The Problem:
Let’s be honest, you don’t actually have problem skin. You’re one of the luckier ones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do more to refine and improve your complexion. The term “normal” is a misnomer, in that skin is normally a combination of oilier and drier areas. Either you have little to no shine on your forehead and slightly dry cheeks, or you have a slightly oily forehead and normal cheeks. Both types fall within the “normal” or combination category. You may have occasional breakouts, but nothing regular, and never more than a couple blemishes at a time.
The Details:
The only real problem you likely have is finding products that work for both areas. To help bring your skin back to balance, drink plenty of water and start using more balancing beauty products. But it needs to be the RIGHT products.
The problem with conventional beauty products for skin (beyond their overall toxicity) is that most of them contain harsh, drying and irritating chemicals which actually work against your skin’s needs. So you strip your skin’s protective barrier with a harsh cleanser and replace that moisture with another harsh moisturizer, and just end up needing more of the products over time. This cycle actually changes the overall pH of your skin, putting your skin off balance and making it work overtime to get back to “normal”.
So, what are the right products? Those that help build up your skin’s natural defenses, work with your skin’s existing pH levels, and balance out your skin’s production of moisture in both areas of the T-zone and cheeks. And above all, products that contain zero dangerous or irritating chemicals.
Where do I Start?
Ready to Buy:
Now that I have been at this green beauty thing for several years, I recommend starting with ready to buy products instead of making your own. This is because until you know what really works well for your skin, I don’t want you sinking a bunch of money into individual bulk ingredients that you don’t know will work for you. For that reason, I recommend starting with completely clean, but relatively simple and economical product choices wherever possible, so you can save money for the better products that make the biggest difference. In this case, the Cleanser, Toner and Face Wipes are super cheap (grocery store prices), while still being USDA Certified Organic. While the moisturizers and treatments are more mid-ranged price wise, but they are the most important for your skin. Moisturizers actually stay on your skin longer, working to help repair damage and prevent aging (because it’s never to early for that).
Cleanser: Acure Facial Cleansing Gel (Normal to Oily Skin)
Toner: Acure Balancing Rose & Red Tea Facial Toner
Day Moisturizer: Blissoma Awake Morning Firming Facial Moisturizer
Night Moisturizer: Blissoma Peace Evening Calming Créme
Cleansing Cloths: Acure Unscented Argan Oil Facial Cleansing Towelettes
FAQs:
Q: Do I really need a morning and night moisturizer? A: Personally, I say yes. In the morning you need something a little lighter that lays well under makeup, but at night, you need something richer that helps restore your skin while you sleep. If you can only swing one for now, try the Morning moisturizer first and add a pump of Acure’s Rosehip Seed Oil at night.
Q: Do I need a toner since my skin is normal? A: Maybe not, but this toner is under $10, and the skin balancing ingredients will help even out your skin. This toner will help make sure you got ALL your makeup off, balance out your skin and prep it to better absorb your moisturizers. So, you can skip it if you like. I would rather see you buy a gentle but clean cleanser and a really good botanical moisturizer than you buy the cleanser and toner but keep using your chemical-laden moisturizer.
Q: Do I need the Face Cleansing Cloths? A: Absolutely not. I just love the convenience of them in the morning when I have a crying baby ready for breakfast. I find a lot of people love the convenience of wipes, so why not point you in the direction of a safe and clean option.
Q: Can’t I just make it? I thought going green was all about DIY skincare? A: When I started green beauty, it was all about DIY. But now there are a lot of great green beauty skin care products that have such amazing, clean, skin-transforming ingredients. If I were to try to buy all the ingredients I currently use and make my own, it would cost exponentially more money. Now, I still do use my own recipe of Oil Cleanser half the year when I need more moisture. After a lot of requests and number crunching, I am happy to offer you the best oil cleanser for your skin type. I have spent three years at this point researching and developing recipes for each of the four major skin types. I’m proud to now be offering products of my own.
My personal journey started with the Oil Cleansing Method, which I explain in very specific detail on that post. Looking back, I probably went around the world to find what was right for my skin in my own back yard. But everyone’s skin is different and I don’t want to discourage you from trusting your instincts. If you are interested in trying oil cleansing, I recommend you start it in the winter when your skin naturally needs more moisture.
