Rethinking Beauty Products...An Interview

Guest post by Catherine Von Hatten

About a year ago a friend of mine began a journey searching for healthier make-up alternatives. Crystal has done exhaustive research to find products that look good, but don’t have chemicals that have been found to be harmful for us. Since Ashley and I have learned more about essential oils and their benefits, we’ve become increasingly interested in finding products that are safe to use. I interviewed Crystal about her work and what she’s found.

How did you get interested in chemical-free make-up alternatives?

I am very careful with my skin. I have fair skin and auburn brown hair so I know that I am sensitive to sun exposure and to various chemicals. I see a dermatologist regularly for check ups to make sure I don’t have any surprises. My dermatologist told me that facial skin cancer in women is at an all time high. That got me interested in finding out more about what’s in make-up and ensuring that I don’t expose myself to any unnecessary dangers. I feel very passionate about eliminating the chemicals that are put on my skin from beauty products and I love sharing this passion with other women.

Are there particular chemicals that we should watch out for?

Two chemicals to pay special attention to are Titanium Dioxide and all Parabens- both are key ingredients in make-up despite the fact that they are classified as carcinogens to humans.

Do you have some favorite resources to check out new products or issues?

A go to site for me to check what I am using is EWG. It’s a resource on personal care product safety. You are going to love this site. www.ewg.org

I found this site on Harmful or Carcinogenic Ingredients in Our Skin http://livinganointed.com/identifying-toxic-chemicals/harmful-carcinogenic-ingredients-in-skin-care.pdf and a book by Christine Hoza Farlow called Dying to Be Beautiful to be helpful guidelines.

I think one of the most useful things anyone can do is to simply google “toxic cosmetics” or “carcinogenic make-up ingredients” and see what you find. There is so much information out there and much of it is quite eye opening.

 

Have you found any make-up lines that are free of dangerous chemicals?

I’ve checked out lots of lines, including the ones I used to use. Most have some or many of the questionable ingredients. Two that I’ve found that are free of the bad stuff are Rejuva Minerals, Inc. www.rejuvaminerals.com and Coastal Classic Creation www.coastalclassiccreations.com

I have ordered from both of these companies. I am very happy with the ordering process and the product. They also last a really long time! How great is that? I have found all the right colors and really love them and I love knowing they are not harming my skin.

I’ve found a few specific products within other brands that are safe and free of dangerous chemicals.

·      Tarte mascara makes a mascara that is safe.

·      Laura Mercier makes a safe black eyeliner called "Black Extreme"

·      Duchess Marden makes a safe cleanser called "Damaschena Foaming Cleanser" I order it from a company in Savanna called See Jane www.seejaneshop.com. It's a private skin care company. The owner is wonderful and getting orders from them is easy.

Were there any surprises that you uncovered in your research?

An unexpected avenue in my quest for healthy make-up was realizing that other products are unsafe, too. Some facial cleansers and antioxidant serums, many lotions, toothpastes, etc., contain ingredients that aren’t good for you. Again if you just start googling healthy alternatives to skin care, there are endless sites to aid you in discovering alternatives for healthier skin care.

My favorite and most simple are the following:

Pure olive oil is a wonderful cleaner and leaves yours skin soft and protected.  It has been used in Europe for hundreds of years and no, it doesn't break your skin out…it actually helps it.

Lime is a wonderful antioxidant and keeps your skin tones even. It is a good natural deodorant…go figure that.  Tested it here on St. Thomas and I promise it works.

 

A recent medical journal article stated that putting green tea on your skin can help prevent skin cancer and it is an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Corn starch makes a perfect face scrub.

I make a wonderful natural toothpaste by mixing salt and baking soda. Keeps your teeth white and sparkling.

These are about as green as you can get and couldn't be easier or cheaper.