Tricks for Banishing Blemishes

For those of us with acne (myself included), it can be quite frustrating when no over the counter acne fighting products seem to work.  I've tried many of them...natural, synthetic, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, retinol etc. and have yet to find a product that I can honestly say has helped fully banish my blemishes.  However, throughout my quest to clear my skin, I have discovered a few tricks that I must say have been rather effective:



1.  Try a probiotic.
I have a pretty weak stomach and found myself getting mini stomach viruses about once per

month over the past few years, which is pretty inconvenient and unpleasant.  In order to prevent these occurrences, I started taking a Country Life Dairy Free Acidophilus ($26 at Whole Foods) capsule every night.  Believe me...I'm the type of person who is hesitant to take pills, but acidophilus is a naturally occurring bacteria in the digestive system that helps keep your body clear of bacteria formed from consuming food.  The capsule simply helps replenish the body's supply as you would if you were to eat foods like yogurt that contain these live cultures (the pill just has a stronger dose of it).  It definitely has helped my stomach...no mini viruses since I started taking it!  But one surprising side effect was that it helped reduce my the occurrence of zits as well.  As we commonly hear, acne forms as a result of bacteria.  However, we often fail to hear that this includes bacteria within the body in addition to the bacteria on the skin's surface.  Since acidophilus helps control bad bacteria in the body, it can help control its manifestations such as acne as well.

2.  Don't be scared of oils.

If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, you've pretty much been programmed to look for "oil-free" products only because oil + oil = super oily and super oily = the perfect environment for pimples to form.  The truth is that certain types of oils can be irritating or clog your pores, but many of them are actually suitable for oily skin.  Specifically, many synthetic oils and mineral oils can lead to breakouts.  Baby oil is a mineral oil and can aggravate acne.  First of all, there are often scents and fillers in baby oil that can make you break out.  Secondly, these lubricating oils are heavy, aggressive, and sit on the top

of the skin (rather than penetrate it), which can clog your pores.  Steer clear of products that have mineral oil and petrolatum as an ingredient (especially if it's listed first) because they are inexpensive ingredients that artificially leave the skin feeling soft.  However, pure oils like argan oil or grape seed oil can actually help with blemishes.  Pure oils are much lighter, more delicate, and get absorbed by the skin, rather than clog pores.  Plus, they nourish and repair the skin as well as help fade acne scars.  Josie Maran even makes a 100% Pure Argan Oil Light ($48 at Sephora) with a semi-matte finish that is more ideal for those of us with oily skin.  Don't be afraid of these types of oils in your serums, moisturizers, foundation, concealer, etc. and instead, look for claims such as "free of synthetic oils" or "free of mineral oil."
For more information on pure oils:  http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/11/battle-of-oils.html

And sometimes you have to fight oil with oil.  Cleansing oils can actually help reduce oiliness.  How?  Oils mix with other oils, so a cleansing oil can cling to sebum (oil) on the skin and pull it out of pores as it is rinsed away.  Just like regular cleansers, they lather.  Plus, they leave your skin feeling soft without any oily residue.  They do make cleansing oils that target those with dry skin as well, so just ensure that you're not using one of these types of products.  I really like the Amorepacific Treatment Cleansing Oil ($50 at Sephora).  You can also try the Boscia Tsubaki Cleansing Oil-Gel ($28 at Sephora) if you prefer an oil-gel formula instead. 

3.  Be gentle and maintain a good moisture balance.
It's our natural instinct to try and treat acne aggressively...using a blotting

tissue every hour to eliminate excess oil, washing our faces religiously, and using "strong" products.  However, practices like overwashing and overblotting can actually make skin oilier.  When your skin is stripped of its oils, it produces more, and constant oil elimination trains your skin to constantly produce oil.  Limit face washing to twice per day: morning and night, and limit oil blotting to 2-3 times per day.  Even though you have oily skin, you should be moisturizing following cleansing for the same reason.  Your skin needs a certain amount of moisture to remain supple and elastic and if you're not feeding it moisturizer to do so, your skin will produce oil to do the job.  If you feel that creams are too heavy for you, try a lighter moisturizing gel like the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel ($26 at Sephora) instead.  Harsh ingredients like sulfates can also overstrip skin of necessary oils and cause irritation, so look for labels like sulfate-free.  Sulfates are most commonly found in cleansers and are an inexpensive ingredients that act as surfactants and foaming agents.  Give gentler products such as those designed for normal or sensitive skin a try.  I must say that after switching from a traditional benzoyl peroxide acne-fighting gel cleanser to a more soothing and softening rice-bran based face cleanser, my skin was much clearer and smoother.  The calming properties of more gentle products can reduce irritation and inflammation that causes acne.
For more information on skin, oil, and moisture: http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2014/03/when-should-you-be-changing-up-your_17.html

