“We will not be able to reduce the risk of breast cancer without addressing preventable causes, particularly exposure to chemicals.” – The Environmental Working Group
Did you know that your skin is considered your “biggest organ”? Your skin absorbs literally everything that you put on it. This is why it is vitally important that you always read the ingredients of the lotions, makeup, moisturizers and masques that you put on your face and body!
I always stay clear of any products that contain:
- “Fragrance”
- Fragrances are in everything from shampoo to deodorant to lotion. Federal law doesn’t require companies to list on product labels any of the chemicals in their fragrance mixture. Recent research from EWG and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found an average of 14 chemicals in 17 name brand fragrance products, none of them listed on the label. Fragrances can contain hormone disruptors and are among the top 5 allergens in the world. (EWG.org)
- Parabens (specifically Propyl-, Isopropyl-, Butyl-, Isobutyl-parabens)
- Parabens are estrogen-mimicking preservatives used widely in cosmetics. They have been linked to breast cancer. (EWG.org)
- Petroleum / Petrolatum
- Commonly found in mascara. They may cause contact dermatitis and are often contaminated with cancer-causing impurities. Produced in oil refineries at the same time as automobile fuel, heating oil and chemical feedstocks. (EWG.org)
- PEG/Ceteareth/Polyethylene
- Used in conditioning and cleaning agents. These synthetic chemicals are frequently contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which the U.S. government considers a probably human carcinogen and which readily penetrates the skin. (EWG.org)
- Phthalates
- Studies indicate this damages the male reproductive system. Pregnant women should avoid nail polish containing dibutyl phathalate. (EWG.org)
To see the complete list of all chemicals to avoid, check out the EWG’s researched list: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/top-tips-for-safer-products/
Luckily for us the EWG has a database that they have rated from safest/least toxic to the worst/most toxic or cancer causing, based on their ingredients. It allows you to search hundreds of makeup products, skin care products, hair products, nails products, fragrances, baby products, oral products, and sunscreen products.
For Example: These products were among the worst rated by the EWG. 1-2 is low hazard, 3-6 moderate hazard, 7-10 high hazard. The database is ever growing and ever changing – and companies have seemed to improve their products since the launching of this tell all database. (thankfully).
You can access this database here: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Which brings me to my next point: If you’re one of those people who can’t or chooses not to slather on goo gobs of primer, foundation, concealer, contouring stuff, and bronzer because it clogs your pores – then stay tuned. If you’re one of those people who’s more interested in actually clearing up the acne or pimples instead of just covering it up under a pile of makeup – then stay tuned. If you’re one of those people who wants to have beautiful, radiant skin and still likes to wear makeup – stay tuned!
My skin tends to be normal with occasional dry areas, so I’ve designed the following facial masks that you can do at home and the best part is…..you could EAT all the ingredients if you wanted to. All the ingredients are non toxic and safe. These masks restore radiance to the skin, moisture and help acne to heal faster.
1. The Charcoal Mask
What You Will Need:
- 1 tsp Bentonite Clay (I used Redmonds Clay)
- 1 capsule of Activated Charcoal (I used Integrative Therapeutics)
- 1 tsp Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Their skeletons are made of a natural substance called silica. Often used in parasite cleanses too.)
- 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 tsp of Water ( can be distilled or not.)
- Mix together until mixture forms a paste. You may need to add more water or ACV.
- Leave on for 10 minutes or until it is completely dry. Be advised not to leave on too long because it will feel a little itchy. Redness after removing the mask is quite normal.
- Always do a spot test on your arm before applying any of these masks to your face to make sure you do not have an allergy to any of the ingredients
This mask is great for absorbing impurities from your pores and helping to remove dead skin and drying out pimples.
2. The Egg White Mask
What You Will Need:
- 1 egg, use only the white of the egg and toss the yolk**
- Bentonite Clay (I ran out of the powder so I opted for the capsules – I just open 2 capsules up. Same Brand : Redmond Clay)
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tsp “Food Grade” Diatomaceous Earth
You shouldn’t need to add any water because the egg white will do the trick. *Sometimes if its too runny you can add more of the D.E or Turmeric powder. Or just use half the egg white. Leave on until it dries.
The ingredients in this mask are going to soothe inflamed skin, and bring softness to dry areas of your face and tighten the appearance of large pores.
3. The Probiotic Mask
What You Will Need:
- 1 – 2 Probiotic capsules, opened up ( I use a probiotic that is not cultured on dairy because dairy can be inflammatory inside the body as well as outside) (Brand used: Klaire Labs – Therbiotic Complete Probiotic)
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Diatomaceous Earth
- Bentonite Clay
- 1 egg, use only egg white
- 1/2 tsp Coconut Oil
- Leave on until it dries
This mask will tighten your pores, remove impurities and give your face a radiant glow.
4. The Papaya Mask
What You Will Need:
- 1 piece of papaya mashed up
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp Diatomaceous Earth
- Water to make it into a paste
- Leave on until it dries
The ingredients here will exfoliate your dead skin, calm inflammation, and bring moisture into your skin.
5. Aloe Papaya Soother
This one is very simple – What You Will Need:
- Blend together Aloe vera gel with a piece of papaya
- 1 Probiotic capsule
- Leave on until it dries
Aloe vera is extremely soothing to cuts, burns, acne, pimples and can help inflamed skin. It is very beneficial to drink as well if you ever have ulcers, leaky gut, stomach aches, gastritis, etc.
Another Component of Skin Health To Consider:
One of the reasons why we can develop cysts, boils, acne, pimples is that we do not have a healthy gut microbiome. That means you need to find out what foods you have sensitivities to and eliminate them from your diet. If you have leaky gut, you need to repair your gut lining. Most importantly, you also need to poop at least 1-2x per day.
“Whatever is happening in the gut shows up on the skin.” – Dr. James Jack
Probiotics are essential for a healthy gut! Absolutely everyone should be taking a probiotic. Infants that are not breast fed or are C-section born are not set up with as good of an immune system as other babies. They can develop food sensitivities more early than other babies too and have more incidence of gut related issues through out their life.
Gluten and dairy are the two most common contributing causes of acne and dermatitis (among many many other diseases.) I always advise my patients to eliminate those two inflammatory foods within the first visit – and the majority of the time improvement in some area of the person’s health follows. It is always a great idea to do a cleanse a few times per year. Eliminating the toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis via air, water, food and makeup can accumulate rather quickly.
Remember, the body is amazing and it can heal anything! You just have to map out your goals, and make one change at a time and you will be on your way to optimal health!
Christine says
Great post! I’ve struggled with acne since I was a kid. I’ll definitely need to try some of these masks. Thanks for sharing!
Melissa says
I’m very glad you enjoyed it!
Brian Richardson says
So…I made my own face mask. They aren’t as awesome sounding as yours. They’re pretty basic…I tried one with just honey and papaya and another with fresh papaya, some honey and squeezed lemons…and boom. The lemon really helped wipe out some acne.