Spring is near and I can feel it in the air! With the few warmer days we’ve had, my mind has turned toward spring cleaning, but not just in my house. This time of year, I like to do a body cleanse as well as a “skincare/makeup” cleanse by clearing out my bathroom drawers. It’s a great time to start the season with clean and fresh formulas. If you want to join me, consider getting rid of not only your old, expired products, but also those full of toxic ingredients.
I got my start using cleaner, safer formulas by making small changes, one product at a time. By gradually replacing your toxic brands with safer products, you’ll contribute to your own well being and peace of mind. Always read labels when shopping for your new products, avoid these ingredients, and try these few simple steps:
- Choose lipsticks without lead: Tests by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that 61% of name-brand lipsticks contain detectable levels of lead. Check out their cosmetics databse website for brands without lead. Make sure you always protect with a sunscreen underneath. EXPIRATION: Throw out anything over 6 months old. LOVING: Pure Moist Lip Colors by Jane Iredale.
- Choose mercury-free mascara: In mascaras and other personal-care products, mercury comes from an ingredient called “thimerosal.” Look for that or for “mercuric” on the label. EXPIRATION: Throw out anything over 3 months old. LOVING: Volume Mascara By Dr.Hauschka.
- Be cautious with micronized mineral makeup: Tiny particles called nanoparticles and micronized particles make makeup look smooth and flawless, but they can also be a health risk, especially for those with allergies and asthma. Reduce the chances of particles floating about in the air by working the powder into the brush, or wetting it down to reduce airborn particles. EXPIRATION: Throw out anything over 6 months old. LOVING: Korres Wild Rose Mineral Powder Foundation.
- Read labels on foundations and concealers: Read the ingredient list, and avoid things like parabens, talc, and mineral oil. Choose natural formulas that actually contain good ingredients for your skin. EXPIRATION: Throw out liquids over 3 months old, and powders over one year old. If the product changes color or texture, toss it. LOVING: RMS “Un-Cover up” Concealer.
- Avoid chemical sunscreens: We know that UV rays can contribute to skin cancer, wrinkles, and premature aging. Manufacturers have capitalized on our concerns by producing products full of sunscreens, from moisturizers to foundations to blushes. Unfortunately, many of these are made with potentially harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, PABA, and cinoxate. Choose instead safer options like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, then use sunscreen-free or safe-sunscreen makeup products. EXPIRATION: Check for an expiration date on the package. If there isn’t one, discard anything that’s over 3 years old. LOVING: TecNiche Therapies DNA Protect Natural SPF 30.
- Go for safer nail products: Avoid nail products with toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and formaldehyde, all linked with health effects. EXPIRATION: Throw it out if the container is damaged or if the polish had started to separate or turn colors. LOVING: Non-Toxic Nail Polishes by Priti and Aquarella.
How do you spring clean your skin care? Please share any tips you may have!
Photo courtesy J-Sol via Flickr.com.