4.  Keep your skin environment clean.
As we discussed earlier, bacteria certainly allows for the formation of pimples, so it is important to keep your pores squeaky clean.  In addition to washing your face, make sure that you're washing the items that touch your face.  This includes your pillowcase.  Grease and dirt from your skin, clothes, and hair can get all over it and transfer to your face while you're sleeping.  Also, make sure to wipe your yoga mat and telephone with a little bit of alcohol or witch hazel every now and then.  Lastly, I know it's a pain, but make sure that you're washing your makeup brushes weekly.  They touch your face every day and can transfer bacteria as well as contaminate your makeup with bacteria if they're not clean.  Simply rinse them with warm water and soap and then allow them to dry...the whole process only takes a few minutes...you just need to bring yourself to actually do it.  Similarly, always wash your hands before applying makeup, especially if you're using your fingers to apply it. 

5.  Reconsider what other products you're using.
Just remember that your face comes in contact with more than what you directly put on your face.  Any body mists, hairsprays, shampoo, or conditioners that you apply can get onto your face and clog your pores.  Cleansing products like shampoos may have irritating sulfates that allow for breakouts, while thick conditioners contain fats that sit on the skin and clog your pores.  The solution is simple.  Make sure to wash your face after washing or conditioning your hair or simply sweep away impurities with a cotton ball and toner after spraying body spray or hairspray especially if you're planning on putting on makeup afterwards.

6.  Add some charcoal to your skincare regiment.
One of my favorite new products to recently hit the market is the Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal ($18 at Sephora).  Charcoal is becoming a hot ingredient in skincare because it acts as a magnet that draws out impurities and detoxifies pores.  The Boscia sponge made a great addition to my routine.  In addition to naturally antibacterial bamboo charcoal, konjac root also works to fight impurities and softens.  Since the sponge is super soften, it is gentle enough to use even around the eye area and provides the extremely mild exfoliation that is appropriate for daily use.  The Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores ($24 at Sephora) also contains charcoal and is a great weekly treat for your pores.

These measures don't necessarily replace the need for using some type of acne treatment whether it is prescription or over the counter.  Instead, it can work with these treatments in helping you reduce blemishes.  For example, I use a prescription retinoid acne treatment that helped significantly reduce but not eliminate my blemishes, and taking a probiotic helped to reduce them further.  And of course remember to practice other good skincare habits such as removing makeup before sleeping, exfoliating regularly, etc. that help ward off acne.
For more information on treating acne with natural products:  http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/09/treating-acne-holistically-is-it.html

When you have acne, the focus of your skincare regiment tends to be on getting rid of it, and you often forget about taking measures to prevent aging.  However, it is important to be doing so since eventually acne will become less of a concern and aging will begin to accelerate.  First, using an eye and lip cream daily should not interfere with any acne products that you're using.  I really like the Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Anti-Wrinkle Eye & Lip Cream ($49 at Sephora).  These two areas are the most delicate and susceptible to wrinkle formation and are not common areas for pimple formation as a result.  Additionally, antioxidants provide good protection against stressors like pollution and the sun that can age your skin, and it is very easy to find acne products that also contain antioxidants.  Try the bliss Steep Clean Mattifying Toner Pads ($38 at Sephora), which help refine pores, regulate sebum production, and eliminate bacteria from the skin's surface while providing antioxidant protection against aging.

For those of you who have struggled with acne, hope this helps!  What tricks to you use to keep your skin clear?

**All product recommendations are toxin-free.

Tips For Summer Beauty

Yay!  Summer is on its way, and it's certainly getting warmer.  What does that mean for your skin?  Since there's more moisture in the air, it's probably feel less parched than it did in January.  In addition, your makeup may feel a little heavy and sticky in the heat.  Check out these tips for summer beauty:

Tip #1:  Swap your moisturizing creams for moisturizing gels. 
I don't know about you, but I can't stand the feeling of moisturizer on my body on a hot summer day.  So one of my favorite beauty products of all time is the L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Sorbet Body Cream ($36 in department stores).  It's a non-sticky, gel-like body cream that melts into your skin, provides hydration, and cools skin.  Plus, the light lemon scent is perfect for the summer.  Another refreshing summer product is cooling gels, which provide just enough hydration for your face in the midst of summer heat.  Use the Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel ($38 at Sephora) as your evening summer moisturizer.  This gel disappears into skin, but keeps moisture sealed in, brightens, and minimizes pores.  And it's much more light-weight than a traditional moisturizer. 

