Hello My Lovelies,

Welcome to another post on one of my major skin concerns, Eczema. If you are new to my site, welcome and please be sure to check out my first post on the this special topic here. Before I go any further, let’s do that fun disclaimer thing I also did in my first eczema post:

Please note, I am not a doctor. This post is not meant to replace the advice and guidance of a dermatologist. If you suspect that you may have Eczema please consult with your doctor before trying any new products or changing your skincare routine. This post is simply a way for me to share my beauty knowledge about some great products that worked for me in my lifelong fight against Eczema. Thank You.

So now that you have thoroughly read the statement above, like THREE times, we can continue with the actual article.

Now, let’s talk about Clean Beauty, and how and why Honey and Roses will have your skin healed and happy this whole season.

In today’s beauty sphere products that are formulated with mainly naturally derived ingredients, as well those that are formulated without certain specific ingredients are often referred to as “clean beauty” products.

Fun Fact: On Instagram the hashtag (#cleanbeauty) has 1.2 million posts! Most of the Clean Beauty products or “natural” products that are paving the fresh green way for this category are formulated without the following ingredients: synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, sulfates, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban. Clean Beauty products have ingredients that are ethically sourced and harvested with a minimal carbon footprint. Sephora carries several brands that fit within these parameters so they have made it easy to navigate this exciting category of skincare goodness!  I do not believe any of  the ingredients listed above are “bad” for you but I do believe that not all ingredients will agree with your skin and you have to find alternative options that work best to address what your skin needs to be happy.

Because there are different things that can trigger my eczema, such as pollen, weather changes, laundry detergents, or even certain body washes I started using more naturally derived products as way to combat the discomfort and inflammation. I felt that if I streamlined by routine, especially for the products I use on my body I would be better able to pinpoint triggers and which ingredients worked best and what I should try to avoid. I am always excited to incorporate products that provide the key benefits needed when dealing with eczema: repair, calming, and hydration.

When In Doubt, Just Give Roses

The brand that helped me take the first steps of my clean beauty journey was Korres. I first fell in love with the brand because of their body products. I have eczema from head to toe so when I started using their gentle body washes and lovingly hydrating body butters  I was in heaven and my skin thanked me repeatedly.   As I learned more about the brand and the extensive research and science behind it I started using more of the face products in my routine.  Korres products are made without petrolatum, mineral oil, silicones, propylene glycol, and ethanolamines. They are also dermatologist tested and cruelty-free.

So when Korres launched the Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil with real rose petals in the bottle (HELLO!!) , I quickly added to cart and hit the order button.  Rose is one of my favorite ingredients because it is anti-inflammatory, helps to prevent scarring, provides nourishing hydration and helps your skin retain moisture.  It also has aromatherapeutic benefits.  In addition to dryness, this facial oil also addresses dullness and fine lines. I use it morning and evening to help protect my skin. It has helped to defend against dry itchy patches on my face and neck, and I also mix it with my foundation for an added super shot of moisture. With continued use you will see more even skin tone, smoother skin, and it will help heal the struggle.

Photo credit: sephora.com

The Sweet Life

All I can say is that I am desperately in love with the Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask with Echinacea GreenEnvy. Honey as an ingredient is a powerhouse game changer that is antibacterial, packed with antioxidants, helps to keep pores in check, and moisturizes. I decided to try this product because I was looking for a hydrating mask that I could use daily in the cooler months of the year. My skin is dry nine out of the twelve months in the year. No Joke.

Farmacy is brand that stands as a great example of all aspects of clean beauty. Farmacy uses a patented ingredient found growing wild in upstate New York!! This wild plant, known as Echinacea Green Envy(™) has 300% more natural antioxidants in its roots than regular Echinacea. It is the core ingredient of the brand. The honey that Farmacy uses is made by their “VIBs” (very important bees) that pollinate those wild Echinacea flowers which gives their honey added super antioxidants. It doesn’t get much “cleaner” than that. Farmacy also has their own “clean commandments”: PARABEN FREE, FORMALDEHYDE DONOR, FREE SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE FREE, PHTHALATE FREE MINERAL OIL FREE, CRUELTY FREE

photo credit: farmacy.com

Honey is a must have ingredient in your skincare routine if you have eczema because it is soothing and acts a humectant, pulling moisture to your skin where it needs it.  The mask also has B Vitamins and other antioxidants to fight those yucky free radicals that can cause premature aging. When you apply it to the skin it gives a warming sensation and then becomes creamy. I love to use it in the morning as part of my pre-makeup skincare routine. Over the course of two weeks I noticed that my skin was smoother, brighter, and my moisturizer absorbed better!! Maintaining moisture levels consistently helps to keep your skin strengthened and calm which will help to minimize flare ups.

These are two of my favorite products as part of keeping my condition manageable. I would love here how they work for you if you decide to try them!

Be sure to let me know, leave a comment below!

XOXO

Lily Sage