Be nice to your skin

I have been without Internet for few days, as our modem decided to die, so no blogging for me. But now I'm back and ready to blog some more!

When I was writing about eating organic food, I also remembered that it’s not only what you put into your body that’s important but also what you put ON your body. I have been using body care products that contain only natural ingredients for years now, but there are few products that I have not been able to switch, probably because I haven’t found the right one yet. 

Cleansing 

I’ve been using different natural cleansing products, but my current favourite is Madara Deep Purifying Foam. Madara is produced in Latvia, one the 3 Baltic Countries. It doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients, but is still very effective in cleaning away the dirt and oil from your face and doesn't dry it. 

Toner and Moisturiser 

I've been using Origins Oil Refiner Toner and Matte Scientist Oil Controlling Lotion for over a year now, and I love it. My skin is prone for some shine, but using both the Toner and Lotion have helped a lot, my skin has much less outbreaks and is not that shiny anymore. The toner contains Phlorogine, and algea extract that stops excess oils surfacing on skin. It also contains White China Clay which leaves matte finish. It's pricey, but lasts forever!

Foundation 

I've never been much for foundation, as it feels like it just clogs up my pores. But since I’ve found Lily Lolo Mineral Cosmetics, I use their mineral loose powder on daily bases. It’s silky and smooth and gives natural complexion. It also hides minor spots and redness, and has even UV protection. And no nasties in their products at all! Don’t forget to buy kabuki brush with your mineral powder, it’s a must. 

Hair and body care 

I must admit I haven’t found my favourite shampoo and conditioner yet. I’ve been using Burt's Bees, Aveda, Green People and Lavera. They are all good, natural products, but for some reason I haven’t stuck to any of these. At the moment I’m using semi-natural hair care products from Ojon, and I like them! Their Thickening range makes my hair thicker and shiny, and it smells wonderful. Now I just have to decide if I want to keep using this brand, it’s not 100% natural, but it doesn’t have too many nasties.  And I use Dr Organics  Lavender shower gel and body lotion, smells lovely and 100% organic!

Deodorant 

This is one of the items I have not been able to switch yet. I have been using Dove’s antiperspirant since I was 19, almost every day as I’ve been very aware of my underarm odour. I tried several natural products few years ago during my Big Switch (when I threw out all skin care products containing any nasties and bought natural ones instead) , but I usually started sweating ans smelling before I was even out from my front door! The sweating is of course important, it’s how our body gets rid of toxins and waste and cools our body. What antiperspirants do is to block the sweating itself, which is not good, as the toxins get trapped in our bodies and can cause bad health issues. Antiperspirants also contain heavy metals such as aluminium and other harmful chemicals, so I defiantly want to get them out from my bathroom! 

So what causes the smell? The common explanation seems to be that the bad underarm smell is caused by bacteria living on our skin. But there is also a different line of thought – that the real reason for armpit odour is the intentional excretion of toxins that your body is trying to get rid of! So if you smell bad, then you need to think what you eat. Apparently red meat is the main cause of bad body odour. As our digestive system is long, the meat stagnates and putrefies in our system, releasing toxins in to our blood stream via large intestine, and out through your eliminative organs, such as skin. Other food groups increasing body odour is refined, processed foods such as white wheat products, sugary products, products that contain saturated and hydrogenated fats. So do get rid of bad body odour you need to – good guess! – switch to Raw Food Lifestyle! So as I’ve been following higher raw food diet (no red meat) for a while now, I though I should do a trial and I stopped using my beloved Dove for a week. I’ve been using Crystal Spring Natural Deodorant and I must say – no smell! I even asked my hubby to testify after a day at work and he confirmed! So switching my diet to raw food might have solved my life-long battle of armpit (and foot!) odour. 

Toothpaste 

Here is another product type that I have not been able to switch. I’ve been using Oral-B Rembrant for years, and I like it. But I had a look in their ingredients, and there are quite few nasties inside the paste, so I need to find a natural tooth paste that cleans well and preferably has some sort of whitening effect. I’ve tried few organic ones, but they either tasted vial or didn’t clean my teeth properly. But I keep looking, if you have any tips, please let me know! I've been looking at So Organic for some ideas, Green People and Lavera seem to be worth trying.

Mascara 

Again, I haven’t found one yet, but then again, I haven’t really been looking. I’m very picky about the brush my mascara must have (I like rubbery brushes as they separate the lashes better, no clumps). I’ve yet to find a natural mascara with good brush, but I’ll keep looking. So Organic  has few mascaras I might want to try, either Nvey or Green People.

Eyes, cheeks and lips 

I'm using one product for all three! Nvey Powder Blush in Peach Pink is my current favourite and can be applied on eye lids, cheeks and lips, I use it on top of my Lavera lip balm. Nvey Eco Organic Make-up is Australian high quality make-up that only contains certified organic plant and mineral ingredients. No chemicals and completely organic!

And of course I use only natural products on Maya - at the moment we have Green Babies range from Green People and for sun protection I'm using Korres Sunscreen Emulsion for children. I haven't managed to "turn" my hubby completely, he's been using his Head&Shoulders forever and seems to have no intention to switch. But I'm not giving up!

Last but not least I'd like to recommend a natural skin care and spa products from my country of birth, Estonia: Joik Spa. My good friend introduced me to their products and I'm loving them! Imagine using Gin and Tonic Soap or Chocolate Face Mask!