Clean Beauty & Body

Dry Skin May Be Causing Breakouts

Man Washes Face To Avoid Breakouts

If you’ve ever dealt with breakouts (or acne), you have likely heard that oily skin is the most common culprit. It may sound shocking, but in reality, your natural composition combined with oil-based products can be your skin's best advocate. Read on and take charge of your skin’s health and appearance.

What Causes Breakouts

Breakouts are caused by skin congestion, which is the result of excess oil clogging your pores. This is what you may have NOT known: If you over dry your skin to reduce the oiliness, your body can overcompensate by producing even more oil.  This can end up leading to more clogged pores and skin congestion, which in turn leads to breakouts. In short, that squeaky clean feeling after washing your face could be working against you.

What Products to Look For

Skin care products that closely match your skin's composition are going to have the biggest payoff. Oil-based products are some of the best to keep your skin nourished and hydrated precisely because certain botanical combinations resemble your skin’s sebum, they’re readily accepted by a variety of skin types and help the skin to self-regulate. But, be on the lookout for harsh chemicals that may be lurking in the ingredient list. Look for products that use organic, botanical ingredients.


Woman Frustrated That Dry Skin Is Causing Breakouts

3 Products Every Skin Care Routine Needs

When you find the right products, your dream of a simple skin care routine can be reality.  Start with a gentle Facial Cleanser.  As a major added bonus, the best ones will also be effective at removing make-up.  A nourishing daily Facial Moisturizer is the next must-have. To really beef up the nutrient delivery, complete your routine with a Facial Serum.  Even if you only use it once or twice a week, it will help strengthen your skin with an additional nourishing barrier.

  • Facial Cleanser: Remove the day’s buildup without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

  • Facial Moisturizer: Soften and smooth the skin without irritating chemicals.

  • Facial Serum: Promote a healthy barrier that nourishes and protects your skin.

More Tips to Help Clear Skin

If your daily routine just isn’t enough to keep your skin glowing, it may be because things like diet, exercise and environment play a role in your skin clarity as well. Pick a couple of the suggestions below and stick to them to see if they make a difference:

  • Eliminate any irritating skin care products from your routine

  • Drink water and stay hydrated all day

  • Try cutting out as much processed sugars and foods as possible

  • Include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet

  • Eat fermented foods that are rich in probiotics

  • Exercise regularly to help your body remove toxins 

At Life’s Abundance we created a skin-loving care line that’s handcrafted and organically sourced. Our skin care products are made with organic, plant-based and nourishing ingredients.  Best of all, they really work — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Skin Purging vs. Breaking Out - Know the Difference


Woman Going Through Skin Purge

We’ve all been there. You wake up in the morning, take a quick glance in the mirror, and see it — a pimple that wasn’t there the night before!

But before you start blaming hormones or genetics, it is important to figure out if you’re just having a skin purge or if you're breaking out. Here's everything you need to know:

What is Skin Purging?

This essentially means that your body is “purging” the toxins that you’ve ingested or used in skincare products through your pores. It can happen when you make significant diet changes or try a new makeup brand. Stress or a lack of sleep can also be a trigger.

Skin Purging vs. Breaking Out

Location is key when trying to determine the difference between a skin purge and a normal breakout. Breakouts associated with general acne tend to happen in areas where your skin is already pretty oily, like your nose or around your mouth. Blemishes caused by purging can show up anywhere and usually do in places you wouldn’t normally get a pimple.

How Long Does Skin Purging Last?

In most cases, skin purging should only last a few days as you continue to use your new product. However, it should never last more than a month total. If the issue worsens dramatically or lasts more than that time frame, you might want to look into talking to your doctor or dermatologist.

It’s also important to pay attention to see if your skin purge is really just irritation in disguise. If blemishes are accompanied by redness or swelling, it would be a good idea to talk to your dermatologist and find the culprit of what’s happening.

“Mother

How Do You Know a Skin Purge is Over?

This one is simple — you’ll notice your skin clearing up and blemishes disappearing without any new ones taking their place. You can also tell the end is near when you’ve continued to use your new products and are seeing results associated with their intended use.

Why Your Skincare Ingredients Matter

Making the change to using skincare products with organic ingredients is worth it. As you can tell from the consequences, the ingredients in the skincare and makeup products you use matter greatly. If the brands you are putting on your face contain a high level of harsh chemicals, there is a greater chance you’ll see a skin purge after you’ve stopped using them as your skin forces toxins out. 

