Clean Skin Care – What is it and Why Should I Use it?

Clean skin care products are growing in popularity because they are gentler on your skin than “dirty” skin care products, tend to be more environmentally friendly and ‍make logical sense. 

When it comes to clean skincare, there is a ton of information about what to do, what not to do and what’s best to use. Unfortunately, because clean skincare is a hot topic right now, it can be hard to know what to believe. 

Read on to discover how to find the right clean skin care products for you, 3 pro tips on using clean skin care and the best clean ingredient on the market today – hint, it’s not at all what you think!

What is Clean Skin Care?

Clean skin care is skincare that contains 100% natural ingredients. Unlike “dirty” skincare, clean skincare is made using raw materials sourced from nature, in their most natural state. 

These natural ingredients are minimally processed, unrefined, and never extracted with harsh chemicals like hexane or alcohol.

A reputable clean skin care brand would never use artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives, parabens, petroleum-derived ingredients, formaldehyde, artificial colorants, phthalates, or 1,4-Dioxane producing concoctions. Just to name a few of the top “dirty” ingredients. 

Clean skin care does not mean organic, nor does it mean vegan. A product can be clean and also made with natural ingredients that haven’t been certified organic. 

Equally, a skin care product can be clean and also made with non-vegan ingredients like grass-fed tallow or locally-sourced beeswax.

Why Does it Matter?

The main reason why using clean skin care matters is that it reduces your exposure to dangerous, harsh chemicals, which in turn, decreases your chances of experiencing skin irritation and allergic reactions. 

Some dirty ingredients are even classified as cancer-causing, so avoiding them could simply have a positive effect on your overall health.

Another reason why using clean skin care matters is the positive impact the natural ingredients have on the environment.

Being nature-derived, many clean ingredients require less processing which can mean a smaller carbon footprint. (This is not the case with palm oil production, but that’s a topic for another day). 

In addition, dirty chemicals applied to the skin will eventually make their way into our water system, causing havoc with marine life. 

On the contrary, clean ingredients are many times “digested” by the skin and processed in the body the same as food – causing no problems with the critters downstream. 

While not all clean skin care brands are the same, choosing “clean” is almost always a better choice than “dirty” for our skin and the environment.  

Finding Clean Skin Care Products

It’s a bit time consuming to find good quality, clean skin care products, but it’s 100% worth the effort. The best way to do it – READ LABELS and do your research!

While the age old saying “if you can’t pronounce it, don’t use it” does work in many circumstances, it isn’t a bulletproof method for finding clean skincare products. 

Because of some FDA regulations, a natural ingredient might have to be listed by its full scientific or registered name, which can be tough to speak. (For example: shea butter is Vitellaria paradoxa formerly Butyrospermum parkii).

My personal rule-of-thumb for finding the best clean skin care products is to read about every ingredient listed on the back, regardless of what the front label says. 

Any product can claim to be natural, but only truly natural and clean brands will show their proof with a pure list of ingredients. 

Of course, we’re quite partial to our 100% clean, natural skin care products.

After doing years of independent research on both our ingredients and suppliers, we can vouch for the highest level of purity in all our products, but in the end, it’s important for you to decide!

3 Pro Tips for Using Clean Skin Care

Going “clean” doesn’t have to be expensive and elaborate. In fact, switching to a clean skin care routine can significantly reduce the number of products you use on your skin (and purchase) as you learn how little you really need.

Of course, cover your basics – quality natural soap and super hydrating, natural moisturizer. 

No need to complicate it. 

A well-made soap and moisturizer can be used everywhere on your body and face. (It’s only our minds – and the massive advertising budget of cosmetic companies - that tell us we need a “special” cream for different body parts like our eyes, face, or feet. We don’t.) 

We do, however, need some extra skin support from time to time and going clean here is even easier than you think!

Tip #1 - Use a Homemade Toner!

Clean toners are easy to come by – simply grab some pure, natural witch hazel, add a drop or two of tea tree oil, apply to a cotton pad and whala! 

This simple toner, made with clean ingredients, can help to balance the pH levels of your skin, remove any dirt or bacteria your cleanser may have left behind, and tighten your pores giving you that youthful glow naturally! 

Tip #2 – Exfoliate with Kitchen Ingredients

There’s nothing better, or cleaner, than rubbing your body down with coffee grounds or sugar or both! The smell – amazing!!!

Simply combine some olive oil, coffee grounds and sugar in a bowl, scoop some into your hands in the shower, and rub your skin to exfoliate naturally.

Clean, super simple, and easily made with ingredients already found in your kitchen!

Tip #3 – Eat as Clean as You Bathe!

Switching to clean skin care is a noble idea – reducing exterior toxins – but what good is it if you continue to expose yourself to internal toxins? 

The cleaner you eat, the happier your vibes, the more you create a balance between movement and rest, the better your skin will be. 

Clean skincare is as much a lifestyle as it is a skincare concept. 

Eat, sleep and live clean and your skin will radiate!

Best Clean Ingredient on the Market Today

I have to admit, the heading above is a bit misleading. The best clean ingredient on the market today has also been the best on the market for thousands of years.

And I also must warn that the idea might make you a bit squeamish, but I can assure you that once you try it, you’ll be a raving fan!

Ok, here goes… the best clean ingredient on the market today is grass-fed beef tallow! 

Not only is it chock full of vitamins and antioxidants, but it’s as clean as you can get. 

And honestly, I wrote a whole article about the benefits of using tallow on your skin, so I won’t cover all the reasons why right here.

Conclusion – Say YES to Clean Skin Care

Clean skincare products are gentle and use natural ingredients to cleanse and hydrate the skin. They won’t burden your body with dangerous chemicals and will help keep your skin looking refreshed. 

Clean skincare products are also better for the environment and are a great way to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

If you’re ready to make the switch to truly natural, holistic, clean skin care, then you’re ready for Nefertem!