Today, I’ll be sharing my absolute favorite chemical free, plant-based skin care products. Switching your skin care products to non-toxic and natural solutions is a healthy lifestyle upgrade that is definitely worth considering. It’s been one of the best things that I’ve ever done for my skin.

Before I share my favorite plant-based skin care products,  there are some important concepts about skin health that should be noted and considered as you figure out the best skin care products and practices for your skin.

Healthy Lifestyle Upgrades My Absolute Favorite Chemical Free Plant Based Skin Care Products - Sophisticated Booty

Our Skin Needs to Breathe!

Our skin needs to breathe? What?! This may sound strange, but hopefully it will make sense in a moment.

Our skin is the largest organ of the body. Which you may already know, but did you know, that our skin is one of the major ways our body detoxifies itself? But in order for this to happen the pores of our skin have to be open. In other words, your skin needs to be able to breathe!

To help clarify this statement, there are two really important things that should be understood about the pores of the skin.

(1) The pores of the skin allow for the elimination of toxins from within our body. Activities that stimulate the production of sweat are a great way to open up your pores and help your body release toxins. Including regular exercise and more physical activates into your lifestyle is an excellent way to get your body sweating. You can also try things like FIR saunas, Bikram yoga, laying out in the sun, etc.

(2) Whatever is applied topically to the skin is absorbed through the pores and ends up inside our body. This is why we need to pay attention to the kinds of products we decide to use on our skin. We should be using skin care products that provide nourishment and support healthy skin. This is how we are able to feed the skin from the outside in. As a rule of thumb, you should never put anything on your skin that isn’t safe to eat!

Alright, now we know that the pores of the skin are a way for our body to release toxins, as well as absorb nutrients (this also applies to our ability to absorb vitamin D through our skin from the sun, which is critical to our health and wellbeing). But remember, in order for the skin to function in this way the pores of our skin must be open i.e. your skin needs to be able to breathe!

  • Harmful Ingredients found in Skin Care Products
  • Alcohol – commonly found in lotions and creams. Can cause dryness and irritations of the skin.
  • Mineral Oil – this is a by-product of making petroleum for the production of gasoline.
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – commonly used in products that need to create foam, but can also be found in some lotions and moisturizers.
  • Perfumes/Fragrances – most are derived from petroleum.
  • BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) – chemical preservative.

This is why, I personally, stay away from mainstream skin care products. When I say “mainstream” I’m referring to skin care products that are readily available for purchase at your local grocery and drugstores, as well as “high end” skin care products sold online and at department stores. These products are nothing more than chemical cocktails for your skin. They contain toxic, synthetic ingredients like artificial additives, fragrances, preservatives, dyes, petroleum derived ingredients, etc.

I really don’t see how the use of such products could ever truly be beneficial to the skin.

My Experience and View on the Use of Mainstream Skin Care Products.

Mainstream Skin Care Products …

Cause pores to get clogged. REMINDER: Your skin can’t breathe when it’s plugged up!

Do not provide nourishment for the skin.

Only provide superficial benefits (at best).

Are damaging and harmful to the skin (and entire body).

Can worsen existing skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles, etc.

Can cause skin irritations like dryness, allergies, rashes, etc.

Overtime causes premature aging of the skin.

Skin Care Should be Approached Holistically

Although the focus of this post is skin care products, it’s equally important to understand that there are other aspects that contribute to healthy skin. In my opinion, skin care (or anything health related) should always be approached holistically.

The human body is a sophisticated collection of highly organized systems that work together. Despite what popular belief may have led us to believe, the body is a whole. It’s not compartmentalized. In other words, everything is connected.

For example, using the best plant-based skin care products to treat dry flaky skin may not necessarily resolve the issue. Why? Because all you’re really doing is treating the symptom (which is dry flaky skin). What is the reason for your dry flaky skin? In other words, what is the root cause? It’s important to figure out the underlying cause, so that it can be addressed, and the issue at hand can truly be resolved. In this scenario, the cause of your dry flaky skin may be a result of a diet that lacks a source of healthy fats.

The appearance and condition of your skin is a representation of your internal health. In fact, your skin can tell you a lot about the health of your liver (and vice versa). Side note: This is the reason why a liver cleanse can work wonders for your skin!

