Be Your Own Expert: Choosing The Right Products

Contrary to how a product is marketed or what ingredients it contains, not all products will work for your skin type. We each have skin that is uniquely different. So, what might work wonders for one person, may not work the same way for you. Luckily, however, there are many products on the market to meet the needs of your individual skin type. Arm yourself with knowledge about your particular skin type so that you will be an informed consumer when you shop.

First, it's important to keep a few things in mind before trying new products:

1. You can be allergic to natural and organic products. Just like food allergies, your skin can be allergic to any number of organic or plant-based ingredients. If you experience any redness, unusual dryness, itching, or a rash with any of the products you try, stop use immediately. In the unfortunate event that this happens, we recommend that you write down the ingredients in the product and keep on hand for the next time you have a similar experience. This will allow you to cross-reference the ingredients and pinpoint the culprit. 
2. Gradually transition to new products. Your skin is a creature of habit, and an entirely new beauty routine can sometimes come as a shock. Gradually introduce products so your skin has time to adjust. 
3. Always clean your makeup brushes in between product use. Makeup can definitely linger in your brushes, so make sure to give your brushes a thorough cleaning when switching to a new product. You don't want any of the old makeup to interfere with your opinion of the new brand. On a similar note, even if you're not switching products, we recommend cleaning your brushes every 1-2 months.  Use warm water and a non-toxic shampoo.
   
4. If you don't like how a product is performing, you don't have to use it. Just because everyone else uses a toner or moisturizer, it doesn't mean you have to. Don't force a product on your skin if it doesn't need it. This "rule" comes with two exceptions - we believe everyone should use some sort of daily, non-toxic sun protection and use a facial cleanser both morning and night to thoroughly clean your skin.
   
5. If you have acne-prone skin, the solution may not simply be in product selection. In most situations, the solution relies on a combination of diet, lifestyle choices, and the products you use. And sometimes acne can be hormonal-based, which can be more frustrating to treat. We do believe that being conscious of the products you use, and avoiding harsh chemical ingredients, can offer some relief on your journey to clear skin.
   

Now on to what you should know about individual skin types:

DRY SKIN

Get to know your skin: Typically, dry skin is caused by factors well within your control. Factors like weather, too much sun, diet, moisture-robbing products, overuse of AC or central heat, and too many hot showers can deplete your skin's moisture content and leave it dry, itchy, and flaky. Left untreated, dry skin can lead to a loss in elasticity, which is said to be responsible for those pesky fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

Pick the right products:

• Use gentle products that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. 
• Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser like our Tamanu Luxury Organic Facial Cleanser. This will ensure that you get rid of dirt and debris, which can cause your skin to appear dull and even clog pores.
• If you’re experiencing unusual dryness apply a moisture-rich Mud Mask. Try mixing it with avocado and/or honey for a soothing, moisturizing treatment.
• Look for products with moisture-rich ingredients like Jojoba Oil, Aloe, Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Camellia Oil, or Argan Oil.  Particularly, try our Tinted Moisturizer or Carrot Facial Dream Cream. They are both excellent sources of moisture and formulated for daily use.
  
• Find a daily, non-toxic sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. The EWG's Sunscreen Report is a great reference for finding healthy options for you and your family.
  

Avoid:

• Mineral Oil, which creates a protective barrier. It will keep moisture and other good-for-you ingredients from reaching your skin.
• Products made with alcohol, which can be drying.
• Over exfoliation whether from harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants.
• Artificial fragrance, which can be aggravating to any skin condition.    
  
  

OILY SKIN

Get to know your skin: Oily skin is caused by your skin's overproduction of sebum oil. Having oily skin can result in clogged pores and acne. Contrary to popular belief, the solution to this problem may not be removing products with oil from your routine.

Pick the right products:

• Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser like our Tamanu Luxury Organic Facial Cleanser. This will ensure that you get rid of dirt and debris, which can clog pores and cause breakouts.
• Exfoliate regularly with a toner rich in alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), like our Fruit Acid Toner. Your skin’s oil attaches itself to dead skin cells and exfoliation will help to remove them. Read more about naturally exfoliating your skin.
  
• Use a mud mask with French Green Clay, like our B Green Mud Mask, to absorb excess oil, dirt, and toxins from the skin.  
• Look for products that contain Argan Oil or Jojoba Oil, which have natural sebum regulating and antimicrobial properties. This will help to balance your skin’s oil production and keep bacteria from accumulating. 
• Look for products that contain Tea Tree Oil, which has been proven to be an effective ingredient for combating acne. It dissolves skin oils and kills bacteria. Note: Tea Tree Oil does have a distinctive scent, which might not please everyone. 
• Continue to lightly moisturize your skin because if it becomes too dry your oil glands will react by producing more sebum. Our Daytime Antioxidant Serum could be the perfect daily-wear alternative for you.        
  

Avoid:

• Products made with mineral oil because the protective barrier it creates will trap your skin's oil beneath it.
• Harsh cleansers containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Sulfates will cause your skin to tighten and produce more oil. 
• Heavy moisturizers. There is no need to add heavy oils, like Shea or Cocoa Butter,  to skin that is already oily, so try a lightweight serum instead. 
• Makeup products that have a long list of ingredients. Too many ingredients, especially those which are nano-particles, can clog pores.   
• Artificial fragrance, which can be aggravating to any skin condition.      
  

Your skin's health is dependent on many factors, so in addition to feeding your skin with healthy skincare products, we urge you to look at what you're eating, too. It might be beneficial to make an appointment with a nutritionist to analyze your diet and possibly add some beauty-boosting foods or eliminate other foods that may be keeping your skin from looking its very best.