Can you believe March is here? This means a new season is just around the corner. Even the cherry blossoms are peeking out!
I was thinking now would be a good time to revisit the importance of "Clean Beauty" and the "French Way".
What Exactly Does "Clean Beauty" Mean to You?...
Here at Dr. Lucy "Clean Beauty" means ingredients and proprietary formulations that meet the highest industry standards, which are safe and non-toxic. If you are using other products than Dr. Lucy's on your skin, do they meet these standards? There is a difference!
Ingredients That Are "Not Clean" and Very Toxic to You and Your Skin. Well Worth the Read.:
Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen and irritant found in nail products, hair dye, fake-eyelash adhesives and some shampoos. It has been banned in other countries.
Fragrance: Has hormone-disrupting effects. Fragrance is also connected to headaches, dizziness, asthma and allergies. Instead, use products with natural fragrances only.
Lead: A known carcinogen and hormone disruptor found in certain eyeliners, hair dye and lipsticks.
Mercury: A known irritant and allergen that, with body accumulation over time, can impair the brain and nervous system.
Parabens (Propyl-, Isopropyl-, Butyl- and Isobutyl-): Used as preservatives in many products. A study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology in 2004 detected parabens in breast tumors and discussed their estrogen-like properties. While this doesn’t create a direct connection with cancer, I recommend avoiding these ingredients.
Oxybenzone: An active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and is linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cellular damage. I recommend wearing skin-protective clothing and using natural minerals or zinc products.
DEA/TEA/MEA (Ethanolamines): Used as emulsifiers and foaming agents for shampoos, body washes, soaps and topical application. It’s been associated with cancer in animal studies.
Sodium lauryl (ether) sulfate (SLS, SLES): A former industrial degreaser now used to make soap foamy, it’s absorbed into the body.
Diethylene glycol (or DEG): A central nervous system depressant and potent kidney and liver toxin. Sometimes found in fragrances. Glycerin and propylene glycol are sometimes contaminated with D.
*We use only ingredients in our Dr. Lucy products that are natural, organic, eco-cert, cruelty-free and fair trade. All from top of the line, exclusive companies in the U.S. and England.
What is the "French Way" Anyway?
Taking special care of your skin with a consistent natural routine, using gentle yet therapeutic products everyday for the rest of your life.
A French Woman’s Daily Skin Care Routine: 5 Major Steps...
1. Cleansing the skin with a natural, hydrating crème cleanser.
2. A natural toner is without question a must right after cleansing.
3. French women always use the best natural face serums, moisturizers and face oils like Dr. Lucy's to nourish their skin.
4. Nightly regimens always and forever include, never going to bed without removing your makeup. Plus, a natural anti-aging serum is a must.
5. Weekly to monthly facials which can be done in your own home, or in a natural, botanical product salon if you prefer.
A Very Strong Side Note on Using a Natural Toner...
I know of sooo many skin care companies that will tell you a toner is not necessary. In fact, some dermatologist (not all) will tell you this also! Sorry and respectfully speaking try not to listen to them about this. I know you are thinking, "Wow! That was kind of a bold statement you just made!" Yes, I know, but hear me out and please read on...
Let's Listen to Dermatologist Arielle Kauvar Talk with Allure on Why Using a Toner Is So Important!
"To put it simply, toner looks like water and acts like water. But I swear it's not water. It's packed with so much more than hydrogen and oxygen. Depending on the toner, it also can contain acids, glycerin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories.
Plus, on a makeup-related note, toner is like a primer for the rest of your skin-care routine like serums and moisturizer, New York-based dermatologist Arielle Kauvar tells Allure".
French Skin Care and Makeup vs. U.S. Skin Care and Makeup...There is a Difference!
Women in France value having beautiful skin. Emphasizing on quality, natural skin care products are very important to them. The abundance of many facial salons, not only in the big city of Paris, but also in small villages around the country shows how important skin care is. There are about as many skin care salons in France as there are nail salons in the United States. Monthly facials are a regular part of a woman’s life in France. In the U.S. we are so busy with our lives and always have excuses to not taking the time to relax and care for ourselves. A pampering facial can be just what the Doctor ordered!
Remember, “Skin care lasts a lifetime, makeup lasts a day!”
P.S. Makeup (when used) should be as natural and as toxic free as possible. Think of makeup as an enhancement to your own beautiful face.
What Does All of This Information Mean to You?
In a nutshell, healthy skin means happier and more contented you!
A little trivia!
Why does Dr. Lucy use organic Aloe leaf juice in some of the products?
Aloe leaf juice speeds up skin cell reproduction by as much as eight times and penetrates the epidermis (outer skin layer) four times faster than water. According to Dr. Danhof of North Texas Research Laboratories.
With love and blessings,
Rebecca
"Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away." -Elvis Presley
