Is Your Skincare Routine Messing with Your Health?

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Let's chat about how your skincare might be more connected to your well-being than you realize, especially if you're dealing with chronic health issues.

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Retinoids: What You Need to Know

Retinoids – those buzzworthy skincare superheroes like Tretinoin and Retin-A. They're the VIPs of the skincare world, known for their impressive vitamin A lineage. Tretinoin and Retin-A are like the cool kids who need a prescription for you to hang out with them. But fear not, there's a retinoid squad available over-the-counter – retinols! These pals are famous for fighting acne, brightening up your skin tone, and even tackling those pesky fine lines. They're basically your skincare sidekicks.

A Little Caution for Our Chronic Illness Warriors

But hold up! If you're dealing with a chronic health issue, it's time to hit the pause button. Whether you've conquered your health battles or are still in the midst of the fight, retinoids might not be your best buddies just yet. They can be heavy on your liver, which is like your body's backstage manager. We definitely want to treat our backstage crew with care, right?

I personally realized that retinoids were problematic for me. You can hear more in my latest podcast.

We're going to go into some safe and healthy alternatives to retinoids in just a bit, but first, let's talk about some other culprits to watch out for.

Navigating the Land of Clean Skincare

First up, parabens – they're like the preservatives that party a bit too hard and mess with your hormone harmony. Not cool, right? Then there are sulfates, which often sneak into your cleansers. These can dry out your skin and cause problems too.

The Scent and Dye Dilemma

Fragrances and dyes are the tricky twins of skincare. If you've got chronic issues, not only can fragrances and dyes be bad for your skin, but also remember that your skin absorbs, so they can be affecting you at deeper levels too.

Exploring New Paths: Skincare Beyond Retinoids

Don't despair, because there's a whole world of skincare out there beyond retinoids, parabens, and other problematic ingredients. Bakuchiol is a natural alternative that's like the retinoid's cool cousin. It's derived from plants and might just be the answer you've been looking for. There are some promising brands out there that use Bakuchiol, including Dr. Sam's Brightly Serum.

Methylene Blue: A New Player in Town

Let's shine the spotlight on methylene blue – the new kid on the skincare block. It has antioxidant properties and functions as a cool multitasker, shielding you from harsh rays and keeping fine lines at bay. Imagine it as the superhero cape your skin didn't know it needed.

Note about Methylene Blue: It's literally a dye, so make sure not to get it on anything because it will stain it!

DIY Magic: Crafting Your Own Skincare

So, you're feeling adventurous and want to whip up your own skincare potion? I got you covered!

  • Grab a two-ounce jar and throw in some aloe vera gel.

  • Next, sprinkle in a teaspoon of ascorbic acid (that's fancy talk for vitamin C).

  • Now, for the grand finale, add just a teeny drop of methylene blue (make sure to use something you can throw away to mix). Mix it all up, and voilà – you've got your very own elixir of radiance!

As long as you don't put too much methylene blue in your mixture, your skin might have a blue tinge to it but it won't dye it.

Meet the Clean Skincare Crew

A few of our favorite brands of clean skincare:

  • Drunk Elephant

  • Summer Fridays

  • And Ren Clean Skincare.

These brands are all about clean, healthy vibes, and they're ready to level up your skincare game.

Skincare Isn't Only Skin Deep

Remember that your skincare journey is more than skin-deep. It's about harmony, well-being, and feeling your absolute best. Of course, make sure to drink plenty of water, get healthy Vitamin D, and all the other things we talk about in the Holistic Healing with Lorrie Blog to keep yourself healthy and happy!