My transition to holistic skincare and beauty started a while ago–back in 2016, when I first discovered Empowered Sustenance. Whilst I originally referenced the site for paleo diet tips (in an attempt to heal from hormonal imbalances), I quickly discovered that there were many more angles to healthy living than just eating well.
I’ve experimented with brands and products through the years. Every season of life (and hormones) calls for a different routine. What I did/used three years ago isn’t what I do/use now. My biggest challenged lately have been dry skin and hair… whereas as an early 20-something, I still had acne!
Here’s what I’m using at the moment and would love to try next, as well as some kid-friendly skincare for eczema and rashes.
Holistic Skincare For Mom
My holistic skincare routine: In the morning, I wash with green tea facial cleanser and follow with rosehip oil. I use BareMinerals tinted moisturizer with mineral SPF (although I’m currently searching for a cleaner alternative) or Badger Balm mineral sunscreen depending on how long we’ll be outside. In the summer, I often wait to apply SPF until I’ve been outside for a bit to get a decent dose of Vitamin D.
In the evenings, I wash my face during a shower. My mom gave me an olive oil soap bar for Christmas, which is super hydrating. I follow with Vitamin C serum and rosehip oil. I enjoy using a matcha oat milk mask occasionally before showering if my face needs some extra soothing.
Hair: I adore Under Luna shampoos and conditioners but I can’t justify spending $100 for a set anymore, unfortunately! I’ve found a good balance of price, ingredients and quality in Attitude haircare, which is EWG certified. I only wash my hair ~once per week because it is SO dry lately.
Extras: Like many people who lead active lives, I’ve struggled with foot care and calluses for a while. Not chic. Recently I started exfoliating with a pumice stone in the shower and applying lotion afterwards (followed by socks so I don’t track it around the house, lol). It’s helped me avoid the podiatrist for quite a while now!
On my list: I need a thicker balm for dry spots and have been looking at Bigwoods Organics ovum balm or Primally Pure products. Also, I’ve always said when I turned 30 that I would start using retinol 😛 that’s later this year! 100% Pure has an evening serum with retinol that I’d love to try.
For Kids
It’s dry here in Minnesota and my kids (and occasionally myself and Eric) have struggled with eczema for years. I know it’s the dry air because when we spent a month in Norway, everyone’s skin healed up perfectly in the oceanic climate–but, what can you do?
We generally don’t use soap in the bath (except shampoo) as it only dries out skin more. Lately they’ve been enjoying this moisturizing bath soak from Bigwoods Organics and also their tallow-based baby balm. I’ve found that balms are best for eczema that’s caused by dryness (versus lotions) as they hydrate and create a barrier against further moisture loss.
Focusing on omega-3 fatty acids is an important inside-out approach to keeping skin moisturized. So we’re sure to eat plenty of fish (my kids go crazy for salmon), avocados, and nuts/nut butters (not including peanut butter as that’s actually heavy on omega-6 fatty acids) to cover all the dietary bases.
The best medicine for my kids’ eczema is really just the summer humidity and sunshine. Luckily, that will be on the way soon!
What (holistic) beauty and skincare products are you loving lately, though?
xx Claire