Tip #2:  Boost the SPF
SPF 15 for daily wear is okay for the winter, but kick it up to SPF 30 during the summer when rays are more intense.  Remember that mineral sunblocks are ideal for sun protection.  Just dab a generous amount of bareMinerals Advanced Protection SPF 20 Moisturizer ($30 at Sephora) on your face every morning.  It hydrates and provides mineral-based sun protection.  And don't leave the skin on the rest of your body defenseless against the sun!  You may not care about wrinkles on your arms, but you can certainly get skin cancer there.  Rub some Vaseline Aloe Fresh Body Lotion SPF 15 ($8 at drugstores) on any exposed skin - neck, shoulders, arms, hands - before you go about your day.  I like this Vaseline product a lot because it's affordable, easy to find, and most importantly, healthy.  For more information on SPF, mineral sunblock, and sun protection for the beach, check out: http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/06/summertime-means-sunscreen-time.html

Tip #3:  Rethink your coverage 

Heavy foundations can feel and look worse in hot weather.  Increased oilyness, perspiration, and humidity can make your makeup feel sticky on your face and cake more easily.  I know my foundation looks like a mess at the end of a 90 degree day...liquid foundations can sometimes feel as if they're melting off your face.  Stick with a BB/CC/DD cream or tinted moisturizer if you can.  They are a little bit lighter than an actual foundation and get absorbed by skin more easily.  The Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel ($28 at Sephora) is a BB gel that is light and ideal for summer weather.  If you really prefer fuller coverage, try a mineral makeup like the Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation ($40 at Sephora), which often stays better through perspiration and heat.  The powder foundation type will also help control humidity-induced shine. 


Tip #4:  Repack your purse

There are three items that you should add to your purse during the summer.  First, remember to pack your sunglasses.  Not only do they protect your eyes against developing cataracts, but they also protect the area around your eyes from wrinkles from the sun.  Second, I find myself brushing some Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish Powder To-Go ($46 on dermstore.com) on my face at some point during the middle of the day.  It's a weight-less, clear powder that absorbs excess oil and sets makeup.  This to-go version comes with the brush and mirror attached to the powder.  The powder dispenses into the brush for easy application and storage in your bag.  Lastly, keep some Evian Mineral Water Spray Duo To Go ($14 at Sephora) handy to spritz your face throughout the day.  The cold mist will feel so cool and refreshing on a hot day.  The water formula also sets makeup, restores hydration, and helps remove sweat.

Tip #5:  More vitamin E, less mineral oil
As I mentioned, you have an added sun stressor on your skin during the summer.  In

addition to protecting your skin from the sun during the day with SPF, it is also important to

assist with repairing any damage related to sun exposure during the night.  Using a vitamin E treatment can help with the recovery process, provide antioxidant protection against the sun, and soothe sunburned skin.  The Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light ($48 at Sephora) is a summer must-have.  This product is a pure oil, and argan oil is rich in natural vitamin E.  You may be thinking that the oil may feel too greasy in the summer, but Josie Maran makes a "light" version that is fast absorbing and super lightweight.  On the other hand, mineral oils (baby oil, petroleum jelly) attract sunlight and can cause burns.  Remember in the 1970's when people used baby oil to tan?  So make sure you're not using mineral oil or products that list mineral oil (or derivatives of it) as an ingredient in the morning.

Tip #6:  Tone down the deeps and have fun with brights.

Put those deep shades away.  Dark eye and lip makeup can get magnified by sunlight and often looks too heavy during the summer.  Ditch the ruby lipstick for a more natural looking shimmery peach lip gloss like the Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Amber ($19 at Sephora).  Shimmer is nice in the summer because it reflects the sunlight and gives off a pretty glow.  Another part of summer fun is bright nail colors.  The brightest pinks, oranges, blues seem more "acceptable" in the summer so take advantage of it!  I personally love the new Sally Hansen Triple Shine in Pixie Slicks ($5 in drugstores), an ultra shiny bright pink color with a hint of coral...super fun and pretty for summer!

Enjoy the warm weather everyone!