Are you ready to see for yourself what a regime of high-quality products can do for you? Shop our collection of premium skincare products to see for yourself. You’ll love our effective, luxurious and clean formulas designed to keep your skin looking and feeling spectacular.

 

Benefits Of Hemp Seed Oil For Skin

Young Woman Applies Face Cream With Hemp Seed Oil

When people hear “hemp seed oil”, some still think about the psychoactive effects of cannabis. While it won’t alter your state of mind or show up on drug tests, studies have shown that the topical use of hemp seed oil can be great for your skin!

This skincare ingredient naturally contains a rich profile of nutrients, fatty acids and bioactive compounds that can help keep skin healthy and clear.

The benefits of hemp seed oil for skin are so apparent that many beauty companies are adopting this ingredient — including some of our own premium skin care products!

According to studies, here are the different ways that hemp seed oil benefits skin:

Moisturize and Soothe

  • The most popular benefit of hemp seed oil for the skin is its ability to moisturize, leaving a soft and supple feeling. It can balance your skin and regulate oil production without clogging pores — this can help acne that is caused by excess oil.

Feed Your Skin

  • Hemp seed oil contains omega-6 fatty acids which encourages new cell generation. These nutrients can also help soothe irritation.

Hemp Seed Oil Being Dropped Into Vials

Reduce Lines and Wrinkles

  • The naturally occurring acids found in hemp seed oil can minimize fine lines and facial wrinkles. Linoleic and oleic acids aren’t produced by the body, but these hemp seed oil compounds can supply your skin with important nutrients.

Ongoing Scientific Studies

  • Studies suggest that hemp seed oil may have antibacterial qualities — future research will determine if it can be used as a possible treatment for various skin ailments.

---

Now that you know a little bit about the benefits of hemp seed oil for skin, you may want to try a product that uses this ingredient. Check out the hemp seed oil and other amazing ingredients in our Body Lotion, Facial Cleanser, Facial Moisturizer and Facial Serum!

Face Yoga: A New Trend In Skin Care Routine

Woman Practices Face Yoga

When you think about yoga, there’s a good chance you picture a group of women bending and contorting in a wide variety of poses at some boutique gym. But there’s a new trend that’s sweeping the country that has very little to do with total body fitness — face yoga.

Here’s everything you need to know about face yoga and how it could make you look younger:

What is Face Yoga?

In simple terms, face yoga is exactly what it sounds like: special exercises designed to tone the muscles in your face. Most regimens include special movements that workout up to 57 different areas including the face, neck, and scalp.

For example, one common exercise involves opening your mouth wide, folding your upper lip over your front teeth, and smiling broadly. This is just a sampling of the various types of facial movements included in face yoga.

Does Face Yoga Work?

Although there are plenty of skeptics, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that face yoga is actually beneficial to one’s appearance. In most cases, those who remain committed to the program will see some sort of positive change within the first couple of months.

The reason for this is as old as time—the movement of the body will always cause a lifting and firming sensation. What makes this program unique is that most people mentally believe that exercise is only for areas of the body you would traditionally train at the gym, such as abs or quads. But in this case, it’s the finer muscles in the face that are being worked out.

Woman Stretching Her Lips With Face Yoga

What Can Face Yoga Help Improve?

One of the first things face yoga participants generally notice is a brighter complexion, due to an increase in blood circulation. Something else many people experience is fuller cheeks. The reason for this is simple — after continuously working the muscle, it grows in size similarly to how your bicep would after doing weeks of curls in the gym. In turn, this counteracts some drooping and sliding of the skin for a more youthful appearance.

Furthermore, it is important to note that face yoga is actually used in a medical setting. Patients recovering from injuries and even neurological or stroke episodes have used various forms of facial movements in the same manner for years. However, it is typically referred to as a form of physical therapy and not for beauty purposes.

The Downside to Face Yoga

According to most experts, the only real downside to trying out this new trend is time. Just like working out your body, this isn’t something that you can see results in just a session or two. The average amount of time spent doing face yoga is around thirty minutes daily for a minimum for eight weeks. For most busy women, this is far more of a time commitment than their busy schedules allow.

Of course, activities like face yoga are always better when paired with a positive skin care routine. We offer our own line of beauty products designed to help your skin look and feel amazing!

Some people might scoff at the idea of yoga for your face, but there’s really not much to lose other than time. Partaking in special exercises to help improve your overall look and muscle tone is never a bad idea. And it’s completely non-toxic, free to try, and can be done on your own schedule. What’s not to love about any of that?