With that said, I’ll briefly touch on diet and hydration in regards to skin health. The skin care products we choose to use is only one component of what makes healthy beautiful skin. And just as the use of toxic chemical skin care products can clog your pores, so can the foods you eat.

Diet – I’ve found that a plant-based, mineral rich diet centered on fresh, organic whole foods is a great way to support healthy beautiful skin. Include a variety of raw vegetables, low sugar fruits, healthy raw fats like avocados, coconut oil, nuts, etc., and nutrient dense foods like superfoods, superherbs, and sea vegetables. Avoid trans fats and limit and/or avoid cooked oils and animal fats – they are not good for your skin and can cause body pimples and acne. The best oil for cooking is coconut oil because it can withstand high heat temperatures.

Hydration – Our body is made up of about 70 percent water. This alone tells us that water is essential to our health and wellbeing. There are many health related conditions that are caused by dehydration including skin problems. Staying hydrated will help the body flush out toxins. Make sure to drink a variety of liquids everyday. This includes water (from a clean source), herbal teas, and green juices (low sugar). In addition, you can include hydrating foods (eaten fresh and raw) into your diet, like cucumbers, bok choy, bell pepper, and celery. These foods have a high water content and are low in sugar – which makes them great for snacks, salads, smoothies, juices, wraps, sandwiches, etc.

My Absolute Favorite Chemical Free, Plant-Based Skin Care Products

Coconut Oil (Raw & Organic) This is an excellent moisturizing oil for the skin. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which gives this oil its antiviral, antifungal, and antimicorbial properties. Best absorbed by the skin when it’s damp, not completely dry i.e. after a shower, washing your hands or face, etc. I use coconut oil from head to toe right after I get out of the shower. Note: Not all coconut oil is of the same quality. I’ve used organic brands of coconut oil that irritated my skin and caused blemishes and breakouts. My skin loves this coconut oil! Avoid buying coconut oil labelled “deodorized.”

Cacao Butter (Raw & Organic)An amazing deep moisturizing butter/oil that smells like chocolate and leaves your skin feeling soft. Cacao butter is rich in antioxidants, which helps protect your skin from free radical damage. It also has a natural SPF of 3. Cacao butter has also been used as an effective way to naturally reduce and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks. As I mentioned above, I rub coconut oil all over my entire body after I get out of the shower. I then take a piece of cacao butter and rub my entire body with it. Cacao butter acts like a sealant, so it helps “lock in” the coconut oil and helps to keep your skin moisturized. Note: Not all cacao butter is of the same quality. Opt for raw and organic. I use this cacao butter. Avoid cacao butter that is labelled “deodorized.”

Essential Oils – Essential oils are a great addition to your skin care routine. The list of essential oils seems endless. Each essential oil offers its own unique benefits and properties. I’ve found essential oils to be very complimentary and effective in supporting healthy skin. Essential oils can be helpful for the treatment of skin conditions like acne, blemishes, eczema, wrinkles, cellulite, etc. They can also be used to provide nourishment for the skin by supplying antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and oils. You can also use them to make your own natural skin care remedies and beauty preparations, like this lemon rosemary facial steam cleanse for naturally treating blemishes. Note: Make sure to always use organic steam distilled, or therapeutic grade essential oils.

Some of My Favorite Essential Oils 

Anti-Aging – Clary Sage, Chamomile, Carrot, Frankincense, Lavender

Healing – Lavender, Frankincense, Rose, Geranium

Relaxing – Frankincense, Rosemary, Jasmine, Lavender, Geranium

Uplifting – Lemon, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Orange

Revitalizing – Peppermint

Astringent – Grapefruit, Lime

Blemishes – Lemongrass, Eucalyptus

Toning – Orange

Deodorizing – Peppermint, Clove, Sage

You may also be interested in a post I wrote, “Best Anti Aging Essential Oils for a Younger Looking Face.”

Well, that concludes this post. These are some of the things that have helped my skin tremendously! I hope that they can be of help to you as well. 🙂

To Healthy Beautiful Skin!

Shahné

What are your absolute favorite chemical free plant-based skin care products? Please share by leaving a comment below. 🙂

*Information and statements regarding Nutrition, a Raw Food Diet, and  Superfoods have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

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