and asked many of my friends what they were using.  It was definitely trial and error for awhile and there were a few items that I had to throw out after a couple uses because they just couldn’t compare to my old versions.  Deodorant was especially tricky.  I swear some brands actually caused me to have the not so pleasant B.O. just minutes after applying!

There are a countless number of brands of personal products to choose from and everyday it seems like new ones are created.  I love seeing how the industry is responding to our demands for wanting natural, organic, safe products, but it can be complicated to figure out which products are best for you.  As you do with food labels, you want to make sure you recognize the ingredients listed.  Sticking to natural, organic products with the main ingredients being oil, water, fruits, vegetable, sea salts, and herbal infusions is a good guideline to follow.   In addition, I want to share some of my favorite products and brands that I have discovered which work really well for me.  Don’t worry I am not being paid to promote any of these, even though I wouldn’t mind free samples!

Humphreys: Their products are both cleansing and calming for my skin especially the facial non-drying cleansing gel and daily moisturizer.

MyChelle Dermaceuticals: Just a drop of the clear skin serum and any sign of a blemish disappears in a day.  I also like the sun shield SPF 28.  It is not too thick and does not clog my pores.

Sabon: Amazing salt scrubs, my favorite is the patchouli lavender vanilla and if you ever walk by one of their boutiques definitely go in and wash your hands.  Everyone I share that experience with is always amazed by how soft their hands are and they usually can’t resist buying something.

RMS Beauty: A raw, living, organic cosmetic line that I was lucky enough to find at Live Live in the East Village when the creator, Rose-Marie Swift was doing a demo.  I don’t like to use a heavy liquid foundation so the ‘un’ cover-up concealer is perfect for touch ups and the living luminizer is great for adding some shine and glow.

Bee Yummy Eye & Lip Cream: Also from Live Live this is one of my ‘can’t go without’ products.  I use it every day under my eyes and as a lip moisturizer to start my day looking refreshed.

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant: After many failed attempts I finally found a deodorant that works!

I can’t guarantee any of these products will work for you, but if you are looking for products of this type, hopefully I have given you some good options to try.  I encourage you to share your experience with any of these products or additional ones that have worked for you!