What You Need To Know About Double Cleansing

Woman Uses Double Cleansing To Wash Face

Double cleansing is a new beauty trend that is gaining traction around the country — and many are claiming that it’s one of the best ways to take care of your skin!

If you aren’t familiar with double cleansing, let’s look at exactly what this skin care routine involves and how it can benefit your skin:

What Exactly is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is simple — you may have guessed just by the word “double.” It’s the act of cleansing your skin twice in a row at night.

The idea behind this trend is that the first cleanse will remove the layer of makeup, dirt, oil, and debris that accumulates on your face during the day. The second go-around with a facial cleanser is supposed to clean your skin on a deeper level, which could be a good idea, especially if you use long-wearing foundation each day.

This double cleanse is said to help to unclog your pores, get rid of dead skin cells, and prep your skin for facial serums and moisturizers. With less debris and residue left on your skin after proper cleansing (double or not), your skin is primed to absorb all the nourishing ingredients in your facial products.

It's proven that skin care products work much better on exceptionally clean skin. If double cleansing works for you, then you may notice an improvement after just a week — your skin should be glowing brighter and more radiantly! But watch out for over-drying which can have the opposite effect.

Steps to the Perfect Double Cleansing Routine

The perfect double cleansing routine starts with the right facial cleanser. At Life’s Abundance we offer a skin care line that’s handcrafted and organically sourced. All of our skin care products are made with organic, plant-based and nourishing ingredients.

For your cleansing routine, try our Facial Cleanser. This creamy, but lightweight cleanser is going to pamper and remove all of that end of the day gunk that builds up on your face. Our facial cleanser won’t strip your skin of its natural oils — plus, it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, parabens or additives.

In the morning it’s not necessary to double cleanse — your skin isn't getting that dirty at night. You can either cleanse once in the morning, or just splash your face with water before you use your daily skin care routine.

Healthy Skin Care Products

In addition to our Facial Cleanser, we offer a full line of skin care products. To complete your skin care routine both day and night, try our Facial Serum and Facial Moisturizer. Both of these products together are going to nourish and strengthen your skin. By adding these products to your beauty routine, you can enjoy healthier skin that is silky smooth to the touch. These are pure products that are packed with antioxidants for nutrient-rich skin.

Try it out — Is double cleansing right for you?

For some people, more radiant skin starts with the double cleansing method. If you’re tempted to try it for yourself, think of it as one easy extra minute at night with fairly quick payoff. If this trending technique is right for you, you should see results within just a week.

Life's Abundance Premium Skincare Products

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

Why You Need Facial Oil In Your Skin Care Routine

Solve 10 Common Skin Care Mistakes

Your Makeup Brushes Could Be Ruining Your Complexion

Woman Gets Ready After Washing Makeup Brushes

Did you know that washing makeup brushes is an important part of your skincare routine?

“In addition to collecting product residue, dirt and oil, makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria," according to the American Academy of Dermatology. "This could compromise your complexion—in the form of acne breakouts and rashes—as well as your health.”

If this isn’t compelling enough, washing makeup brushes will also help you get the best results and help prolong the life of your favorite makeup applicators.

Your mission: Use products and practices that won’t harm your skin or supplies!

The good news is that it’s simple to incorporate brush cleaning into your weekly routine. Immediately after applying your makeup in the morning, follow this quick guide to clean your makeup brushes effectively. By the evening, your brushes will be clean, dry and ready to help you sparkle!

How clean your makeup brushes:

  • Using a gentle detergent like Castile soap, create a soap and water mixture
  • Swirl the bristles into the mix
  • Rinse thoroughly with the bristles pointing down, avoiding the head where the brush is glued to the handle
  • Shake, then gently squeeze any excess water and reshape the brush
  • Roll a towel to form a hump so the brushes dry at a slight upward angle

Makeup Brushes Dry After Washing Them

With clean, dry brushes on hand, the next step is to wash the subject of your masterpiece, your face! To avoid drying the skin, use a gentle facial cleanser, followed by facial moisturizer. If your skin still feels tight, our facial serum can work wonders and serves as a fantastic pre-makeup base. 

Remember, the cleanliness of your beauty brushes and sponges will affect how your skin reacts. If you have consistent outbreaks and cannot seem to regain your natural glow, it may come down to how often you’re washing makeup brushes. Consistency and cleanliness are key!

