I remember the first time I was told that the products I was using on myself and my kids could potentially be harming us. I remember thinking “What, no way! They are regulated in some way…right?” It’s a harsh realization to come to, especially after having gone through IVF with a diagnosis of “Unknown Infertility.” Learning that my hormones were being affected by the topical lotions I was putting on my skin was VERY eye-opening. I couldn’t help but wonder if the shampoos, soaps, makeup and other skincare products I had used my whole life had made me infertile. Sounds dramatic, I know…but it’s a reality we all need to come to.
I spent the next few years s l o w l y finding safer products. Testing them and determining which brands were actually offering cleaner products and not just a green label with a plant on it. It was SO overwhelming and frustrating at times and while I don’t have all of the answers, I can offer a little bit of advice.
Is cleaning up your beauty routine, home, and life a goal or resolution for the New Year? It can be overwhelming to know where to even start, so here are 3 simple switches that I have made personally that will make the biggest impact.
1. clean up your skincare
This is where I would encourage everyone to begin. Did you know one of our skin’s main functions is to absorb a big part of the products we apply? That’s right, your skin is absorbing whatever it is you’re putting on it. That’s proof enough that the ingredients we put on our skin really do matter.
I was worried about switching my skincare because I didn’t want to have breakouts, but the dirty truth is conventional skin care products have a lot of junk in them that cause those breakouts. They contain ingredients like aluminum, parabens, phthalates, fragrance…and more, and these are what can cause so many issues in our bodies.
Still not sure where to start? Deodorant and moisturizer are two simple switches. Let’s be honest, most of us are using these two products and finding a cleaner safer alternative, and starting today can be a simple and really effective way to live healthier.
This is my favorite clean skincare company Why? Because they are a company who “walks the walk.” I also love that they have a money back guarantee, if you don’t like the products, you can return them.
This is the skincare line I use. I was a little hesitant because I had never purchased a full line of skincare before and if I’m being honest, the price point seemed high. However, you get what you pay for and I am 6 months in and LOVE these products and so does my skin. The good news is, you can start with just the moisturizer and add on as needed. See the products here
2. create a healthy home
Believe it or not, your home has a HUGE impact on the state of your overall health and well-being – and it’s super easy for harmful chemicals and toxic ingredients to find their way into your home. The biggest offenders are laundry detergent, dish soap, dryer sheets, bathroom cleaners, and scented candles… these common (and seemingly harmless) household items are usually loaded with harmful and hazardous chemicals. Before you get overwhelmed and shut down, remember we are choosing one area to start in. SO pick one of the above categories and switch that out first. The simplest and cost-effective place to start is dryer sheets.
Grab these on amazon instead. They last 6 months to a year and won’t dry out your skin. That’s one simple, healthier way to jumpstart your New Year.
Non- Toxic Home Tip: Add plants to a few rooms in your home. Plants add color to any room and also act as an air-purifier, they can help to uplift moods and improve your overall sense of wellness.
3. detox your mind
Above all, for a non-toxic new year, pay special attention to your thoughts. Toxic thoughts and mindsets wreak havoc on the health of your mind, soul, and body. I’ve personally just come out of the most toxic year of my life when it comes to thoughts & people. For the first time ever, I let others thoughts and opinions of me determine my self-worth. Let me tell you, it was ROUGH, but I made it through.
Toxins can find their way into skin-care, products, our home, and our mind. And this detox process can sometimes be even more hard work than deep cleaning your house or overhauling your makeup bag – but it’s SO worth it. The first step to this process is watching what and how you speak to yourself. Use positive words and affirmations when self-talking. You are worthy of love, and relationships and the more you tell yourself this, you start to repave the pathways in your mind to believing it.
Another huge leap I took this year was realizing I struggled with ADHD and a little anxiety. While neither of these are debilitating, I didn’t realize how much both of these were affecting my relationships, work, and productivity. Taking a step back and acknowledging I needed something to help with these was a hard pill to swallow, but by opening up I was able to make connections with so many of you AND find a supplement that helps will all of my symptoms.
I started taking CBD (non THC) after a friend reached out and explained how it had helped her. While I was VERY skeptical that it would actually work, I was willing to try this non-toxic alternative to meds because I know there is research supporting CBD and anxiety. After two nights of taking CBD I was feeling SO MUCH BETTER and my husband noticed my sleep was better! We were both shocked.
These products have NO THC in the them, and have a QR code at the bottom to show you exactly what’s in them. Green Compass is a USDA Organic company and make all their products in the USA. This means their soil is pure and contains no pesticides making their CBD cleaner, safer and more powerful than other companies.
So what do you think? Do you see yourself making these 3 simple shifts to move towards a more non-toxic life in the new year? Tell me in the comments what other changes you’re committing to making, I want to hear!
