My Plant-Based Skin Care Routine

Well, hey there, friend! I’m so thrilled to be back to the blog! It’s been farrrrr too long! Things have been going well for us. We are in our eighth week of our homeschool year. Everyone is growing and learning and thriving so much. My heart is full and overflowing for this beautiful season of life!

Today, I’m sharing my plant-based skin care routine that I absolutely LOVE. But, first, I have to tell you a story. When I was a teenager I had the worst skin. I had acne like crazy and in an act of desperation and with a sliver of hope I followed the instructions I read in a waiting room magazine and rubbed fresh lemons all over my face. It was a Saturday night and I believed the LIE in that magazine that the lemon juice would take off the top layer of skin to reveal beautiful, clear, vibrant skin. Um, I was wrong. And so was the magazine. 😳

About 10 minutes into this “treatment” my face was BURNING from all the acid. It was BAD. Major ouch. It took years for the red splotchiness to completely go away.

I used Clearasil for my cleanser for nearly two decades before I transitioned to castile soap after researching what’s really in run-of-the-mill skin care products. Yikes! While I really liked the non-toxic nature of castile soap, I could tell that it wasn’t actually nourishing my skin. I never moisturized except for the very rare coconut oil on my face. Oh the beauty of being in my 20s. Ha! I realized a few years ago that I needed to change my skin care routine…ahem, those 30 year old wrinkles. Bah, humbug! Haha!

What’s REALLY in “typical” skin care products?

Did you know that the American government doesn’t require health studies or pre-market testing of the chemicals in personal care products, even though just about everyone is exposed to them. Yikes!

Many cleansers, scrubs, moisturizers, serums etc are nothing more than a toxic cocktail of chemicals, artificial coloring, and fragrance. I would encourage you to research the dangers of:

• sodium lauryl sulfate
• alcohols
• fragrance
• parabens
• petroleum based oils
• salicylic acid
• benzyol peroxide
• mineral oils

Did you know that the average woman puts 515 synthetic chemicals on her body every single day without even knowing?? Guess how much of that is absorbed through our skin {holla, the largest organ!!}?? 60%. CRAZY!

The European Union has banned over 1,300 chemicals found in cosmetics. The FDA has only banned 8 and restricted 3. Huh? That’s definitely something to think about. Download the Think Dirty app and check out the personal care products in your bathroom and cosmetic bag! It’s quite eye opening.

Because of learning all of this I looked for better options. I was already a Young Living member and LOVED the oils, but I hadn’t jumped into the skin care side of things. It was the BEST decision to take the plunge into some incredible oil-infused, clean and safe skin care products.

I baby-stepped my way into using these products. It wasn’t an overnight change. It’s quite budget friendly and doable for anyone to transition SLOWLY into a new routine rather than just trashing one and starting over with something else. Am I right?!

So here’s what I do every day! I may or may not occasionally collapse into bed with my makeup still on, but those nights are few and far between! 👊🏼

1. Cleanse

I absolutely LOVE what is left out of these cleansers. However, I am so thankful for the wise additions Young Living has included in all their products. Regular use of these products will assure that these amazing plant-based cleansers will nourish your skin! I sometimes alternate them depending what mood I’m in. 😉

Orange Blossom Facial Wash contains many amazing ingredients including MSM which is a natural sulphur containing compound that promotes healthier and clearer skin, wolfberry seed to hydrate the skin, and rosemary and lavender essential oils which are amazing for the skin. This facial wash is non-abrasive and smells amazing! I use this every day. Did you know you can dilute this face wash in a foaming soap pump? It lasts for months and is very cost effective.

ART Gentle Cleanser provides a very soft and gentle cleansing lather. I love that it has Orchid flower extract which is coveted for its ability to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. That’s what I’m talkin’ about!! Orchid flower extract also soothes and conditions your skin.  This cleanser also has Frankincense essential oil and Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood which are both well-known for amazing skin!