5 Ingredients You Can Use To Make Homemade Facials

Women Take Selfies With Homemade Facials

While spa treatments are no doubt relaxing, there’s no need to book a pricey facial to reap the benefits of a skin-softening treatment. Just turn to your kitchen for inspiration—chances are, your cupboards are already lined with the following ingredients that, when mixed together, create yummy concoctions that are deliciously good for your skin. Feel free to nibble as you nourish!

  1. Olive oil: This common pantry staple is liquid gold for any natural face-mask lover. Extra virgin olive oil (make sure it’s unrefined for the least amount of processing) is loaded with vitamins E and K and squalene (a nourishing fatty acid), which help moisturize skin. Pair it with sea salt for an exfoliating scrub, with strawberries for radiance, or with milk and turmeric to soothe irritated skin.
  2. Brown sugar: Because brown sugar has smaller particles than white refined sugar, it’s a gentle exfoliator. It also contains glycolic acid, which fights bacteria, and it is a natural humectant, which retains moisture. For a particularly nice scrub, combine Manuka honey, brown sugar, coconut oil and a drop of your favorite-smelling essential oil for a special personalized treat.
  3. Sea salt: These days, anyone with a bottle of sea salt at home can benefit from its antimicrobial and absorbent assets. Mix about half a cup of sea salt with our friend olive oil and a few drops of essential oil and you have the perfect homemade scrub. For a delectable recipe, combine equal parts raw honey and pink Himalayan sea salt for an exfoliating homemade face mask.
  4. Bananas: This fruit is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants and manganese—all of which help with boosting hydration, reducing inflammation and fighting acne. Be sure to mash up and use the banana right away; otherwise it will turn a rather unappealing brown. An easy DIY banana face mask recipe for brightening is one banana, a tablespoon of honey and a splash of lemon juice.
  5. Honey: As you might have noticed, honey pairs well with every above-mentioned ingredient. A natural antibacterial, honey is full of antioxidants, so it’s helpful for acne, cleanses pores and provides a moisturizing boost. You can also do a light homemade face mask of pure raw honey—just smooth it onto damp skin and rinse off after about 30 minutes.

If you don’t have the time or patience to raid your kitchen pantry for an at-home spa day, check out our premium skin care products, made with organic botanical ingredients.

Important note: Always test these ingredients on a patch of skin before full immersion, just in case you have a reaction.

5 Common Skin Problems To Pay Attention To

looking-great-with-organic-skin-care

You already know that when you eat well, sleep enough and exercise, you glow. As evidence, look no further than the notoriously disciplined power couple Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen. Okay, okay … genes might have something to do with their eternally spotless complexions. But the inverse can certainly be true ... sometimes, the condition of your skin can point to potential health issues. Here are five telltale symptoms that could signal problems that are more than skin deep, and why.

Flakes: Sure, maybe it’s just symptomatic of dry weather. But if you have a lot of flakes, severe itchiness or dry spots that don’t resolve even after using a thicker moisturizer or running a humidifier, you might want to have a dermatologist take a look. Persistently parched, itchy skin without a rash or a lot of dandruff on the scalp could be a sign of thyroid disease.

Butterfly rash: If you notice that your cheeks and the bridge of your nose have a sudden bloom of red, and it's not just a passing flush, you might have an underlying health condition. A butterfly (or malar) rash is red or even deep purple and can be flat or slightly raised. It might even be painful but doesn’t usually include bumps or blisters. While this could result from an ongoing sensitivity to sunlight, this type of rash can also be symptomatic of a skin disorder (such as rosacea), a bacterial infection (like Lyme disease) or even an autoimmune disease (like lupus). Get it checked out so you know how to treat it appropriately.

Never-ending pimple: Yes, we’ve all had at least one zit in our lives that was so substantial, it seemed to take on a life of its own. For many of us, it happened on a school photo day, thus ensuring its memory will last forever. All kidding aside, if you discover a pimple that has been hanging around for weeks without clearing up (or clearing up and coming right back in the exact same spot), get thee to a dermatologist. There’s a chance it might be basal or squamous cell skin cancer, cystic acne (a condition that can cause scarring but often improves with medication or a diet change) or MRSA (a Staph skin infection that calls for antibiotics right away).

Thin skin: Easy bruising, creping of the neck or joints, and skin tears that take forever to heal. All of these are just symptoms of getting older, right? It’s true that some people develop thinner skin as they age, especially since older skin produces less collagen. While this isn't a sign that disease is present, you can pick up infections if you’re constantly nicking yourself or walking around with open wounds. In addition to drinking a lot of water and upping your sunscreen and moisturizers, the British Journal of Nutrition recommends fish oil or flax seed supplements for improving thin skin. At Life’s Abundance, we offer ultra-pure fish oil in both a smooth liquid and in citrus-flavored capsules.

