Most of us associate keeping our bodies healthy with avoiding processed foods and maintaining an active lifestyle. But we fail to consider the other ways in which chemical and artificial ingredients get into our bodies. Everything that we breathe in, put on our skin or come in contact with has the potential to affect us. You don’t need to chug 5 cans of soda or breathe in fumes at the gas station to load your body with toxins.
The chemicals in the skincare products you apply have the potential to throw your body out of whack. More and more evidence is emerging about the harmful effects of non-natural skincare.
We asked skincare expert, Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer, M.D., founder of Schique Beauty, for her tips on transitioning to cleaner skincare products. She is a board-certified medical doctor, published author and women’s empowerment advocate. Here’s what she had to say.
Q: If our readers are just starting with non-toxic skincare, what should they start with?
A: The first thing to start with is daily cleanser. A non-toxic cleanser will help set the tone for the rest of the routine for the future.
Q: If one of our readers goes to a facialist who doesn’t use natural ingredients, how would you advise them to ask for cleaner ingredients? (Or for someone booking an appointment for the first time?)
A: I would recommend calling the spa ahead of time and asking if they use natural ingredients first. If the answer is yes then proceed with your choice of service. Women should never compromise their health.
Here are a few other ways to avoid toxic skincare products and transition to cleaner alternatives.
Check the Labels
Turning a bottle or jar over to check out the ingredient list is the easiest way to see if the product contains anything toxic. It’s a good idea to make this a habit and check the list from top to bottom every time. Do your research and see if the product contains any known toxins. Companies lie all the time with claims of being “all natural.”The promises made by a company may be false, so your best bet is to check the ingredient list.
Have Realistic Expectations
When you’re trying to switch from toxic skincare, it doesn’t mean you need to throw out your favorite body wash or judge your friend for swiping on mascara loaded with chemicals. Using a certain conditioner will not give you cancer. But using chemical laden products over an extended period can be harmful. This is because exposure to low doses of toxins can add up over time. The key is a strike a balance and swap out some of the more harmful items first.
Make Small Changes to Your Skincare Routine
It can be overwhelming (and expensive!) to do a complete overhaul of all your skincare products. So it’s a good idea to replace one product at a time. Make small changes and work towards having a completely clean skincare routine. Switching to a non-toxic product once you’ve used something up is much more realistic for most people.
