Clean Skincare || My Go-To Body Products

As you may or may not already know, your skin is your largest organ, so it’s amazing to me that society has seemingly accepted the fact that the majority of the products we put on our skin are FULL of chemicals. I have become somewhat obsessed with clean beauty and clean products in the past few months. This post is not about acne and facial skincare. I just want to point that out now. Over the past two years I have developed more acne than I had in Middle School, so I am still working on finding the right all natural skincare and acne routine for me. Full disclosure, I am currently using a line that is absolutely not natural, but I am working towards making the transition to all natural face washes, acne creams, etc. (any recommendations would be amazing!). THIS post is about healthy, natural products for your body. IE lotions, oils, and “skin foods”. This is the first of my “natural living” posts, so please be on the lookout for more in the future!

Please note: I am not a dermatologist, nor am I an expert in the area of skin care and dermatology. Everyone’s body and skin is different, so products that work for me may not necessarily work for you. Please educate yourself on the ingredients in the products you are currently using, and strive find natural alternatives where you are able.

Nucifera Balm: I first discovered Nucifera through Lacy Phillips of Free + Native after she featured it on her Instagram story. It’s safe to say, most of the products below came into my life through those I follow on Instagram. Needless to say, this has been my go-to lightweight moisturizer for several months now. It resides by my bedside, and I find myself slathering it all over my hands, arms and chest right before bed. Made with coconut oil, avocado oil and other wonderfully rich ingredients, it is a great option for those who don’t like caking themselves in thick, greasy lotions, especially before bed. I purchased my jar at Anthropologie in December and have been IN LOVE with it since. Coconut oil-based products are a great natural option for those with skin sensitivities. This multi-purpose balm is perfect as a moisturizer, makeup remover, hair mask, lip balm and much more. However, due to the kokum butter featured in the product, it is not recommended for use for those with nut allergies.

Sun Potion Shea Butter: Take a look at some of your lotions, especially those that are marketed as “all natural”. Do they contain shea butter? They might. However, those shea butters are NOTHING compared to this real deal product from Sun Potion. Those who know me, know of my undying love for Sun Potion. I believe in these products wholeheartedly, and think that Scott and Nitsa (founder and creative director of SP) are changing the name of wellness. Their shea butter is sustainably wildcrafted and prepared by women in Ghana, and is fair trade and completely unrefined. This “what you see is what you get” product is perfect for those with really dry skin. I have eczema, so this was essential during the cold winter months. It smells nutty and earthy, and has a rich and thick consistency. If you do buy Sun Potion’s shea butter, remember that it needs to be warmed in the hands before you can smoothly apply it. However, it can be slightly greasy, so if you like a quick-absorbing, non-greasy product, this one may not be for you. I personally love how rich it feels on my skin and is a perfect natural alternative to Vaseline or Kiehl’s rich hand balm. If you aren’t familiar with Sun Potion, stay tuned for my upcoming post on my favorite SP herbs/my overall obsession with the company.

Cocokind Chia Facial Oil: **NO LONGER USING DUE TO SKIN REACTION** So as I noted above, post isn’t highlighting my favorite skincare products for my face, although this could fall under that category. Throughout the various challenges I’ve faced with acne and skincare, I learned that my skin is more acne-prone when it is dry. I don’t apply this product to my face everyday, but it certainly is a wonderful natural moisturizer. While this product is marketed for the face, I like to use it on my dry skin as well (re: eczema mentioned earlier). It is a light oil, which soaks in quickly, not leaving you feel slick or super greasy. 

Mountain Ocean Skin Trip: Ok so I am a new user of this product, but I am OBSESSED and don’t foresee myself switching to another moisturizer anytime soon. First of all, it smells like summer in a bottle. I am in love with the coconut smell, and could probably eat this stuff. Secondly, it is a SUPER fast absorbing product, which doesn’t leave your skin feeling slimy (the worst in my opinion with body lotions). While it does sink into your skin quickly, it is SO nourishing and moisturizing. I ordered it off Amazon, but I also saw it for sale in my local Whole Foods. If you try any of these products, I would recommend you give this a try first. I wanted to swap my fragrance and chemical-ridden, body lotion for a natural one, and gave this a try after Lee Tilghman featured it on her IG story. I’ve been using this product for two weeks or so, and have almost gone through half the bottle. Whoopsie! If you like the smell of tropical paradise, you’re going to LOVE this stuff.

**For additional learning on clean beauty from the inside out, please check out "Goop Clean Beauty", Editors of Goop; Forward by Gwyneth Paltrow