Hi everyone! Today, I want to discuss something that is very important to me: Clean Beauty. We often hear buzzwords like all-natural, organic, and clean in the beauty and skincare industry. But what do these terms actually mean, and how crucial is clean beauty? With the lack of regulation in the United States, it’s essential to know which ingredients to avoid and what truly qualifies as “natural” or “organic.”
To shed light on these questions, I sat down with Melissa Lenberg, green beauty guru and Founder of Citrine Natural Beauty Bar in Phoenix. Clean beauty is not just relevant to beauty enthusiasts but to everyone, as using harmful skincare products can have serious long-term health repercussions.
Meet Melissa
Let’s begin by introducing Melissa, the CEO & Founder of Citrine Beauty Bar. Melissa’s journey towards becoming a green beauty expert stemmed from her personal need to find clean, luxurious products that prioritize her well-being. She wanted to curate a collection of products that she could confidently use on herself, her loved ones, and her customers. In fact, Melissa recently moved Citrine into a larger store space to accommodate the 25 “naturally glamorous” brands she loves.
What is Clean Beauty?
According to Melissa, clean beauty means making a conscious choice to use safe and nourishing products that enhance our body, mind, and overall well-being. It involves prioritizing our health and the health of others by selecting high-quality ingredients that are not harmful to ourselves, the environment, or the human race.
The Difference Between Natural Skincare Products and Conventional Ones
The main distinction between clean skincare products and conventional ones lies in the toxins they contain. Conventional companies prioritize selling products without considering the toxic load, ethical standards, or regulations. They use whatever chemicals they can to make their products appealing, often harming animals and the environment along the way. On the other hand, clean skincare products aim to provide safe and effective alternatives without compromising our health or the well-being of others.
Effectiveness of Natural Skincare Products
Contrary to popular belief, natural skincare products are not only as effective as regular brands, but they can also be even more effective. Since they don’t require the body to break down and convert synthetic ingredients, they are easily absorbed, making them biocompatible. Natural skincare offers true technology and can provide faster results without any side effects.
Understanding the Terminology: Natural, Organic, and Clean Beauty
It’s important to note that terms like natural skincare, organic skincare, and clean beauty are not interchangeable. Unfortunately, these terms are not regulated, allowing companies to use them loosely. Some products claim to be organic by including just one organic ingredient, while still containing synthetic or harmful substances. As consumers, we must educate ourselves and ask questions to ensure the products we choose align with our values. Remember, our purchasing power directly influences who and what we support.
The Impact of Synthetic Toxic Ingredients on Overall Health
Using conventional products with synthetic toxic ingredients can contribute to immune malfunction, cancer, psychological and hormonal imbalances, and an overall decline in the quality of life and longevity. These problems have been identified in both children and adults, even those without a genetic predisposition. Continuous exposure to harmful toxins compromises our mental and physical health, as well as the health of future generations.
Ingredients to Avoid When Purchasing Skincare Products
When purchasing a new skincare product, it is important to look out for ingredients such as fragrance, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, toluene/petroleum, propylene glycol, and sunscreen chemicals. These range from carcinogens (proven to cause cancer) to endocrine disruptors (affecting hormone balance), immune toxins, and fetal-developmental toxins. Opting for products produced without these harmful ingredients will contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Cost and Benefits of Natural Skincare Products
While natural and organic skincare products may be more expensive than drugstore items, they are not necessarily more expensive than well-known skincare and makeup brands found in local stores or department stores. The price is often reflective of the cost of ingredients sourced sustainably, without the use of toxic pesticides, and from countries with superior quality ingredients. By investing in natural skincare, we can trust that we are nourishing our bodies and benefiting from the transparency and knowledge provided by these brands.
Melissa’s Favorite Clean and Natural Skincare Brands
Melissa has a difficult time picking favorites because she only carries products she truly loves at Citrine. However, if she had to choose a few personal top picks, they would be Tata Harper, May Lindstrom, The Beauty Chef, Kjaer Weis, and Jane Iredale. These brands embody Melissa’s commitment to clean beauty and offer a range of high-quality products.
I hope this interview has empowered you to become an educated consumer and understand the essence of clean beauty. It’s essential to research and use natural skincare and beauty products that contribute to a healthy future for ourselves and others. If you enjoyed this interview-style blog post, let me know in the comments or on my Instagram. Lastly, a special thanks to Melissa for sharing her knowledge with us. Be sure to check out Citrine, an incredible resource for skincare and beauty in the Phoenix area.
In conclusion, embracing clean beauty and using natural skincare products can lead to reduced inflammation, optimal functioning, and an overall healthier life. It can provide more energy, mental clarity, stronger immunity, better organ function, and help reduce the risks of cancer, hormonal imbalances, and immune compromise.
FAQs
Q: Are natural and organic skincare products safe for all skin types?
Yes, natural and organic skincare products are generally safe for all skin types. However, it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test before incorporating new products into your skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive skin or specific allergies.
Q: Can I find natural skincare products that address specific skin concerns, such as acne or aging?
Absolutely! There is a wide range of natural skincare products available that target various skin concerns, including acne, aging, dryness, and sensitivity. Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, retinol alternatives like rosehip oil, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants like vitamin C and E.
Q: Are there any natural alternatives to conventional makeup?
Yes, there are several natural and clean beauty brands that offer a wide range of makeup products, including foundations, mascaras, lipsticks, and eyeshadows. These brands prioritize clean and safe ingredients without compromising on performance.
Conclusion
Clean beauty is not just a trend; it’s a conscious choice to prioritize our health and the health of the planet. By opting for natural skincare products, we can reduce our exposure to harmful toxins and enjoy the benefits of clean, nourishing ingredients. Remember to be an educated consumer, ask questions, and support brands that align with your values. Your well-being and the well-being of future generations depend on it.
Images: Benefits of using homemade skincare products, Non-Toxic Product Swaps
