My Safer Skincare Routine
Since we only get one face, and I’m generally a very proactive person, I’ve always prioritized taking care of my skin. In college I somehow always managed to wash my face before I went to sleep (who does that!?) and regularly splurged on products that claimed to transform my skin (they didn’t).
But having kids and running a business without childcare (read: late nights) has definitely taken a toll over the years and exacerbated the “tired mom look” I’ve been desperately trying to avoid.
Yet, I’m not willing to ever sacrifice my health for vanity…and I hope it’s a lesson I instill in my daughters as well.
My Safer Skincare Routine
So, several years ago I dove into the science of skincare and ingredient safety (I’m an over-researcher) and started using all four steps of a regimen: cleanse, prep, treat, protect. Over the years I’ve refined my routine to add more facial movement, and it’s truly helped maximize my results!
AGING GRACEFULLY
Yes, our skin will age, no matter what. Many wrinkles are earned and should be celebrated! Beauty goes so far beyond outwardly appearances, but honoring the one body I’m given is also something I value. In the same way I eat well to nourish my body, I respect my skin – a living organ!
Skin is representative of what’s going on inside of us, so it takes both an internal and external approach.
Our skin is impacted by:
Sleep
Exercise
Nutrient deficiencies, diet, and gut health
Liver congestion and lymphatic drainage
Environmental toxins and toxicants
Hydration
Stress
Hormones
Plus, an effective skincare routine can literally mean the difference between dull, drab, tired-looking skin and glowing, radiant, healthy skin.
Clear, glowing skin helps me show up more confidently, avoid negative thoughts about my body, spend less time on outward appearances (I rarely wear makeup now), and even enjoy some relaxing self-care. In a busy season of wiping butts, I’ve found joy in the little moments that make me feel like a whole person.
WHY CHOOSE SAFER?
For over a century, cosmetic companies have avoided strict regulations that allow them to use harmful, cancer-causing ingredients in products, put products on the market without any safety testing, and hide ingredients under terms like fragrance so consumers have no idea what they are actually putting on their skin.
The average woman (unintentionally) applies over 125 different chemicals to her skin every day – many of them with proven harmful effects such as immunotoxicity, hormonal disruption, reproductive/fetal harm, infertility, sperm damage, PCOS, brain fog, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Our health matters. We are the most important people in our children’s life.
And when possible, I also want to vote with my dollars for brands with integrity that are working hard to disrupt a toxic industry, avoid child labor and unethical sourcing, and are better for the environment, too!
Learn more about:
BOTOX - NOT FOR ME
Botox, the most popular non-invasive cosmetic surgery, works by paralyzing facial muscles. The botulinum toxin (called botulinum toxin A) is injected into the face, where it blocks the nerve signals communicating with specific muscles to contract. This softens the lines, but long term can cause atrophy (tissue loss).
The results only last 3 to 6 months and cost anywhere between $400 and $1000 (or more) depending on how many injections one receives.
Researchers characterize Botulinum toxin as “one of the most poisonous biological substances known.” (source) A study in the Journal of Neurology found side effects in 75% of subjects. 75%!!!
Side effects of Botox are attributable to paralysis of the wrong muscle, diffusion of the botulinum toxin to adacent muscles, systemic toxin spread leading to botulism, hypersensitivity reactions, and autoimmune mechanisms. The longest conducted follow-up study of subjects receiving botulinum injections long-term identified adverse events including “dysphagia, ptosis, neck weakness, nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, marked weakness, chewing difficulties, hoarseness, edema, dysarthria, palpitations, and general weakness.” (Yiannakopoulou, 2015)
“Botulinum toxin A [used in cosmetic treatments] is the most potent serotype, with a toxicity one million-fold higher than cobra toxin and far higher than cyanide.” (source) While this is a localized procedure, recent research shows that the botulisum toxin can migrate to other parts of the body. In 2009, the FDA required Botox to include a warning that the botulinum toxin may spread throughout the body.
