What are the main differences I'll notice with using natural or organic products on my face?
Just like you feel better when you eat more natural and whole foods, we believe using natural and organic skin care products will make your skin feel better, too. You'll get deeper benefits from the nutrients in natural oils and extracts, which can't be found in drugstore products that are filled out with cheap synthetic ingredients. There's also the knowledge that you're doing something good for the planet by purchasing products made with sustainable, natural, and often fair-trade ingredients, as well as shielding your skin from potentially toxic chemicals.
How do I figure out my skin type?
Skin typing is pretty simple, though you'll want a mirror, and a magnifying type makes it even easier. Check out the size of your pores: are they small or barely visible over most of your face? If yes, then you probably have dry skin, especially if your face also never gets oily during the day. If your pores are noticeable over most of your face and it becomes oily early in the day, your skin is oily. Normal skin types have average-size pores that get smaller from the nose to the cheeks right by the nose, and their skin generally seems balanced. If you feel like your skin acts "crazy," you're probably combination. Your pores will be large on your nose and just slightly smaller on your cheeks, and the edges of your face can be dry, even flaky.
What should I be doing every day to take care of my skin?
Cleanse. Wash your face twice a day with a product that's appropriate for your skin type (see above). If you have to, you can skip the morning cleanse, but don't skip it at night: It's a must to wash off make-up and the residues of dirt, sweat, and pollution from the day. Tone. A toner wipes away residue from your cleanser and helps restore skin's pH; it often makes pores look smaller and has an overall tightening effect. Toner should be used every time you cleanse, but dry types may want to skip it in winter. Nourish. A daytime moisturizer is your basic must, but other treatments contain nutrients that will help with specific issues. Eye cream is a good example that can be used both day and night to minimize fine lines in this delicate area. Serums can be layered beneath moisturizer in the morning and evening, depending on your skin's needs. Facial oils and heavy night creams are best used in the evening, since this gives them plenty of time to sink into your skin. Because skin regenerates overnight, some advocate skipping a pm treatment so it can breathe, but this depends on your personal preferences and the products you use. Protect. We can't emphasize this enough: Wear sunscreen every day. Sun exposure is the main cause of skin aging. Treat. Once or twice weekly, you'll want to exfoliate skin to remove dulling dead cells using a scrub or peel, if your cleanser isn't an exfoliating type. After exfoliation is a great time to apply a mask appropriate to your individual skin conditions (dryness, acne). Follow with toner and moisturizer as you would on any normal night.
What if something I purchase on Nature's Basin makes me break out?
Some people notice break outs when they switch to purer skin care products because these are more active and encourage skin to detoxify, but this shouldn't be a constant reaction. After a few weeks, your skin should get used to the new regimen and break outs should stop. Because we stand behind every single item we sell, if your skin continues to break out from a product you purchased through Nature's Basin, you can return it to us for your money back. And you have a full 90 days to do it. Please see our return policy for more information.
What can I do to treat my acne?
The right products and regimen will make a big difference. First, use cleansing milks for eye makeup removal only and wash your face with a foaming, gel-based, or exfoliating cleanser. Always use a toner to remove makeup and cleanser residue, restore pH, and control oil. But don't focus on drying skin: the right hydration actually improves acne. A light moisturizer is your best choice, especially one that's water-based or formulated with oils that don't clog pores. Use a clay-based mask to purify and reduce oils once or twice a week. If you don't use an exfoliating cleanser, regular exfoliation with an enzyme-based exfoliant will help keep pores clear.
What works to fight aging and fine lines?
Products designed to nourish the delicate skin around the eyes and on the neck are very helpful, since these spots tend to show aging the most. Use these morning and night, but vary them in the evening to stimulate skin, applying an anti-oxidant serum one night and a facial oil with evening primrose the next, for example. Use a low-foaming face wash or a nourishing cleansing milk, and pick a toner that's more hydrating than astringent. Exfoliating regularly will reduce the look of fine lines, but don't overdo it and cause irritation. Seek out masks that firm skin and never skip the sunscreen.
What do I need to look for if I have rosacea?
Because rosacea flares up due to stimulation, it can be difficult to find products that work. Preservatives, fragrances, and even essential oils can cause reactions. Fortunately, many natural ingredients are excellent for soothing rosacea, like aloe vera, green or white tea, grape seed extract, licorice extract (also known as glycyrrhiza), comfrey (allantoin), and chamomile (azulene). Choose products that are mild and calming, like cleansing milks. Use a lightweight moisturizer and avoid alcohol-based toners as well as facial scrubs. Fruit enzyme exfoliants are often gentle enough, but test on a small area to be sure. Gel formula products are also good for rosacea skin. For makeup, go with mineral powders. They provide great coverage and won't irritate.
Do I have to buy everything from the same line to take proper care of my skin?
Individual lines are developed so that all the products work with each other, which means that using one line ensures your skin is at the proper pH and not stripped of its moisture-retaining barrier. That said, it can be hard to find products to treat all of your skin conditions in one line, so throwing in a scrub or serum from another company here or there shouldn't do much harm. However, if you have any reaction from mixing products, streamline your regimen to one line for at least two weeks so your skin can recover, then add in new items one at a time to see what caused the problem. Once you find the trouble maker, stop using it!
