Choosing a Toner:
A toner will help restore the skin's normal pH after washing. Also, toners can act as a "pre-treatment" agent, allowing the skin to absorb serums or moisturizers you will apply afterward. Some people choose to skip toners in their regimes, and that's totally fine. Generally, a neutral skin wash has a ph of 4.5-6.5, but it's sometimes likely that the water you washed with has an alkaline pH, so applying a toner after washing keeps the skin balanced. Be aware of store-bought toners that may include alcohol that might be drying to the skin.
Best Hydrosol Toners based on skin type:
Dry or Irritated skin: Chamomile, Neroli, or Rose Hydrosols
Oily Skin: Rosemary, Lemon Balm, or Yarrow Hydrosols
Aging Skin: Elderflower or Neroli Hydrosols
It can be mildly antiseptic, exfoliating, and brightening
Apply your toner after washing by using a cotton pad and gently wiping over the skin, or use a mist directly onto the face.
Homework: Figure out which type of toner you need to use based on your skin type. Don't forget to test it before you use it.
Exfoliation, Masks & Serums
Generally, it would be best if you exfoliate at least once per week. It will help to remove dead skin, blackheads and reveal younger-looking skin. Ensure that you are not too rough when exfoliating to avoid irritation or damage to your skin. You can use a mild fruit enzyme treatment or an Alpha Hydroxy Acid to exfoliate your skin weekly.
Masks
You can apply a mask at least once per week. There are two different types of masks: some have a "detoxing effect" to brighten, tighten, and tone the skin, But some masks have a "moisturizing effect" to boost hydration and minimize fine line and wrinkles plump the skin. Make sure to understand what your goals are and find a suitable mask for your tastes.
Serums: Generally, you will want to apply serums after toning but before moisturizers to have maximum contact with the skin's surface. A good rule of thumb is using them from the thinnest to the thickest. Wait at least 1-2 minutes before moisturizer for them to absorb completely into the skin. There are a whole host of serums you can use to address your concerns, from skin brightening, acne treatments, calming the skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
Often a basic serum that everyone could use in their regime is a Vitamin C Serum. Vitamin C Serums are great for brightening and protecting the skin from everyday environmental stressors. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the skin. Free radicals are formed by the sun, pollutants, stress, and smoking, leading to premature aging or skin cancer (DermStore.com).
Our glow serum is a Vitamin C Serum infused with Vitamin C Esters, Organic Aloe, Rosehip Oil, and white willow bark extract for a multi-benefit of brightening, hydrating, scar lightening, and gentle exfoliation for brighter younger-looking skin!
Homework: Make a note listing the types of masks/serums you have. Make sure that you are applying them in the correct order based on thickness.
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So what exactly is natural skincare? Well it is defined differently by different people with different needs. At Miracle Naturals our definition of natural skincare is eliminating toxic ingredients that could be harmful to your health. We eliminate synthetic fragrance oils, parabens,Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) which could potentially irritate sensitive skin. We use ingredients are naturally sourced and derived with no animal testing. We also offer vegan and organic ingredients from sustainable suppliers. Our goal is to provide the safest possible natural products to give you healthy glowing radiant skin.
So what ingredients should you avoid? While not exhaustive you should look to avoid the following ingredients:
Phthalates, Parabens, Synthetic Fragrances, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Ethoxylated agents, hydroquinone, Aluminum compounds, formaldehyde, refined petroleum, talc, triclosan, silica and oxyenzone.
How can I make sure to stay safe?
Reading labels:
Make sure to start reading labels to make sure that you are satisfied with the ingredients. You can check the ingredients against databases like ewg.org to make sure that the skincare is safe enough for your liking.
Product Testing:
If you have sensitive skin make sure to start spot testing your products to make sure that you won’t have any adverse reactions. Start with using a small amount of product in a hidden area on your body like behind your knee or the inside of your elbow, test the product for a day or two. If you don’t have a reaction then you can test a small part of your face like below your jaw line, test the product for a day or two and if you don’t have any reactions then it’s probably safe to use.
Don’t use too many products at one time.
If you are a product junkie, and are buying products from multiple companies it would probably be wise to not use different products all at one time. If the products cause a reaction you won’t be able to know which product is the culprit! Start with incorporating one product at a time for about 1 week to make sure that the product meshes well with your skin/ routine, if you see negative reaction then stop the product for a week, then restart it again, if you get the same results, then it is probably not safe to use on your skin.
Homework: Check the labels on your skincare you have and review the ingredients against a cosmetics database to see if you are satisfied with the ingredients
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