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Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

No More Chemical Skin Care–Part 1–Introduction

November 12, 2013 by Dawn Michelle

After writing No More Chemical Hair Care, I knew that writing another series for skin care would be necessary.  Over four years ago I decided that I needed to minimize my beauty routine and what I was spending on skin and hair care.  I was determined to pay off my debt, and knew I was spending money on beauty that could instead go to paying down my car note and credit cards.  I stumbled upon the oil cleansing method, and realized that skin care could be a lot simpler than I ever thought, and less expensive.

Initially the oil cleansing method with olive and castor oil, no matter the ratio of oils, wasn’t good for my acne prone skin because of the oleic acid content in these oils mixed together.  I later learned more about the oils best for acne prone skin once understanding more about oleic acid vs linoleic acid.  Regardless this experience did start me on the path of using simple and natural ingredients for beauty.

Since then I have learned that the less is more with skin care.  I’ve found wonderful natural ingredients that do not irritate my sensitive skin, and have given me the best complexion that I’ve ever had.  You can see my updated beauty regimen here.

One of the greatest benefits in using natural ingredients for beauty is that I am able have beautiful skin without chemical laden ingredients that can cause imbalance and illness in the body.

Our skin is our largest organ.  Keeping our skin healthy allows us to prevent the absorption of some environmental toxicity, yet the pores of our skin literally drink everything that we put on it which then enters our bloodstream.  If this were not true medical patches would not be effective.

I read Rosie-Marie Swift’s personal health story, an editorial and celebrity makeup artist and founder of RMS Beauty, which is a powerful testimony of why I only use natural products.  She states, “As the years went by, I started to lose my hair—and my memory!  At one point I couldn’t remember what I had done the day before.  I had panic and anxiety attacks continually and my hormones were out of control.  I found myself getting sicker and weaker and could not get a proper night’s sleep at all.  My body was in a constant struggle with candidiasis–a yeast infection throughout my whole body.”

“For years, traditional doctors told me there was nothing wrong, until I finally ended up in the hospital with a completely weakened immune system.”

Ms Swift later decided to take her health into her own hands and opted to have extensive and also rather expensive lab work done.  Once her lab results were compiled, what surprised her most was the one question asked by the lab technician, “Do you work in the cosmetic industry?”  Her lab results stated that she had toxic levels of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, aluminum, barium, and mercury, along with high levels of pesticides and other harmful chemicals in her system.

We are lead to believe that if we do not feel sick immediately after using a product that it must not be harmful for us.  The problem with chemicals in cosmetics is that they accumulate in the body over time, and our body “stores” them as these chemicals are not processed as nutrients.  These stored chemicals create illnesses.  I don’t know how many times I’ve seen aluminum in the ingredients of antiperspirants, moisturizers, eye shadows, shampoo, sunscreen, concealer, blushes, foundations, etc.  I also have no idea why lead is still an ingredient in lipsticks in 2013!

Taking time to detox, eat organic and GMO free, safely remove mercury dental fillings, and using beauty products that are safe for the body are vital for living a happy and healthy life.  I love the motto of RMS Beauty which is “You wear your skin for the rest of your life.”  It is so true!  Part 2 of this series will continue with what you can use for simple toxic-free skin care.  I will also go into learning how to better read cosmetic labels and not get deceived by statements like “from organic oils and natural materials” which is usually referring to chemical extractions using toxic solvents from a natural ingredient.

You can read more about the chemicals you should avoid in beauty products as well as a list of natural beauty brands with great ingredients here.

No More Chemical Skin Care–Part 2–Simple Facial Cleansers

No More Chemical Skin Care–Part 3–Hydrating & Moisturizing

No More Chemical Skin Care–Part 4–Treatments & Body Care

 (Image by Dawn Michelle)

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  1. ScentualSoundtracks says

    November 13, 2013 at 6:53 am

    This is great, Dawn Michelle. I went natural years ago and haven’t looked back. Making my own products and purchasing fewer, organic products without chemicals and preservatives has been freeing and uplifting for me. I finally phased out the last of my toxic makeup recently. I’m grateful for all that you share. You are changing the world!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      November 13, 2013 at 8:19 am

      That’s awesome ScentualSountracks! Phasing out toxic makeup can be one of the most challenging steps if you’re a makeup lover, yet there are some really great natural makeup brands as well. Thanks so much for your comment!