**All product recommendations are toxin-free

Battle of the Oils

One of the latest trends in beauty products has been pure oils.  If you haven't tried them yet, you're definitely missing out!  I'm not talking about the serum oils, cleansing oils, or moisturizing oil treatments (like the Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil) that have been around for a while...I'm referring to plain, old pure oils. 

There are many great benefits to using a light layer of oil underneath or instead of your moisturizer.  Why?

• Since these oils are derived from natural substances, you know they're healthy.  
• They're gentle, soothing, and great for even the most sensitive skin types.
• They're more potent than moisturizers, which means that your skin gets a stronger dose of beneficial ingredients.  Moisturizers that "contain vitamin C" for example also contain a lot of fillers that dilute the ingredient.
• They offer benefits to all skin types.
• Save time and money.  These 2-in-1 products are treatment + moisturizers.
• Believe it or not, they often feel less greasy (they absorb pretty fast) than traditional moisturizers.  And they smell pretty nice too :)
• You can use them anywhere on your body - try them as a hair treatment, makeup remover, or cuticle moisturizer too.

A lot people are hesitant to use oils though because some myths have given them a bad rep.  


Myth #1:  Oil = sun sensitivity   
Many of us have probably heard of people using baby oil to tan because it draws sunlight to react with your skin.  The truth is that certain oils, primarily citrus-based oils, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.  Many pure oils, however, will not.  Just be sure to check the packaging of an oil to make sure that it won't make your skin sensitive to sunlight.  In fact, you can use products like the Josie Maran argan oil and the Boscia tsubaki oil both day and night.

Myth: Oil = acne
Some oils such as mineral oil (baby oil) can aggravate acne.  First of all, there are often scents and fillers in baby oil that can make you break out.  Secondly, these lubricating oils are heavy, aggressive, and sit on the top of the skin (rather than penetrate it), which can clog your pores.  Pure oils are much lighter, more delicate, and get absorbed by the skin, so all skin types - even those with acne - can use them.

That being said...here are the four most popular and commercialized pure oils on the market today:

1.  Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil ($48 at Sephora)
Winner:  Repairing/Replenishing 
You've probably heard about argan oil by now, since it's been one of the hottest new beauty products in the past few years for everything from skin to hair to cuticles to even stretch marks.  Argan oil comes from Moroccan Argan trees and is rich in both vitamin E and fatty acids.  Thus, it offers some really great skin benefits including repairing, nourishing, and conditioning and is really great for all skin types including acne-prone skin. Josie Maran is the queen of argan oil, which is featured in all of her products.  She even makes a "light" argan oil for those of you, who want an extra light-weight product.   

2.  Marula Pure Marula Face Oil ($78 at Sephora)

Winner:  Soothing/Softening
Marula oil comes from marula nuts in East Africa.  Why is it a super skin-saver?  In addition to its protecting, and rejuventating properties, marula oil is loaded with omega acids that smooth and firm skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Antioxidants also work to slow aging and fight free radical damage.  Overall, the oil offers great soothing and softening qualities for all skin types and is especially useful for people with skin conditions, dry skin, or sensitive skin.  Plus you can even add it to other facial products to increase efficacy.

3.  Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil ($46 at Sephora)

Winner:  Brightening/Radiance
Extracted from superfruits of the Amazon, maracuja oil is a great natural brightener.  Rich in vitamin C, which helps your skin cells with the natural turnover process, this product will rejuvenate your skin and leave your complexion with a radiant glow.  It also contains essential fatty acids that you're skin can't produce naturally, but help keep your skin supple and hydrated.  For those of you with dull skin or dark spots, this is the oil for you.  And don't forget that maracuja is a great anti-inflammatory too!  Just one thing to keep in mind is that this product may make your skin photo-sensitive, so limit your usage to night-time skincare.

4.  Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil ($46 at Sephora)

Winner:  Anti-Aging
The Japanese have always been pioneers in skincare.  Boscia's Tsubaki Beauty Oil features Japanese ingredients that will keep your skin flawless for years.  First, tsubaki or camellia oil (from camellia plants in Japan) is a great source of fatty and omega 3 acids to fight signs of aging and protect against free radical damage.  This product also includes wakame, or Japanese sea kelp, to replenish protein and assist in collagen product as well as rice bran oil to boost radiance and increase microcirculation.  Great for all skin types and ideal for mature skin!

