Happy Skin Things I Use . . .
It Just Took Years to Find
My Skin Journey
(in a Nut Shell)
I don’t know about you, but I cringe to think about the money I have spent on skin care products that ultimately didn’t agree with my skin . . . not to mention the time I’ve spent running from store to store trying to find or replace a product after I finally found one that did work for me!
A dermatologist once pronounced, “You have sensitive skin”. Her bill for that brilliant diagnosis was $130. It was already pretty clear to me at that point. Rashes would appear if I ate certain foods, used familiar soaps, tried to moisturize with everyday drugstore lotions, or laundered my clothes and sheets with regular detergents.
I used to love the fragrances of the rich lotions in bath and body departments, only to discover that the synthetic additives creating those fragrances were the very things irritating my skin. What a plot twist, huh?
Lots of foods that I delighted in eating (and still love) ended up as redness, itching, even hives on my skin. Surprisingly, cleaning up my food did more to help my skin than any other single product or action.
“Good-to-Knows”
I Learned
Most of what happens on the surface of skin is coming from the inside out. So your food is important. However, my clean food journey is beyond the scope of this article. (Maybe more about it in the future.)
I’ve also learned that some skin problems arise from deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and such. Most women also know the positive and negative effects of hormone shifts on their skin. Again, beyond the scope here, but perhaps more in a future episode.
In addition, there are so many pollutants in our food, water, air and consumer products. We eat them, drink them, inhale them, wear them and slather them on our skin. I’ve learned that my ability to clear toxins is also vital to the condition of my skin. If the liver and colon can’t clear or stash toxic substances, they come out through the lungs as coughing and sneezing and through skin as rashes, zits, itchy scaly spots, etc . . .
Simple Products
= My Happy Skin Life
Suffice it to say, I have explored many solutions and alternatives to live a happy skin life, including eliminating specific foods, adding and optimizing vitamins and minerals, and filtering my drinking and shower water (flouride has been linked to skin issues).
The easiest category to solve was cleaning products.Thankfully, there are many fragrance free and allergy free cleaning and laundry products on the market today. Easy to find anywhere, at your grocery store or in the Google search box.
Food and cleaning products aside for the moment, skin/body products were a bit more complicated to find. That’s my focus today.
For a while I subscribed to “clubs” that sent me sample-sized products on a monthly basis. I tried hundreds. And hundreds bothered my skin in one way or another.
It’s always valuable, I suppose, to discover all the things that don’t work for you. Like Thomas Edison finding 10,000 ways not to make a light bulb before he found the one that worked.
You might like to get started this way. A recommended monthly subscription is Ipsy. This company has introduced me to many products that I love . . . and that are great gifts for friends and gals in the family.
But I can make it simple for you if you have sensitive skin. Look at the ingredient list of the skincare/make-up. If it has a whole list of chemicals you can’t pronounce, it’s probably not going to be good for your skin.
Sensitive skin likes SIMPLE products. Products made of ingredients that you know. Ingredients from nature.
Think simple, think pure, think something your great-great-grandmother may have used, before the big chemistry labs got in on the act.
How to Find These For Yourself?
I have included some of my absolute go-tos for you.
Whether or not you have sensitive skin, if you are seeking some refreshing lotions and soaps to change things up a bit, perfect. Give these a try. I hope you love them as much as I do.
They are certainly available locally. Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, sometimes at Marshalls, etc. If you like to get what you need all at once without joining the “desperate skin saviors” hunt, here they are.
I am thankful for having tumbled upon different items that I feel good about using on my skin daily. It’s also fabulous to know I can get them all when I want and need them.
My go-to spot for these? Amazon, Baby!
A Dozen Products My Skin Loves
1. Dr. Bonner’s Pure Castile Soap
This soap is my daily shower soap. I love the variety of scents available and sizes. Anything from a gallon size to refill soap pumps around the house, to the ideal travel size. I tend to purchase the 32oz bottle of baby scented because it’s so interchangeable for my shower, as a hand soap, washing my dog, cleaning around the house, etc. I love versatility!
