The original idea for this issue was “lotions and lubes” but I can't find a toxic-free lube. Sorry Frens. This one has evaded me for some time. Based on what Ox says, maybe you should read his substack for help with this. 😆
On average, it takes our skin about 20 seconds to absorb products that we place upon it. Imagine rubbing all of your skin with toxic chemicals without even knowing it. Fortunately, now that you're subscribed to my substack, you know better. Today I'm going to briefly discuss lotions, moisturizers, sunscreen, and alternatives.
I urge you to either print out or write down the Dirty Dozen from Issue 6 and take it with you when you shop for lotions. What I used to believe were good brands for lotion have turned out not to be so. For example, Aveeno has some lotions that aren't too bad. However, though some of their lotions are okay, others contain harmful ingredients. Don't buy blindly just because you like or think a certain brand is "good." Almost all of the Aveeno line contains petroleum though this brand is greenwashed and marketed as "natural." The products in their line that contain SPF are even worse.
Plant-Based or Animal-Based?
Depending on where you stand on the whole plant-based vs. meat-eater debate, you might want to read your labels for this reason as well. I am animal-based, meaning I consume a large amount of ethically raised meat and try to nourish my body by eating as much of the animal I can (nose-to-tail). Our bodies thrive on animal-based nourishment and the vitamins are easier for us to digest than those of produce and plants. The same goes for our skin.
However, in the past I have used Dr. Bronner's lotions. I liked them and they're toxic-free. If you're opposed to using animal products, this is a good option.
Seed Oils and Skin
If you're against consuming seed oils, as you should be, you should also consider whether or not they are good for your skin. I stated earlier that our skin absorbs most of what we put on it, so seed oils might get into your body if you're using lotions that are made with heavy amounts of them. We switched to tallow-based lotions, balms, and moisturizers and haven't looked back. They are superior to everything we've used before. Our skin soaks them up beautifully and they work wonderfully. Devil especially has had great success with tallow-based moisturizers for his face. So just like our bodies react better to animal-based nutrition, our skin responds better to animal-based personal care products. Like recognizes like and we are more like animals than plants.
Sun and Sunscreen
I try my hardest to avoid sunscreen. For myself, my husband, and my kids. I am a fair skinned redhead, and I STILL avoid sunscreen as much as possible. My kids are fair skinned as well. Sunscreen got a lot of attention this summer with top named brands of aerosol sunscreen being recalled for potential cancerous ingredients.
Even before the recalls from this summer, I avoided it. Sun is good for our skin. Burning is not, but healthy amounts of sun and building a tan give us vital vitamin D, which is an ultra important vitamin for immune health. However, we've been taught to fear the sun!
I believe that wearing sunscreen probably causes more harm than it prevents. I avoid it when I can. We wear long sleeved rash guards, hats, sunglasses, and we limit our sun exposure to healthy amounts or sit in shade. I NEVER spray my family with sunscreen. Inhaling toxic sunscreen on top of absorbing it into our skin is disgusting. I actually move away from others when I see that awful can come out. I hate it so much I have to fight the disgust from showing on my face when someone in our family offers it.
What We Use Instead
When I have no other choice, I use Badger Baby Sunscreen for all of us. It has a light, non disgusting smell. It doesn't smell like sunscreen, which is huge for me. It's safe. It's a zinc based sunscreen so it's thick and takes a while to rub in. Worth it. Also, a note, it takes A LOT of effort to wash off. But even that is okay with me.
I also like Badger's Rose Facial Sunscreen. It has a lighter feel and smells nice. The aroma comes from extracts and essential oils, not fragrance.
However, sunscreen should be your last resort. This is easy if you plan accordingly.
Product Suggestions
*This contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission. It doesn't change the price for you. Thank you.
Plant-based lotion recommendation: Dr. Bronner's
Animal-based recommendation: Balm of Gilead
Not an affiliate, just LOVE their products! These contain tallow.
I HIGHLY recommend the Manuka Honey products. The Lavender Chamomile Momma and Baby Cream is really nice too. It smells amazing. These balms are thick.
Pro tip: use as is or after the shower, don't dry off and rub some of the balm with your damp skin to evenly spread around your body in a thinner layer.
I've also heard that goat milk products are wonderful but I haven't tried them personally. If anyone has a good resource for these, drop them in the comments, please.
You don't need much to take good care of your skin. In fact, the absence of most products would be a good change/choice for most people. Get a healthy amount of sun, don't put poisons on your skin, and find good alternatives, checking products against the Dirty Dozen. If you try out the animal-based lotions and balms, I think you'll be surprised by how well your skin reacts to them. I was and I love them. If you're against that sort of thing, drop your favorite plant-based toxic-free moisturizer recommendations in the comments.
Thanks for reading! Next up, cosmetics!
-Angel