“Clinical and bioinformatics data suggest a possible pathogenetic link between Botox and autoimmune thyroid diseases.” (source)
Animal studies also suggest that botulinum toxin permeates the blood-brain barrier. Receptors for the toxin reside in the central nervous system.
SAFER SKINCARE OPTIONS
Thankfully, there are other proactive options that cost less time, money, and effort and do not compromise my health. My morning and evening skincare routines take me about 3-5 minutes and have transformed my skin without compromise! I can even continue these routines during pregnancy and nursing.
My skin is generally dry, so check out this blog post if you need recommendations for other skin types. Beautycounter & Primally Pure (my favorite clean brands) also offer free return policies so you can test out products without any stress.
Beautycounter // use code CLEANFORALL20 to save 20% on your first purchase. Join their no-strings-attached rewards program to get free shipping, 10% back on every purchase, and a free welcome gift.
Primally Pure // use code SUNNYSEED to save 10% on your first purchase.
Wildling Beauty // use code SUNNYSEED to save 10% on your first purchase.
I’ve also tried full regimens from True Botanicals, Osea, and Drunk Elephant, among many individual products from other clean companies, but never saw results, despite the hefty price tag and months of consistent application.
Alas, I’m sharing what has worked for me since I started my clean journey in 2014.
MY MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE
1. CLEANSE
Some mornings I don’t wash my face, but if I workout or used the Overnight Resurfacing Peel the night before, I cleanse my face with the Countertime Oil Cleanser. It is pH balanced, super nourishing, and doesn’t strip my skin’s natural lipids. Massage 1-2 pumps into dry skin, then add a splash of water to create a milky-lather, and rinse off. One bottle lasts me an entire year.
2. PREP
I used to think this was an expensive, unnecessary step, but I’ve learned serums (the most powerful treatment step) are 10x more effective when applied to prepped skin. Consider this the insurance step to get the most bang for your buck!
I press a few drops of the Countertime Essence all over my face. It adds nutrients, minerals, and radiance to my dry skin, but if you’re on the oily side try a toner. One bottle of Essence lasts me an entire year, but another easy option is the Primally Pure Plumping Mist. (Use code sunnyseed to save 10%)
3. TREAT
Next, I use the Beautycounter Vitamin C Serum. This instantly brightens and gives a youthful glow, while protecting against environmental stressors and potential sun damage I’m exposed to during the day. I’m a big fan!
4. PROTECT/MOISTURIZE
I never, ever skip this step! Our skin has a delicate moisture barrier that needs to stay in harmony or else we’ll see skin issues creep in. I use the Countertime Soft Cream for my daytime moisturizer. It has a soft, lightweight texture but is very hydrating without being greasy so my makeup still applies well.
5. EYE CREAM
Using my ring finger, I dab the Countertime Eye Cream under my eyes. They instantly look more awake without making my sensitive eyes red or irritated. I’ve been using it for a year and can tell a huge difference in my dark circles and fine lines. If I could gift this to every new mama in the hospital, I would. 😂
6. SUN PROTECTION
Contrary to popular belief, I don’t wear SPF daily since I find the benefits of Vitamin D exposure to outweigh the risks of sun damage, but you do you! (Sunscreen inhibits absorption of Vit D). However, I have very fair skin and burn quickly in the summer months so I rock Dew Skin (tinted moisturizer with SPF) or Countersun Daily Sheer SPF as my summer face protection. I’ve tried so many sunscreens over the years, but these are truly in a league of their own! Nothing else compares. It goes on smooth, doesn’t break me out, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave my skin greasy or with a white-cast.
MY EVENING SKINCARE ROUTINE
After a long day of mothering, I find it somewhat therapeutic to prioritize a short five minute self-care routine after I put the girls to bed. I’ve found if I don’t do it around 7:30/8, I am way too tired to do it with fidelity before bed.
1. CLEANSE
I don’t think I could ever go back to a regular cleanser after loving this Cleansing Oil. It hydrates and nourishes my skin, and takes my makeup right off.