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliation is a SUCH an important step in skin care and in maintaining the look of youthful skin. I need ALL the help I can get! LOL Did you know that the process of exfoliation triggers cell regeneration as dead skin is removed and new skin replaces it? As we mature, our natural exfoliation process slows down and we need help to maintain our youthful glow. This is why exfoliation is an absolutely necessary step in your skincare regimen. This gentle Satin Mint Facial Scrub contains jojoba oil, mango butter, MSM, aloe, and Peppermint essential oil to minimize the appearance of pores and invigorate dull skin. I LOVE this product and I use it 2-3 times a week. A tiny dab does the job just fine! 

3. Tone

I used to think that toner was much-ado-about-nothing, but the ART Refreshing Toner is incredible and has completely changed my mind. It gently removes impurities without drying the skin. It has a perfect blend of essential oils {peppermint, royal hawaiian sandalwood, frankincense, lavender, lemon and melissa} helps balance your skin’s pH, while leaving your face clean, toned, and refreshed. I use this 3-4 times a week with an organic cotton ball or pad after I cleanse and exfoliate {if I’m exfoliating that day}. 

4. Renew

I have a confession. I dug my heels in about this serum. I mean, I’m not THAT ancient. Surely I don’t need a renewal serum, right? WRONG. Haha! I’ve been using it for about 6 weeks and the difference in my skin is incredible! The ART Renewal Serum is an intricate blend of exotic orchid extract and essential oils such as frankincense, coriander, ylang ylang, bergamot, jasmine and geranium that benefits the most delicate areas of the face.

Check out the incredible difference from using the renewal serum twice a day!! 🎉

These premium ingredients are formulated to deeply nourish, hydrate, and help maintain a youthful appearance. After the toner dries on my face, I apply the renewal serum and once it absorbs then I moisturize!

Talk about spoiling my face…moisturizing is where it’s at!

5. Moisturize

I have three favorite moisturizers. I use them at various times. I either use the ART Light Moisturizer or the ART Intensive Moisturizer in the morning after the renewal serum and I use Sheerlume at night right before bed especially around my eyes.

ART Light Moisturizer helps my skin retain and maintain proper hydration. If I feel like I need a super light moisturizer this is my go-to. With royal hawaiian sandalwood and frankincense essential oils and other amazing ingredients, my skin feels silky soft!

ART Intensive Moisturizer is a bit heavier than the light moisturizer. I love this deep, ultra-hydrating lotion that recaptures the qualities of younger-looking skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helping skin feel smoother and more pliable. Seriously, bring it on! Ha! It has a light floral scent and luxurious experience that leaves your skin feeling soft, refreshed, and radiant. 

Sheerlume is my best friend. I’m not even kidding. This was one of the first skin care products I purchased from Young Living. It smells like heaven and makes me feel like ROYALTY right before bed every. single. night. Sheerlume contains a powerhouse combination of essential oils that are fabulous for the skin — sacred frankincense, clove, jasmine, peppermint, spearmint, royal hawaiian sandalwood, blue cypress and vetiver.

Whew! If you made it through that, HUGE kudos to you!!

One more tip! Scrubbing my eye makeup off every night isn’t something I want to do. The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate. Pulling on it doesn’t keep wrinkles away. A few months ago I started using the Mirah Shave Oil as eye makeup remover. It’s a dream and it smells DIVINE! I’ve never used it for shaving. Ha! I’ve heard it’s also fabulous as a hair serum when used very sparingly.

I recently switched my makeup to Savvy Minerals from Young Living. 😍 It’s my favorite. I’ve never been a big makeup person…I mean if the barn needs painting, paint it. 😂 I’ve never obsessed over high quality, clean makeup that I love to wear until now! I will be back another day to share all about that!

If you have questions about my skin care routine or any of the products, leave a comment below! I would love to chat with you!

If you’re looking to get started with a plant based skin care routine, I would wholeheartedly recommend Young Living’s ART Skin Care System that includes the Gentle Cleanser, Toner and Light Moisturizer. It’s a great place to start and a little bit goes a long way. If you’re just now getting curious about dabbling in essential oils, I would LOVE for you to join my amazing community!

Talk soon, friends!

XOXO
Myra