I have also tried the peppermint on numerous occasions. Love the pure and fresh smell of it – I have gotten lots of comments on how fresh I smell, haha.
So many natural scents along with pure organic fair-trade oils (coconut, hemp, olive, jojoba). Here is my detailed post all about my love affair with this soap and the variety of options this company provides.
Awesome “to-knows” about this product: vegan, non-gmo, made with organic oils, no preservatives or detergents = happy skin!
2. Shea Moisture Sensitive Skin Facial Moisturizer
This face moisturizer is a daily user for sure!!
My skin has a tendency to get red and irritated in the heat or as a reaction to some allergy. Hard to keep up with what causes what . . . but wooooooooo I just put this on and smile in appreciation and relief.
My skin feels soft and cooled. It is gentle, calming, and spreads very nicely on my face and neck. I use it morning and night. Light, fresh scent.
Nice Bonus: My primer and makeup spread with ease over the top of it – a necessity!
Awesome “to-knows” about this product: Contains rose oil (essential oil) which is very hydrating. It has anti-aging properties, provides sun protection, and is a natural toner = happy skin!
3. Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion
Whenever I leave the house I feel ready with this sunscreen.
This lotion is non-greasy and spreads on so smoothly! It is very light weight. It’s incredible to me to find a sensitive skin sunblock that actually has a sheer finish where I don’t look like a geisha once it’s spread on.
Awesome “to-knows” about this product: This is a mineral sunscreen so it includes zinc oxide and works to reflect UV rays. It’s fragrance free. It has no active chemicals and contains fruit oils = happy skin.
4. Vanicream Moisturizing Sensitive Skin Lotion
My legs soak this lotion up daily! My skin still feels great late in the afternoon even when I apply it first thing in the morning. A dermatologist recommended this and I am so very thankful! (Maybe worth that $130 bill after all!).
It is so soothing to itchy and dry skin. It is non-greasy. It is much lighter than their original Vanicream. The light quality allows me to apply and put on clothes right away.
Awesome “to-knows” about it: Fragrance free, dye free, paraben free, and gluten free. A big bonus is that it has a pump so it’s super easy to access and spread on all parts of the body including face, hands, and feet = happy skin.
5. Gillette ProGlide Power Razor
I have been using this specific razor from Gillette for over a decade! Yup, it’s labeled a man’s razor. Oh well. Happy skin = who really cares, right?
A guy-friend introduced me . . .not even sure how we got on that topic of conversation at the time but shout-out to him for sharing a life-changer with me!
I have always been a nervous wreck shaving and would knick myself on a regular basis it seemed. Not to mention the razor burn, as well as having to keep up with how many times I’ve used a disposable razor, need to toss it and search for a new one in the cabinets.
I wanted one I could stick to and rely on. My skin has been through enough with food allergies and itchy soaps! Thank goodness for this discovery!
Awesome “to-knows” about this product: It is battery operated so it micropulses, giving a little massage. It keeps the mind off the fact that I have a knife to my skin. It’s also real smooth around curves, such as the knees = happy skin!
6. Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
For a variety of needs and skin smiles, this oil is perfect! My favorite time to use it is right after getting out of the shower to lock in that moisture.
I first starting ordering this coconut oil when searching for a carrier oil to use with my essential oils. I desired “affordable” and “easy-to-use without making a mess”. This was even more ideal because it came with a pump.
Awesome “to-knows” about this product: This coconut oil has a light coconut aroma that is calming and not overwhelming. It is also non-greasy and non-sticky. It is paraben free, 100% pure and natural, and an antioxidant = happy skin!
7. Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
This aloe vera is always a staple to have at home for me when I have said yes too long to the sun and shortly after regret it. However, I also love to use it on a daily basis to nourish my skin. And, it’s a great ingredient used for the occasional bug bite.
Before I put on daily moisturizer I put this on and let it air out for about a minute. Feels beautiful and fresh!
