How to Use Skin Care Products for Healthy Skin

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It absorbs almost anything you apply to it. So to stay healthy, make sure you use products following the steps outlined below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. USE LESS:
   Although advertisements would have us believe that we need dozens of products to look good and feel good, it isn’t true. Skin needs to be cleansed, hydrated, and nourished. Anything beyond that is just a way to line the pockets of marketers.

2. USE HEALTHY:
   Healthy products are ones we can digest. Would you eat what you’re about to put on your face? Probably best not to use it. If the substances come from nature then your body can probably absorb them without negative effects. For instance, there are many suggestions on the web for how to use honey, lemon and oatmeal in place of expensive products loaded with chemicals.

3. USE MORE:
   Skin needs moisture and benefits from natural vitamins and minerals. Drink plenty of water. Use Vitamin C to protect skin from the sun. Vitamin E is loaded with antioxidants that create smooth skin. Vitamin A helps skin retain moisture. Grape seed extract helps skin stay firm. Honey is a natural antibacterial and can help clean skin and protect against acne breakouts. Oatmeal is a great way to scrub away dry skin.

4. USE NEVER:
   A number of chemicals used by the skin care industry have been identified as toxic and potentially cancer causing. Print this list* and take it with you when you’re shopping.
   
   Butyl Acetate
   Butylated Hydroxytoluene
   Coal Tar
   Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA
   Diazolidinyl Urea
   Ethyl Acetate
   Formaldehyde
   Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl)
   Petroleum
   Propylene Glycol
   Phthalates
   Sodium Laureth/Sodium Laurel Sulfate
   Triethanolamine
   Talc
   Toulene
   
   *List courtesy Northwestern University