Hives: If you suddenly break out in a rash of large itchy bumps or welts of varying shapes and sizes, you’re most likely having an allergic reaction to a food or medicine. Discontinue what you believe is the source and avoid it in the future. If you find yourself breaking out in hives quite often, you might want to talk to a medical professional. Stress might trigger an outbreak in people who are already susceptible, particularly those who have an autoimmune disease or a history of severe allergies.

No matter the condition of your skin, be sure you are using care products that actually nourish your skin. Our skin care products are made with pure, organic ingredients and are formulated for fabulous results. We want you to look great and feel great, too!

Please remember that the internet is a powerful tool for research, but there is no substitution for a visit to your doctor. If you have a concern, book an appointment today.

References:

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/other-conditions/thyroid-disease-checklist
https://www.healthline.com/health/thin-skin#aging
https://www.livestrong.com/article/159989-how-to-make-thin-skin-thicker/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hives/can-stress-cause-hives/

Solve 10 Common Skin Care Mistakes

avoid-skincare-mistakes-lifes-abundance

We all want gorgeous, glowing complexions, and our shopping habits prove it: Americans spend between roughly $1,000 and $2,000 per year on skin-care products — most of which often end up in the junk drawer — and the dermatology-drugs market is expected to reach a whopping $34.5 billion by 2023. But despite our best efforts and intentions, many of us don’t love what we see in the mirror, and sometimes figuring out the reason requires a little sleuthing. Here are 10 mistakes you might be making in your skin-care routine and how to fix them.

1. Skipping sunscreen. Safety first, kids. If you think you only need to wear sunscreen on sunny summer days, think again. “The sun emits harmful UV rays year-round,” says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). “Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin.”

Do this instead: Slather on SPF 30 or above any time you’re going to be outside (rain, snow or shine) 15 minutes before you plan to leave the house, choosing a waterproof formula if you expect to swim or perspire. Re-apply regularly to ensure consistent protection. And don’t skimp: Experts say most adults need a full ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a shot glass, to cover their exposed skin.

2. Not eating a balanced diet. Our bodies need a full complement of vitamins to produce healthy skin cells and collagen. So if you want a dewy complexion, subsisting on ramen noodles for lunch and mac and cheese isn’t going to cut it. Refined carbohydrates are linked to acne. Alcohol makes us puffy and red and can age us prematurely. Skimp on vegetables and protein today, say hello to crow’s feet tomorrow.

Do this instead: Give your skin a daily feast of skin-boosting vitamins and antioxidants by filling your plate with a rainbow of produce. “Make sure they are a bunch of colors — red cabbage, green lettuce etc.,” says New York-based dermatologist Dennis Gross. “Eat veggies that have a lot of color. Nature color codes them for us. The more colors you eat, the better.” Round out your meals with lean proteins, omega-3-rich fish, whole grains, legumes and healthy fats. These foods “are good for your whole body, and that includes your skin,” says Dr. Rajani Katta of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. You can also talk to your doctor about addressing gaps in your nutrition via multivitamins and supplements.

3. Washing your face too frequently. It may seem counterintuitive, but over-cleansing your skin can actually cause it to become more oily. That’s because when you strip the naturally occurring sebum, your sebaceous glands ramp up production to compensate. The result: More shine, and a more conducive environment for breakouts.

Do this instead: Gently wash your face using a mild cleanser. Those with oilier complexions can wash up to two times a day, according to the AAD, while drier types can often get away with once-daily cleansing.

4. Exfoliating the wrong way. Done right, exfoliation creates a smooth, supple canvas for absorbing facial treatments or wearing makeup. Done wrong, and you’re setting yourself up for irritation, dryness or breakouts.

Do this instead: Those with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin may prefer cleansing the skin with a washcloth. For those with darker skin tones, avoid aggressive exfoliation which may result in dark spots on the skin.

5. Using too-hot water. Beyond the obvious threat of burns, overly hot water dries your skin, leaving it more susceptible to wrinkles, flakes and painful cracking. It also can trigger an immune response in some people, resulting in rashes and hives.