      Reply
  2. mangomadness says

    November 13, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    I’m excited for the No More Chemical Skin Care series!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      November 15, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      Thanks MangoMadness! More next week!

      Reply
  3. fantastic elements says

    November 19, 2013 at 10:58 am

    I also believe skin care shouldn’t be as complicated as big beauty companies make it look. Natural Oils, butters, herbs among other beneficial natural ingredients have pretty much all we need for our body care. Like you, I also used to spend tons of money on beauty products, my closet was literally filled with all sorts of bottles and packages. But as soon as I learned about all the amazing results and benefits of natural ingredients, I started dumping in the trash all chemical products I was putting on my body. It was the best decision I could’ve made.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      November 19, 2013 at 6:48 pm

      This is awesome Fantastic Elements! Thanks sooo much for sharing!

      Reply
  4. Honey says

    November 20, 2013 at 9:56 am

    I can’t wait for you to post this series! Your hair care series has helped my dry, brittle hair tremendously; I’m sure you’ll help me find the right regime for my incredibly sensitive skin. Are you going to include body cleansers in this series? I’m still looking for the most natural body cleansers that won’t irritate my skin, and I’m getting very bored with Dove White =[.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      November 21, 2013 at 5:58 pm

      Hi Honey,
      I’m glad the hair series was so helpful for you. And yes I will include body care as well. Just like my hair care is extremely simple and natural so is my skin and body care. The next article will be up soon!

      Reply
  5. Pooja says

    December 9, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    Hello,

    I was wondering, what do you use a body wash and what do you use to shave your legs? Thanks

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      December 9, 2013 at 7:14 pm

      Hi Pooja, You can see what beauty products I use here and here. 😉

      Reply
  6. Pooja says

    December 10, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    Hello,
    Thanks but I still can’t seem to find the product you use to shave your legs…

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      December 10, 2013 at 4:21 pm

      Hi Pooja, I just use whatever I wash my body with. Nothing special.

      Reply
  7. Trish says

    January 2, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    Hi Dawn

    Hi Dawn

    What is the minimum and maximum amount of time you should leave a face mask on your skin. I currently leave my Rhassoul mask with honey or EVOO on my face for 30 minutes, but I’m hoping to try out some of your other masks as well.

    Thanks
    Trish

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 3, 2014 at 2:57 pm

      Hi Trish,
      I usually leave a facial mask on for a minimum of 15 minutes and maximum of 30. Facial masks are a great opportunity to relax!

      Reply
  8. Trish says

    January 2, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    Also, can you use these natural ingredients like honey, Rhassoul, oils (e.g. tamanu, rosehip seed oil, EVOO, and jojoba) near the eyes? I use some of them up to, but not on my actual eyelids.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 3, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      Hi Trish,
      I do use natural ingredients on and near the eye area. When I used rhassoul with raw honey as a daily face wash that was rinsed quickly I never had any problems. If I was going to do an actual face mask I avoid the eye area so that it would not dry hard and tight near my eyes. If you are acne prone avoid oils high in oleic acid. Hope this is helpful!

      Reply
  9. Marika says

    January 3, 2014 at 2:34 pm

    Hi Dawn,

    I just found you website and I’m so glad I did! This is just what I’m looking for in my life right now, I can’t wait to read all your great articles 🙂

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 3, 2014 at 2:38 pm

      Hi Marika,
      Hope you are enjoying the new year so far!

      Reply
  10. J mckay says

    March 12, 2014 at 7:09 am

    Your blog is excellent. Thank you for sharing all this information. X

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 13, 2014 at 11:19 am

      Hi J McKay,
      Thanks so much! Wishing you the very best of everything!

      Reply
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living simply with grace, discretion and faith

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