B00AFU6252 EBOK (14 page)
Authors: Jessica Alba
While I steer clear of a lot of Hollywood beauty trends, there is one that I pretty much can’t get enough of: retinol or retinoids, which are compounds derived from retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A. What’s the big deal? Vitamins come from nature, right?
Well . . . the retinol products on the market today, whether prescription (Retin-A, Renova, Atralin, etc.) or over the counter, are made in a lab, not squeezed out of carrots. And retinoic acid is on California’s Proposition 65 list of known human toxins because some research suggests it can harm our reproductive health and cause birth defects, so pregnant women—even those who think they might be pregnant—should
absolutely
avoid it. Additionally, retinol works by exfoliating your skin, so it can make you extremely sensitive and prone to sunburn.
But here’s the thing: Retinol works better than anything else I’ve tried—it prevents signs of aging and can even help minimize the wrinkles you already have. Plus it erases acne. So for me, this is a case where the trade-offs are so worth the benefits. I use ReSurface by Shani Darden Retinol Reform serum every night and think it makes my pores and dark spots look smaller while also making my skin all smooth and soft. Her formula is pretty gentle and doesn’t give me the redness and irritation I’ve experienced with other retinol products—though I do also always wear my sunscreen in the day, to be safe.
W
HEN IT COMES
to cleaning up your personal care products, body care is a great place to start because it’s a such a huge win: You’ll be covering a lot of surface area (i.e., most of you!) with cleaner products, significantly reducing your chemical exposure in one fell swoop. But there are definitely some challenging categories here (see:
deodorant
!). Remember, the goal isn’t to do everything perfectly. If you can swap out a couple of products for cleaner versions, I think that’s an awesome start.
This is a category where I’m happy to go with something basic and effective—it’s just getting you clean, after all. But most conventional soaps are way too harsh for my dry skin, and it’s amazing how many sketchy chemicals end up in the average body wash! I prefer liquid shower gel, but I’m not opposed to a nice simple clean bar either—look for some kind of plant-based moisturizing ingredients. If my skin is feeling particularly rough or flaky, I’ll follow up washing with a homemade scrub to exfoliate (see
some easy recipes
).
Balms are amazing. I’m always slathering some on my lips and nose (because my beloved retinol can cause some peeling here and there), and using one to keep dry heels at bay and make my pedicures last longer and look better.
As with lip balm, it’s important to avoid the petrochemical-based balms—they don’t really do your skin any favors, no matter what your mom told you about the giant jar of petroleum jelly that most of us grew up with! Look for balms made with plant oils and glycerin instead.
Kids get boo-boos all the time (and sometimes grownups do, too). I like treating our scrapes and bruises naturally, if possible, instead of piling on the chemicals. We use a concoction of tea tree oil and purified water on minor wounds because it’s a natural antiseptic—and you really don’t need that triple antibacterial gel on a tiny cut. Arnica gel is a natural alternative to synthetic menthols for soothing bruises. And, of course, I love our Honest Healing Balm for rehydrating and protecting any chapped or scraped skin.
Because I have such dry skin, moisturizers are a big deal to me. I always try to slather some on while my skin is still a little damp from the shower—this helps trap moisture on your skin so it’s extra hydrating. Again, you want to avoid the added fragrances and other synthetics that can be irritating to your skin and choose plant-based ingredients (they’ll make your skin smell great naturally!). I’m a big fan of mixing our Honest Face and Body Lotion with a few drops of our Honest Body Oil to make it even creamier and more luxe.
FOUND IN:
Water-based products, like shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, shower gel, lotion—you name it
WHAT IS IT?
A preservative
WHY IS IT SKETCHY?
We can absorb parabens through our skin, blood, and digestive system, and they’ve even been found inside breast tumors (and, thus, linked to cancer). They may also be toxic to our reproductive, immune, and neurological systems and can cause skin rashes.