If I wear this water-resistant mascara during the day, then I also apply an eye makeup remover to my lashes to avoid additional damage/aging around the eyes.
2. PREP
Next, I apply a nickel size amount of Beautycounter Countertime Essence to my palm and pat into my skin.
3. TREAT
This step is a bit fluid, depending on my skin needs and the season. Most nights, I apply the Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum to help with anti-aging. I recently tried the Fancy Face Serum, which friends have raved about, but broke out.
1-2x a week I apply the Overnight Resurfacing Peel after I cleanse. It is one of my favorite products of all time; like a mini-facial to gently exfoliate the skin, improve texture, reduce fine-lines and skin discoloration, and boost a youthful radiance. Let it penetrate for 3-5 minutes before moving on to the next step.
1x a week: Wow, wow, wow! I deeply appreciate the instant results I see from the AHA Soothing Mask! If I could only invest in one product, this would be my top choice!
As needed: Enlarged pores don’t shrink, so I love to use the Charcoal Face Mask to remove impurities and excess oil from my pores. In the summer months, I use this 10 minute mask once a week, but in the dryer months, my dry skin only needs this a couple of times a month or as a spot-treatment on blemishes. Be sure to use a warm, wet washcloth to gently exfoliate it off.
4. PROTECT/MOISTURIZE
The Countertime Supreme Cream is so thick and luxurious, I only need a tiny bit at night, but it has done wonders for my dry skin. If you’re looking for something less heavy, try the Countermatch Recovery Cream (great for combo or sensitive skin).
5. EYE CREAM
I use the Beautycounter Countertime Eye Cream to finish off my routine.
FACIAL TOOLS
Our face contains dozens of muscles. Regularly massaging the face:
improves blood flow
reduces puffiness
clears skin
tones facial contours
supports lymphatic system
reduces lines & wrinkles
lifts & sculpts
improves skin elasticity
increases a youthful radiance and glow
Julie Clark, founder of Province Apothecary clarifies, “The body’s lymphatic system has a few main functions including being responsible for ridding the body of toxins through lymph fluid which carries waste away from tissues via an extensive system of vessels. A buildup of lymph fluid in the face can result in dull, tired-looking, puffy skin.”
JADE ROLLING
This is the simplest option and you can learn how to do it here or watch this video.
Aesthetician Jayde Covenant explains, “It revs up circulation, de-puffs, improves skin elasticity and since it promotes lymphatic drainage, it’s detoxifying.”
Try either of these from Primally Pure and use code sunnyseed to save 10%.
GUA SHA
Gua sha is a face massage using a specific gua sha stone with an emphasis on lymphatic drainage and re-patterning of habits in muscles and tissue.
The results are instant and it’s definitely my preferred solution to Botox, which Harpers also covers in this 8-page spread.
@Wildling_Beauty share helpful how-to videos on their site & Instagram. It is recommended to use a facial oil for lubrication. Try this brightening oil, empress oil, Rose Hip Oil, or Biossance.
The Empress Stone (my top recommendation) is made from Bian Stone, which contains over 40 trace minerals that contribute to optimal health. Other options include rose quartz or jade, but be sure to avoid colored glass knock-offs. Use code sunnyseed to save 10% at Wildling.
CUPPING
Cupping has been used for thousands of years as a healing modality. This practice has shown to increase blood flow as well induce antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and neuromodulatory effects.
I just started adding this to my skincare practice. Use code sunnyseed to save 10%
ICE ROLLERS
“The cold temperature from the ice roller can help to constrict the blood vessels, which can decrease puffiness,” says dermatologist Hadley King.
LILFOX lists the benefits of extreme cold temperature on the face to include:
inflammation reduction.
reduce puffiness.
firms and tightens skin’s appearance.
stimulating cellular turnover.
increases lymphatic function.
aids in detox and removal of cellular waste.
shown to be effective at treating rosacea
I haven’t tried this yet, but I’ve been eying some different options!
Budget friendly ice roller
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I've linked to these products purely because I recommend them wholeheartedly and they are from companies I use and trust.