If you have been considering the switch to clean beauty, now would be an especially good time to start. By now, your skin is probably starting to show the effects of the season-- cold weather outside and dry heat inside. Whether you are experiencing flaky, tight dry skin or even more uncomfortable issues like psoriasis or eczema, plant-based skincare can help.
I chatted with my long-time acupuncturist and holistic skincare expert, Dr. Peggy Regis Robinson, about how this works and here's what she shared:
"When applied topically to the skin, plant-based ingredients absorb into the epidermis and help keep our skin barrier intact. This happens because the skin’s barrier is made up of various types of fats including phospholipids, cholesterol and free fatty acids. When the skin doesn’t have enough of these fats, one of the results may be dry skin. By replenishing the skin with ingredients that your body naturally produces; you are protecting, nourishing and promoting healthy skin." Makes sense, yes?
While I choose plant-based, clean skincare all year round, there's no time I appreciate it more than winter. When the temperature drops, I reach for rich, deeply moisturizing oils and butters for both face and body. Plant-based skincare contains nut, seed and botanical oils that are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients that provide natural and effective relief to dry skin. Praised for their antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits, these amazing ingredients have the ability to regenerate, strengthen and protect the skin.
Thankfully, there are so many wonderful clean, plant-based skincare products to choose from, but wanted to share a few that I have been loving this season. Please keep in mind, skincare choices can be very personal. For me, results and fragrance are a big part of my selection. If you have a question about my experience with any of the products, feel free to ask!
Violets Are Blue Body Cream is my go-to after the shower, because it seals in moisture and protects my skin from the elements. This lush, whipped butter features Shea butter, Argan, almond and jojoba oils for deep nourishment and warmth.
I've been turning to the healing power of max and me sweet serenity balm for spot-treatment of dry spots and acne scars. This little jar contains the most precious and powerful ingredients like murumuru butter, rosehip oil, tamanu oil and so many others.
Before bed, you can find me slathering on this delicious Kari Gran essential balm! A little goes a long way and I love the feeling how it melts into the face, neck and hands. It's packed with a stellar line-up of all the plant-based oils you can want or need.
At night, I like to keep my body moisturizer lightweight and aromatherapeutic. Osmia Night Body Oil is both-- nourishing and calming, the latter thanks to lavender, chamomile and cedarwood oils. It's a beautiful bedtime ritual that is soothing and fortifying!
I always recommend starting the transition to clean beauty with skincare, because it's one of the products we use most often and over the largest areas of our skin. Commercial moisturizers, even the popular "dermatologist recommended" ones, usually contain toxic ingredients like petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, alcohol, dyes and parabens, which don't do our skin, or health, any favors. Dr. Regis Robinson also says “If you can’t eat it, you shouldn’t apply it on your body.” and I couldn't agree more!
Need help choosing the right products for your unique skin type and needs? I would love to walk you through some options and make personalized recommendations. Click here to explore my live and virtual consultations!
Looking for a holistic facial or deeper skin healing? Visit Dr. Peggy Regis Robinson to learn more about her beauty and wellness services. She has been a godsend in my life and my go-to for chronic skin issues and so much more.