What you should do instead: Use the coolest temperature you can tolerate, and keep your showers short. Not only will this save your skin, but it also can cut down on water-heater costs.

clean-healthy-skin-lifes-abundance

6. Not removing your eye makeup. This is a big one. Leave your eyeliner and mascara on, and you’re practically begging for an infection. “In some patients, makeup on the eyelid can cause problems such as irritation and infection of the surface of the eye and also damage to eyelashes,” says Scottish ophthalmologist Shahriar Nabili. “Some patients can also develop problems with the tear duct and watery eye.” And if the situation gets bad enough, it could even threaten your vision.

Do this instead: Soak a cotton ball or pad with a mild eye-makeup remover and press it to your closed eyelid. Gently stroke from the inside corner of your upper lid outward until all makeup is gone.

7. Picking at your face. Did you know that human fingernails can harbor staphylococcus bacteria, fungi and other horrors? And yet there you are, using them to extract blackheads like it’s no big deal. News flash: IT IS A BIG DEAL. Picking and mashing can lead to infections, scarring and bruising (and leave you looking like a mess, to boot).

Do this instead: Spot-treat pimples with a benzoyl peroxide-, salicylic acid- or sulfur-based product, and see a dermatologist if your acne persists. Otherwise, hands off.

8. Sleeping too little. It’s called beauty rest for a reason, friends. Not getting enough shut-eye wreaks havoc on our skin in myriad ways. Beyond causing dark under-eye circles, sleep deprivation raises our stress levels, which can lead to oiliness, breakouts and premature wrinkles.

Do this instead: Strive for seven to eight hours of sleep. It’s worth it.

9. Wearing the wrong kind of foundation. Sad to say, but there is no one-size-fits-all foundation. Oil-based foundations may be great for dry or aging skin, but they’re terrible for shinier faces. On the other hand, powders can cake or settle into fine lines.

Do this instead: Pick a foundation that’s made for your skin type. If you’re acne-prone, opt for an oil-free, noncomedogenic formula. If wrinkles are a concern, look for liquid or cream bases containing emollients. And don’t forget to switch to a lighter or powder-based version in the summer, when heat and humidity can melt your makeup right off.

10. Not seeing a dermatologist. Ultimately there is no substitution for regular visits to your doctor. Self-diagnosing conditions such as acne or psoriasis could lead you to treatments that either don’t work or exacerbate your problem. And catching skin cancer early greatly increases a patient’s chances of survival.

Do this instead: Schedule a mole check with your dermatologist annually. In between visits, regularly inspect your skin for any changes — and if something worries you, book an appointment right away.

A Moisturizer That’s Good For Me & My Baby On The Way

Sasha-lifes-abundance-two

Like many expectant mothers, I spend a lot of time reading mommy and baby magazines and blog posts. A topic that comes up frequently here: warnings about the dangers of ingredients in daily-use products. One day I’ll read about some scary compound that causes birth defects. The next I’ll read about the top three ingredients in your shampoo that can give you cancer. C’mon, now. As if the responsibility of impending motherhood weren’t enough to keep me up at night!

Fatigued though I may be, I still find the energy to obsess over the products I use. On any given day, you may find me standing in a store aisle, beauty product in one hand, phone in the other, as I Google ingredients one by one. (Pro tip: diazolidinyl urea, which happens to be a preservative commonly used in cosmetics, isn't very good for you).1

And don’t get me started on ingredient names. Methyl Gluceth-20 sounds like an industrial-grade paint thinner but is actually a perfectly harmless skin-conditioning agent. On the other hand, the "perfume" you see on many labels — familiar and seemingly innocuous — can actually portend a whole host of toxic effects.

I shouldn't need to be a chemist to buy a moisturizer!

Which brings me to Life's Abundance Moisturizer, which I love for many reasons — among them the fact that it contains no mystery ingredients that require a visit to Dr. Google.

As for the product itself? Glorious. I adore the matte feel, which is of particular importance to those of us who live in warm, humid clients. This product smooths and conditions my face without leaving it shiny, making it an excellent base for a powder-based and liquid foundation — whichever I feel like wearing that day. And the scentless formula is great for me. It doesn’t interfere with my other skin-care products’ fragrances, and it doesn’t overwhelm my senses, which are, shall we say, a bit heightened right now.2

And as a mother-to-be on a budget, the best part may very well be that a tiny amount goes a loooong way, which means less frequent re-ordering and more money for baby clothes (and shoes for mama).

Sasha Sasha Stephens, Executive Project Director

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.ewg.org/guides/substances/1735-DIAZOLIDINYLUREA#.W23mE9hKjOQ

2. https://www.babble.com/pregnancy/smell-pregnancy-nausea/