Awesome “to-knows” about this product: Made from organic aloe vera juice. No sticky mess. Only food grade ingredients. Spreads on smoothly and feels wonderful = happy skin!
8. Shea Moisture Radiance Mud Mask
This mask is everything! So refreshing!
My face feels cleaner and brighter each time. I am so appreciative of this brand and this shea mask in particular. I look forward to my weekly mask session for sure with this!
Awesome “to-knows” about this product: Free of parabens and sulfates. Contains bentonite clay, shea butter, hibiscus, and essential oils = happy skin.
9. DoTERRA Essential Skin Care Facial Cleanser
I have been using this facial cleanser as an essential part of my daily shower routine for years now!
I feel cleaner and hydrated. So refreshing! I love that it has a slight peppermint smell that is not overwhelming. It is light and applies smoothly.
It’s fabulous to even be able to find this on Amazon now. It used to be that I could only order through the official DoTERRA website by being a member. I really appreciate the convenience factor here – game changer!
Awesome “to-knows” about it: Paraben free. Known for supporting collagen production, smoothing skin texture, and minimizing pores. Contains melaleuca (tea tree) and peppermint essential oils = happy skin.
10. Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal Spray Mist
I never see those “distinctly deodorant” white marks on my clothes! I didn’t even know that was possible. Wow, that saves so much time trying to be careful putting on a work outfit at 6am when I am still half asleep.
I’ve been using this spray deodorant for years now. Another shout out to that dermatologist who recommended it! I used to run across town to Whole Foods. It was worth it for sure, but now thankfully with their collaboration, I can just order on Amazon.
I order the two pack. I keep one ready to go on-the-daily and the other in my travel bag so I am ready as needed.
Nice bonus: I don’t smell like a deodorant!
Awesome “to-knows” about this product: Aluminum free and contains natural mineral salts = happy skin!
11. Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution
Smells amazing and completely relaxes me. I appreciate the different fragrances available. This lavender is my favorite!
I can feel it relieving my muscles from my long day in moments and preparing me for slumber time. I am in love! I always ask myself why I don’t take the time to take a beautiful bath more often – this stuff is miraculous!
Awesome “to-knows” about this product: Contains magnesium salts with essential oils that are readily absorbed through the skin, promoting stress relief= happy skin!
12. Dr. Teal’s Soothe and Sleep Foaming Bath
The beautiful scent of this soap relaxes the body as the bubbles form under the running water. It transforms my bathroom into a luxurious spa.
And, may I just add how fabulous the bubbles are!
Why are bubble baths for kids talked about more than for adults? It’s a life-changer! Give yourself the gift of a bubble bath once a week and soak . . . it . . . up!
Your body will thank you, whether you have “sensitive skin” or not.
Awesome “to-knows” about this product: Contains epsom salts for sore and tired muscles, essential oils, and melatonin = happy skin!
Why Else Do I love All of These Items? . . . Besides the Fact That I Can Get Them All in One Spot?
- Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap
- Shea Moisture Sensitive Skin Facial Moisturizer
- Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion
- Vanicream Moisturizing Sensitive Skin Lotion
- Gillette ProGlide Power Razor
- Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
- Shea Moisture Radiance Mud Mask
- DoTERRA Essential Skin Care Facial Cleanser
- Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal Spray Mist
- Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt
- Dr. Teal’s Soothe and Sleep Foaming Bath
The simplicity of each of these items. No extra fluff. I don’t have to worry about the ingredients. So grateful!
And, the prices for sure.
I get that these are not dollar store products. Yet, they are also not breaking the bank. They are bargains compared to name-brand products at department stores or beauty supply stores, which I greatly appreciate.
For example, I used to buy a $40 sunscreen bought from a very specific company because of the ingredients and the fear of trying anything else once I knew it worked for me. I am so thankful to find other options that equally bring me happy skin.
Plus, I am thoughtful about the size of the container when it comes to the price, as well as the amount of time each lasts.
Learning what my skin accepts and appreciates is an ongoing adventure.
Best wishes to you on your sensitive skin care journey! I hope I’ve helped in some small way.