Over the last few years, I’ve gradually started using more clean skincare products. I started using a few when I was pregnant and then nursing Nicholas, but once I found out I was pregnant again with Peter, I did a bigger overhaul of my skincare. While using clean skincare products is important to me while pregnant and nursing, I actually want them to work as well. I mean now that I have kids, I’m aging twice as fast 😉 , so I need my skincare to keep up! Regardless of if you are pregnant, nursing or just want to clean up for skincare routine for the new year, these are my five favorite clean skincare products that have become “must haves” for me.
One quick note- “clean” has a pretty broad definition because there aren’t many regulations on using this classification, but generally clean skincare means the products are made without questionable ingredients or harmful irritants. Different brands have their own definition of clean- BeautyCounter for example lists more than 1,500 questionable and harmful ingredients in their “Never List” of ingredients they will never use. As a natural skincare brand focused on using organic sources, Weleda for example does not include GMO’s in addition to synthetic fragrances and dyes, preservatives, silicones, ingredients of mineral origin. To them this is important because of the harm GMO’s are known to cause to the environment, farmers and their communities. If you really are interested in clean skincare, it is pretty interesting to read about each brand’s definition of “clean” as you define what is most important to you as well.
My Five Favorite Clean Skincare Products
BeautyCounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel– The product that turned me on to BeautyCounter and is one of my all time must have skincare products. After my first use of the peel, I saw a noticeable difference in the morning and my love affair began. The peel improves skin texture by clearing away dull cells, exfoliating, stimulating cell renewal and smoothing. My skin has a definite glow to it after using the peel and it has absolutely helped to minimize fine lines. I use every other night and allow to fully sink in (about five minutes) before applying moisturizer. If using for the first time, I would recommend trying it only a few times a week before bumping up to every other just to see how your skin reacts. The overnight resurfacing peel would be my #1 rec from this post and not even because it is clean (thought that is a bonus!), but because it is super effective!
Weleda Skin Food- The ultra moisturizer! Skin Food is one of the most moisturizing products I’ve ever tried- I love using it in the winter when my skin is extra dry. Skin Food is super versatile too and can be used everywhere from your face to dry hands. Weleda is a very accessible brand- it is sold in Whole Foods- and the price point is relatively low compared to a lot of other skin care products. While keeping skin moisturized and hydrated is important for aging skin, Skin Food does not have any active anti-aging ingredients in it so you will likely want to pair it with something else that does (I like using it after the Overnight Resurfacing Peel mentioned above!).
BeautyCounter Countertime Hydrating Essence– The next two products I use back to back most mornings. I use the essence after cleansing and it preps your skin for your next step in your skincare routine (your serum) by helping you absorb the products after it better. Obviously we all know serums are packed with good for your skin ingredients so using the essence that makes them absorb better is a no brainer for me. I pat the essence on my face and neck gently and while face is still damp apply the serum.
BeautyCounter Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum– This is my daily serum. BeautyCounter’s Countertime line is made using what they call their Retinatural Complex- the complex is plant based and made of Bakuchiol, a plant based retinol alternative and Swiss Alpine Rose which is key for hydration. This serum helps to increase skin firmness, elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and protects your skin from environmental stressors. Love this serum as another starting point for introducing clean skincare into your routine!
Necessaire Body Lotion– For someone who spends a good amount of time on face skincare, I honestly wasn’t spending too much time on moisturizing my body. Necssaire’s tag line is treat your body like your face and this lotion helps me do that with the multi-vitamin formula. It is hydrating without being greasy which I love- I don’t feel like I need to let it dry too long before getting dressed which as I’m often rushing after showering I appreciate that!
If you are looking to swap out for one or maybe a few of your current skincare products for something cleaner, I hope this list gives you an idea of where to start! While using clean products is important to me at the stage of life I’m in, effectiveness is most important and I can promise these are all very effective as well!
xoxo, Jenna
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