FOUND IN:
Antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, deodorants (plus some fabrics and plastics)
WHAT IS IT?
Antimicrobial agents that kill bacteria and fungus and prevent odors
WHY IS IT SKETCHY?
This stuff gets absorbed and piles up in our bodies, where it may disrupt our hormones. And because we use so much of it, it’s also helping to create dangerous bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. In 2005, the FDA found no evidence that antibacterial soaps are in any way superior to good old soap and water. So stick with that—and always lather hands for at least 20 seconds.
Oils are nice when you want a lotion that will also give your legs a little shine, or during the winter when dry air and central heating makes our skin super thirsty. I also find that most plant-based body oils can double as a hair de-frizzer in a pinch (rub a few drops between your hands, then smooth over the ends of your hair). And I constantly rub a drop or two into my cuticles to keep them smooth.
One of the most popular plant oils right now is argan oil, which is derived from the kernels of the argan tree in Morocco. Fun fact: I used to think I was allergic to argan oil—until I tried some on a trip to France and realized that, actually, I’m allergic to the fillers and additives that go into so many salon and drugstore brands. It’s always a good idea to do a patch test before you slather any new product all over your skin. Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it won’t disagree with you or cause a reaction.
I won’t lie: If I have to walk a red carpet or give a big presentation, I’m reaching for that trustworthy but toxin-filled Big Name Super-Strong Antiperspirant. You can’t risk pit stains in those high-pressure situations, and the nontoxic deodorant formulas just aren’t there yet. Part of it is a chemical issue: Manufacturers are having a heck of a time finding something that stops sweat but doesn’t contain nasty ingredients. And part of it is a health thing: Sweating is actually
good
for you, so you don’t want to stop it altogether (at least, not all the time). For now, my strategy is to layer my conventional antiperspirant over a natural, nontoxic deodorant (Alba Organics—no relation!—is my current favorite). I figure that way I’ve got a layer of protection from the aluminum and triclosan in most mainstream brands. On regular days, it’s natural all the way.
Tanning is
sooo
dangerous—I’ve watched my mom deal with melanoma, so I know firsthand where it can lead. Not to mention, it makes you look way old before your time! I just don’t get the obsession, and it makes me sad to see young girls baking at the beach or in tanning salons, just wrecking their skin.
The most important thing you can do for your skin health is to make sure you put on your sunscreen every day, no excuses. And for sure, your kids need to be wearing sunscreen. This is especially true if you and they are fair (like my little strawberry blonde, Haven!).
But it’s important to make sure you’re putting on a sunscreen that is really good for your skin, on every level. Lots of conventional sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a chemical that is an endocrine disruptor and notorious for its ability to screw with hormonal health and development in children. You shouldn’t have to choose between skin cancer and developmental problems when you’re picking a sunscreen for your kids!
Instead, opt for mineral sunscreens that are made with zinc or titanium dioxide; avobenzone and ecamsule (AKA Mexoryl SX) are good alternatives. While you’re at it, skip the sunscreen sprays and powders, which are more likely to contain problematic ingredients. Instead, choose a cream formula that provides broad spectrum protection (from both UVA and UVB rays) and is water resistant for the beach, pool, or exercise.It should also contain a minimum of SPF 30, but keep in mind that the FDA doesn’t regulate SPFs over 50, so a higher number may not offer much extra protection, especially if you think it means you can skimp on reapplying. Always slather on another coat if you’ve been outside swimming or sweating for a couple of hours.
Okay, not really. But when you’re going to be in the sun, you need to play it smart. I always wear my UV-protectant sunglasses to shield my eyes, and I love a wide-brimmed straw hat (my current favorite is by Tory Burch) to cover my face, ears, and neck on sunny days. I also love sun hats for my girls. And when we’re at the beach, I make sure we all have tunics or T-shirts on hand to throw over our swimsuits. You want something loose, not only because it will be cool and breezy but also because the closer fabric is to skin, the less sun protection it provides.
