Organic Skincare and Allergies

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I am looking for a great cleanser, moisturizer & exfoliant. My skin is combination – has been very bumpy as of lately & not looking so great since I stopped nursing my daughter. I am 34 and I do seem to need a good amount on moisture but I occasionally break out. I have a lot of food allergies (peanuts, treenuts, apricot, passion fruit, chamomile) and I am having a hard time finding products w/o toxins that also do not contain these ingredients. Is there anything you can recommend?

Natural, nontoxic skincare is always safer for our skin and overall health than products that contain harmful chemical ingredients. But certain natural ingredients can be irritating to some skin types.

I also have combination skin, leaning toward dry, but will get some clogged pores if I use the wrong products (e.g. too heavy) and like you am sensitive to certain ingredients that are normally considered perfect for sensitive skin types, like aloe. Through some very careful experimentation, I have found that products with a low percentage of aloe (toward the bottom of the ingredient list) do not bother my skin. Since you have these food allergies you should be especially cautious about such experimentation. Many facial moisturizers contain palm, almond or apricot kernel oil.

Jojoba oil is a plant extracted oil and is perfect for all skin types because it is the type of oil most closely matched to our skin’s own naturally produced oil. Jojoba is light, yet deeply hydrating, and won’t clog pores.

Dr. Alkaitis Day Cream contains Jojoba oil and Shea butter, no tree nut oils or other ingredients you are allergic to – you may view the entire ingredient listing here. I have never personally tried the Dr. Alkaitis products because they are aloe based, but my friends who have love them. This would be a great choice for moisturizer for you, but avoid the night cream as it contains Chamomile.

Another way to go with moisturizer, or if this moisturizer isn’t providing quite enough hydration, is a facial oil. You may apply facial oil along with a facial moisturizer, or use on its own. All Things Pure Eye Oil is Jojoba based with Evening Primrose and Vitamin E – I have been using this on my entire face, neck and décolletage under my regular moisturizer. Makes skin super soft. Rosehip oil, I like Trilogy 100% Organic Rosehip Oil,  is also lightly hydrating and it provides anti-aging benefits and helps to heal spots and blemishes. Just avoid using if you plan to spend a lot of time out in the sun due to its high content of Vitamin A.

You could check into Evan Healy Rose Vetiver Day Moisturizer, a light grease-less facial moisturizer. This one does have a bit of macadamia nut oil but it is further down in the list. Use with caution depending on your sensitivity level.

Evan Healy Serums may also be good for you. Sea Algae Serum is a sheer, lightweight moisturizer and skin-protector, and Rosehip Serum is a bit more hydrating. Use on their own or under moisturizer. Caren Online offers Try Me! sizes which are like samples but provide enough of the product for one week’s use, and at a very affordable price. This is a good way to check out some of these products without a big investment.

As for a cleanser, Lavera Basis Gel Cleanser is great when skin is dirty or for removing sunscreen or makeup. If skin isn’t actually in need of a good cleansing, try rinsing with warm water and following up with toner. Cooled green tea is both soothing and refreshing. Check out my article on summer toners for more ideas.

Another gentle cleanser for you may be Evan Healy Rose Cleansing Milk. A gentle cleanser that works to balance the skin, keeping oiliness in check without drying.

Exfoliation is key in keeping bumps at bay and skin looking radiant. My favorite all time exfoliant is a simple sugar and milk mixture that can be used on face and body. Combine about a ¼ cup of organic sugar with a tablespoon or two of organic milk – enough to create a thick kind of paste. If you like your exfoliant a little runnier, add more milk. Gently massage the mixture into face and body while showering and rinse off. Skin is left so silky smooth. Always be gentle when exfoliating and never exfoliate broken out or otherwise irritated skin.

Hope this helps. If you need any further info on any of the products I have recommended, please let me know. And if I come across more products without the unique ingredients you are allergic to I will let you know.

Image:  Margaret Anne Clarke at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.