A couple of months ago, I published a list of ingredients that are often found in skincare and makeup products along with either a definition or explanation of what they are. I was a little surprised that it didn’t generate more comments or more visits. I guess unless there’s something that you want to avoid or an ingredient that you are specifically looking for, maybe they’re not that interesting to most women. Oh well.
Nevertheless, I have begun to try to avoid certain ingredients: mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates, parabens. There are others I prefer to avoid in nail polish, but we’ll stick to skincare today. I joined a group on Facebook called Green Beauty Insiders, and it got me thinking about trying to include more natural and organic products in my routine, when possible.
In the group, I “met” a woman from California who started her own line of natural and organic skincare products after she developed a rare form of neuroendocrine cancer of the appendix at age 35. Amy Rueda, the founder of Authentic Skin Remedies, is 40 now and doing well. Since she learned that 70% of the products applied to the skin end up in the bloodstream (yikes!) and that many skincare products contain unhealthy ingredients, she partnered with a chemist whose family had produced botanical products in Italy for over 100 years. ASR, the brand she created, centered around the following principles:
- contain 100% certified organic ingredients and be free of harmful ingredients
- work better than the anti-aging products that do contain harmful ingredients
- must be easy to use as part of today’s busy lifestyles.
In addition, the brand is:
- paraben-free
- gluten-free
- cruelty-free
- natural and organic skincare
- with natural botanicals.
Authentic Skin Remedies includes facial skincare, bath & body care, and essential oils. Interestingly, many of the products are multi-purpose, meaning they can be used for at least a couple of different things: e.g. a cooling masque that’s good for blemishes, eczema, rosacea, or sunburn; a cleanser that removes makeup, cleans the face, and is good for dry scalp, a facial toner that can be used as a deodorant. Neat idea!
I was lucky enough to get to try the ASR facial skincare sampler. It came in a cute clear drawstring bag and contained:
- Cleanse: sulfate-free calming gel
- Balance: seawater facial mist
- Refine: fruit enzyme exfoliation
- Enrich: nourishing lipid serum
- Renew: botanical facial creme
- Soothe: cooling masque
- Replenish: intense hydration masque
I couldn’t wait to try them! The night they arrived, I used the little pump cleanser to wash my face. I pumped the cleanser a couple of times into my hand, added a little bit of water, and it gently lathered. I applied the lather to my skin, and it cleaned my face without leaving it tight. Love that! Next, I used Enrich, the lipid serum that I adored. I patted on just a little of this herbal serum, and then applied Renew, the lightweight, easy absorbing moisturizer that also had a wonderful, fresh, herbal scent. Lovely 🙂 Renew, the face cream, in the full size comes in a pump bottle to keep the ingredients fresh and efficacious.
I left on a business trip the next day, and the samples came with me! They were fantastic for travel. I got home tonight, and I used Refine, the fruit enzyme exfoliation, to help my skin glow. I had never used a fruit enzyme exfoliator. I loved it. It looked a little like smooth apricot sauce, and it smelled fruity and fresh. I applied a thin layer to my face, and after a couple of minutes, I removed it with lukewarm water. It was great to use an exfoliator that didn’t have grit it in: so much easier to apply and remove. And my skin felt terrific! Next, I sprayed on a little of the herbal scented Balance toner, before I applied the Enrich serum and Renew moisturizer.
I’m not traveling this week so, I’ll try the masques for sure.
I love the clean, modern, white packaging with colorful product names on the labels. The products have a unisex look and scent. Guys can definitely use these products too, so think about these at holiday time! The full-size products are $33 and up. The 7 piece Anti-aging and Nourishing trial kit is $36, a great way to get acquainted. And the Bath & Body 5 piece trial kit is $22.
If you would like to try to include more natural and organic skincare products in your beauty routine, you must check out Authentic Skin Remedies website, for more details. Their contact info is: (877) 705-5899 or info@authenticskinremedies.com. Rather than harsh chemicals, Amy says ASR products “employ highly active, hydrating trace minerals, pure vitamins and live energy from plants that mimics the skin’s natural chemistry”. I like the sound of that! And it’s so nice to use products where you don’t have to worry about what’s in them. 🙂
I am always trying to make the switch to natural product, but I’m always disappointed in the results. These products often smell wonderful, but never quite do the job for me anyway.
So for now, I’m still trying to find more natural lipsticks and body lotions. I will check out the Authentic web site 🙂
Monica.
Monica P recently posted…Not nearly nautical
I have the same concerns, Monica. Since I got to try samples, I won’t be able to tell long-term. However, some of the products I think I could make a judgement on. The fruit enzyme exfoliator was very different from other gritty exfoliators I’ve used, and I liked the fruit sauce texture and my skin immediately seemed clearer so I may give that one a try. I love the serum, but right now I have to finish up my HA serum and the argan oil. I like the moisturizer, but I’m not sure it’s “heavy enough” for my super dry skin and I may miss the other non-organic ingredients in that one. I think it’s well worth it to buy the sample bag and test ’em out!
Hi Allison,
I like the idea of multi-purpose products, especially the facial toner that can be used as a deodorant 🙂
I have been , as you know, a big fan of natural skin care products, and I love to see you going for natural products, too!
Have a nice day 🙂
Dima Al Mahsiri recently posted…Three DIY Home Remedies for Acne (Infographic)
Thank you for your comment, Dima! When I tried the fruit enzyme exfoliator, I was thinking that maybe you could try to make one yourself since you may not be able to get it shipped to you in Jordan! This product is so different from the regular gritty exfoliators that I have bought here in the US, and I like it much better!
Interesting! I’ve been getting more and more into natural and organic skin care lately.
Kiss & Make-up recently posted…Review | XinYiZhui Professional Specific Finishing Powder from Bornprettystore.com
Yes, it’s worth it to find products without harmful chemicals that do the job! thanks for your comment, Kiss & Makeup 🙂
I do use natural, organic products. I’m such a cheapskate when it comes to beauty products though so I’m sure I trade away quality.
I am too, Emma. But I am saving up to buy a couple of ASR’s products. I love her Quench moisturizer. It is so hydrating and smells like coconut. And her exfoliator, I think it’s called Refine, a fruit-enzyme non-gritty product that reminds me of baby food applesauce but it works and it so much easier to remove than traditional gritty exfoliators.
I am actually looking for a product that will suite to my skin since it is sensitive, I hope this one will work.
I really love her products. I use Quench on my face as a hydrating mask or on my body to help my dry skin all the time, and it works well. Thanks for your comment, and if you try Authentic Skin Remedies products, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.