Personally, I am a huge fan of pure oils because they feel great, and I generally see results faster than I do when I use other moisturizers or treatments.  I have tried all four of these products and absolutely can't say a bad thing about any of them.  However, since I have oily skin with blemishes and acne scars, I use argan oil in the spring and summer (vitamin E helps repair sun damage too) to treat the former and then switch the maracuja oil in the fall and winter to treat the latter.  Different oils offer differ benefits, so you have to look for the one that's best for you.  Usually, I put it under my moisturizer at night and sometimes, I use it in the morning too as extra hydration to lock in moisture on extra cold days when the air is dry or to keep my makeup in tact if I have a long day ahead of me.

You may see other cheaper brands of these oils in stores like Whole Foods.  Just make sure that they're pure, meaning that no stabilizers, scents, preservatives have been added, and that they're cold pressed, which minimizes the loss of nutrients during the oil extraction process. 

In addition to these more commercialized oil products, there are also some other oils that are great for your skin.  Some may be slightly less potent than the pure oils I just discussed.  But, they're still nourishing ingredients for your skin and only a fraction of the cost.  In particular, there are a few types of oil that can be power products for your complexion:

• Coconut oil provides deep hydration by gently removing rough and dry excess skin cells and locking in moisture.  It's also great for hydrated, shiny hair.  Plus, it provides antioxidant protection.
• Avocado oil is not only rich in free-radical fighting antioxidants, but it is also rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and omega-3 oil.  You get skin that is moisturized, soothed, protected, nourished, and more supple.
• Grape seed oil comes from grapes and offers anti-inflammatory properties to fight acne, an astringent to tighten pores, antioxidant protection, and fatty acids to help stimulate cell regeneration.
• Jojoba oil from seeds of the jojoba plant is actually a liquid wax.  Interestingly, it can be great in treating a variety of skin conditions.  In particular, it helps dissolve oil that can clog your pores, which controls blemishes, even out your complexion, and soften fine lines and wrinkles.  As an antibacterial anti-inflammatory, it helps soothe skin irritation related to conditions like eczema and sunburn.
• Sweet almond oil is a great skin softener (rather than moisturizer) to keep your skin feeling supple and elastic...and not to mention that it is packed with soothing, turnover promoting, and anti-aging vitamins A, D, and E.
• Rosehip oil has been growing in popularity, especially amongst celebs like Miranda Kerr and Victoria Beckham.  Why?  It contains the big three - vitamin A to fight wrinkles, vitamin C to fight dark spots, and vitamin E to fight damage - along with antioxidants and inflammation fighters. 

All of these oils are 100% healthy and can be conveniently found at Whole Foods and other grocery stores.  Like pure oils, you can simply use a few drops under or in lieu of your moisturizer at night. 

Now what about essential oils?  Essentials oils are highly concentrated oils that are derived from plants.  Many of them are good for your skin.  For instance, lavender oil offer soothing and antiseptic properties.  Since essential oils are so concentrated and can be quite fragrant, try to use them more cautiously and sparingly if you incorporate them into your skincare regiment.  In other words, rather than using a few drops of them each night as a moisturizer, mix a few drops into your jar of moisturizer.  This will dilute the oil a bit and keep it from irritating your skin.  And keep them away from your eyes!  I personally prefer to save essential oils for my baths. 

Overall, oils can be a rewarding addition to your beauty routine.  Just make sure that you are using the right types of oil and oils that will suit your specific skincare needs.

What types of oil do you use?

Swapping Baby Oil for Olive Oil: Healthy Substitutions for Popular Unhealthy Beauty Products - Part 2

In May, I did a post on how to substitute some popular, unhealthy beauty products with healthier alternatives.  I was inspired by the articles that I've seen in health magazines like Shape and Weight Watchers, where nutritionists tell you how to replace fattening snacks with healthier options.  Anyways, many of my followers requested another "swapping" post.

So, by popular demand, here's round two :)

1.  If you love Johnson's Original Baby Oil ($6 at drugstores)...then try Bertolli Classico

100% Pure Olive Oil ($10 at grocery stores).
Many of us like to use baby oil to remove makeup or hydrate our skin.  Baby oil is essentially mineral oil or petrolatum, which can promote skin damage rather than skin repair.  Olive oil has the same makeup-removing and hydrating properties but without the petrolatum.  In addition, the olive will help protect against free radicals and irritants.  It will even condition your eyelashes if you use it as a makeup remover.

2.  If you love bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($27 at Sephora)...then try Bellapierre Mineral Foundation ($65 www.bellapierre.com).

