Going Green: Beauty

Over the past 6 months, I've read lots and lots about green beauty. Things like parabens and PABAs many other potentially harmful ingredients are common in most beauty products - even those that claim to be "natural." As I've learned about the ingredients that go into the products I use everyday, I've explored other more natural options. I have eczema, sensitive fair skin, and graduate student budget. This makes things challenging, to say the least.

I read several books as references. I started with Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano, followed by her excellent Do it Gorgeously. Uliano gives practical suggestions and recipes for making your own beauty products The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel and Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me by Paula Begoun were also chock full of green beauty information. The Environmental Working Group has a thorough cosmetics database where you can review products and ingredients.

I have found some conflicting information. For example, when I was looking for a face lotion with spf at Whole Foods, I found some ingredients on the products that were deemed safe in certain low quantities. Most green advocates tend to be purists. I'd suggest not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. Daily facial and body lotions are probably the most critical products since they absorb into your skin. Focus on those two items and a gentle cleanser and you will be well on your way.

This is what I learned in a nutshell, and some products I'd recommend:

The more natural a product is, the better it is for your skin and the environment. Just like with food, you want to be able to recognize what the ingredients are. Some of the brands I like are Burts Bees (try Radiance), Aubrey's Organics, and Alba.

You don't need lots of beauty products. Your skincare regiment only needs a good cleanser, toner, lotion with spf, and body lotion. I have been using Aubrey travel kits as testers. I also like Dr. Bronner Lavendar or Rose soap for cleanser, Rosewater and Witchhazel as toner, and Earth Science Lotion or Grapeseed Oil as lotions.

You can make your own skincare products as well. It's expensive to get started with the essential oils, but can be worth it in the long run. You can check out some recipes here on the Gorgeously Green blog. Also, Mountain Rose Herbs has fantastic ingredients for making your own concoctions. You can find recipes here in the newsletter archives. See below for a recipe to get you started.

Even making a few simple changes can be good for your skin and your budget. You don't need all those expensive products. Nature has an abundance of ingredients to soothe, moisturize, and tone your skin. Find a few items you love and enjoy them.

Coming up soon: Green Makeup