We’re proud that none of our products contain any harsh chemicals, and it's exciting to see other leading skin care professionals hopping on the same chemical-free train. But with all of the different skincare products out there, it can quickly become overwhelming when deciding which one to go with.

The good news? Knowing some of the red flags to look out for when making your decision can make this process much easier. 

Here are a few to keep in your back pocket:

Heavy Fragrances

In general, the way fragrances in skincare products are regulated can get a bit tricky. Many of the ingredients that make up a heavy fragrance tend to fly under the radar, and can be filled with tons of spooky synthetic and allergy-provoking chemicals. 

So what's a person to do? Look for products that utilize natural oils or allergen-free fragrances (much like our own), and brands that are transparent about the ingredients that go into their products. Hey, if the shoe fits. 

Heavy Exfoliators

Exfoliating is incredibly important. But we’ve said it before, and we still stand by it: there is such a thing as too much exfoliation. And heavy exfoliators can be harmful to your skin.  Abrasive scrubs strip your skin, which leads to dryness and irritation.  And, it can worsen skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne. 

Instead, try natural cleansers and more gentle exfoliators to keep your pores clean, and your skin healthy.

Long-Wear Makeup

We know that maybe makeup isn’t technically skincare, but you still are applying it to your skin, right?  So, we figured, might as well arm you with the power of knowledge in this department as well.

 For starters, long-wear makeup products are able to cling to your skin for so long because their packed full of strong chemicals that your skin shouldn’t be exposed to on a daily basis (or, honestly ever).  And, that’s not the only problem. 

When wearing long-wear makeup, we tend to fall off of our typical skincare routine.  Think: not washing your face because it’s “concealer you can sleep in.”  It’s never good to have harsh chemicals on your skin, but especially overnight.

At the end of the day, slowly replacing any red-flag products with alternatives that are free of harsh chemicals and parabens is a great place to start.  Trust us, your skin will thank you.

You may have heard of dry brushing in the past, but are a little unsure of what it is exactly.  Dry brushing is an important tool in helping your body detox.  It helps exfoliate your skin by brushing away that surface layer of dry and dead skin cells, while also stimulating lymph nodes, improving cellulite appearance, boosting circulation, and so much more.

While dry brushing provides these great benefits, most people are still hazy on what it is specifically, how to do it, and why.  So, we’re here to clear the air and tell you everything you need to know about dry brushing.  And, why you definitely want to add it to your daily routine.

What it is

Basically, dry brushing is just brushing your skin with the soft, but stiff, bristles of a non-synthetic brush.  Sometimes we forget that our skin is our largest organ.  And, it is an organ of elimination, so about one-third of our bodies’ toxins are exerted through our skin.  Dry brushing helps make this process easier by ridding skin of dead skin cells and unclogging pores.

Dry brushing doesn’t just help your body detox from the skin’s surface, but it also stimulates your lymphatic system, which is what’s pushing all those toxins out from the inside.  And, as if helping make it easier on your body to get rid of those nasty toxins wasn’t enough, dry brushing also is proven to help minimize the appearance of any cellulite on the body.

How to do it

Okay, so you know what dry brushing is, but now you need to know how exactly you’re supposed to do it.  Easy.  Just buy yourself an all-natural bristle brush.  We prefer one with a longer handle so that it’s easier to reach each part of your body.  Then, every day before you shower, brush yourself.  It’s important that you start at your feet and always brush towards your heart.  And, make sure you use long, sweeping strokes.  After you brush and shower, then moisturize.  It’s important to note that, while dry brushing may leave your skin a little pink at first, you should never brush so hard that your skin is red or scratched.

So, by doing just a little bit more before your shower each day, you can be doing your skin a big favor.

It’s finally summertime and we know how eager you are to spend more time outside, soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.  While the sunshine is so good for our mind, body, and soul, it can be a little harsh on our skin when we’re not properly prepared.  So, we put together a list of tips to ensure that your skin has just as much fun in the sun as you do this summer.

Exfoliate Less

Exfoliating too much is never a good thing, but it’s especially important to cut back during the summer.  We exfoliate in order to rid our skin of the dry and dead skin cells that collect on the surface, which is super necessary, but also can leave our skin feeling sensitive.  Without the little bit of protection provided by that dry layer, the fresh layer of skin is more susceptible to sunburn and inflammation.

So, the most you should exfoliate is once a week during the summer.  And, if you’re spending most of your time outside, you can even scale back to once every other week.     

Sunscreen: Your Skin’s Best Friend

We know we don’t have to tell you to wear sunscreen.  You already know how important it is to protect your skin from the strong summer sun.  But, we do have a little reminder: if you apply your sunscreen before you’re actually in the sun, it will be more effective.  And, be sure you continue to reapply every two to three hours.  There’s really no such thing as too much sunscreen.

Unfortunately, despite all efforts to protect our skin, we all usually still get burnt, at least once, each summer.  When this does happen, it’s important we help our skin recover and repair.  Luckily, Jojoba Oil is an amazing natural remedy for treating sunburns.  And, our Jojoba Gel Cream will help soothe your skin on those days it does get a little too much sun.

Don’t Forget Some Lip Coverage

While sunscreen is simple to remember, lip balm is easier to overlook.  Our lips are even more sensitive to the sun than the rest of our face.  We recommend finding a lip balm you like that’s at least SPF 10.  And, like your sunscreen, make sure you reapply throughout the day.

Hydration is Key

Keep yourself and your skin hydrated.  Drinking enough water each day is so important, even when you’re not spending all that extra time in the sun.  In the heat, your body dries out at an even quicker rate.  So, be aware of this and hydrate accordingly.

And, fun fact: drinking water isn’t the only way to make sure you stay hydrated.  You can also enjoy a refreshing fruit plate.  Watermelon and cucumbers are two of the fruits with the highest water content, so by enjoying these fun summer snacks, you’re also replenishing your skin.

We hope these easy little summer tricks will help keep your skin just as happy and healthy in the sun as you are.