Although I love bareEscentual products, I am actually not a fan of their mineral foundation.  I know it's odd because mineral foundation is the brand's core competency, and they basically invented the concept.  In my opinion, they may have been the first to do mineral makeup, but they aren't the best.  I've found that the formula can be difficult to smooth over skin and cakes after a few hours.  But more importantly, the bareMinerals foundations contain bismuth oxychloride.  Other brands like Jane Iredale and Pur Minerals that also produce mineral makeup don't contain this toxin, and Bellapierre produces a foundation in a loose powder form that is similar to the bareMinerals one.

3.  If you love Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix ($29 at Sephora)...then try Urban Decay All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($29 at Sephora).

Currently on the market, the two most popular facial sprays for setting your makeup are made by Make Up For Ever and Urban Decay.  Although both work really well, only the Urban Decay one is paraben-free.  While the Make Up For Ever one protects your makeup by covering it with a thin, invisible film, the Urban Decay one preserves your makeup by lowering its temperature.

4.  If you love Benefit Cosmetics Benetint ($30 at Sephora)...then try Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee ($22 at Sephora).
Cheek tints are a great way to add a healthy glow to your complexion.  Compared with

traditional blush, they are a little bit more natural looking and can be easier to apply.  The Josie Maran cheek tint is a very nice product that launched only a few months ago.  Unlike the Benefit one, it is paraben-free and contains coconut, which is excellent for your skin (hydrates and provides antioxidant protection).  Both the Benefit and Josie Maran products come in a variety of glamorous colors.

5.  If you love Philosophy The Present Invisible Skin Perfector & Oil-Free Makeup Primer ($29 at Sephora)...then try Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light ($36 at Sephora).
When it comes to prime time, swap Philosophy for Smashbox.  Made with a water-based formula, the Smashbox light primer is great for oily skin like the Philosophy one is, but without the parabens.

6.  If you love Freeman Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask ($4 at drugstores)...then try Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Calming Facial Mask ($15 at drugstores).
Cucumber can be a really nice soothing treat for your skin, but the Freeman cucumber mask contains two types of parabens.  Next time you buy a cucumber mask, reach for the Yes to Cucumbers one.  All of the Yes to products are free of harmful ingredients and can be conveniently found at drugstores, where you would buy the Freeman masks.

7.  If you love Colgate Total Toothpaste ($6 at drugstores)...then try Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17 at Nordstrom).
One of the oldest, quick-fix beauty tricks is dabbing a little toothpaste on a zit before you go to bed so that by morning, the alcohol will have dried it out.  The problem is that although toothpaste dries out your zit, it also dries out your skin, leaving it hard and red.  Specifically, Colgate Total contains dangerous triclosan.  The Drying Lotion is also an overnight-spot treatment that dries out your pimple in a more gentle way.  When you wake up in the morning, your zit will be gone, and your skin won't be all red and crusty.

8.  If you love Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Soap ($3 at drugstores for a pack of 3)...then try Tom's of Maine Daily Moisture Natural Beauty Bar Soap ($5 at drugstores for a pack of 2).
One of the most popular soap brands is Dial.  Unfortunately, its products contain harmful triclocarbon.  Instead, try the Tom's of Maine natural soaps.  The Natural Beauty Bar soap features sage, which naturally gives it the same deodorizing qualities that the Dial one has.  And it leaves your skin feeling just as soft!

9.  If you love Neutrogena Visibly Bright Daily Facial Cleanser ($6 at drugstores)... then try 100% Pure Jasmine Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser ($19 at Look Boutiques).
Neutrogena is a leader in face cleanser production.  But next time you reach for one, watch out because most of them use harsh sulfates.  With the 100% Pure product, licorice and fruit acids will give you the same radiance booster as the Neutrogena one but without the skin-damaging agents.

10.  If you love Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 ($11 at Ulta)...then try Aveeno Natural Protection Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 ($11 at Ulta).
I really like Aveeno sunscreens for multiple reasons.  Brands like Banana Boat smell really sunscreen-like, and Neutrogena products make me be break out.  The Aveeno ones are light, moisturizing, and calming.  However, Aveeno's non-natural sunscreen contains oxybenzone, which is a potential toxin.  So, next time, try the Natural Protection lotion.  It's not only toxin-free, but also uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as natural UV fighters that are more effective than the chemical sunscreens found in the Protect + Hydrate lotion.  Plus these products are the same price, found on same store shelves, have the same SPF...healthy swapping couldn't get any easier! 

Hope this helps you make more some healthy substitutions!