Free B00AFU6252 EBOK by Jessica Alba Page B

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.

Pure & Simple: Body
    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.
SOAP & SHOWER GEL
    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 ).
BODY BALM
    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.
    NATURAL HEALING
    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.
LOTION
    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.
    PARABENS
    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.
TRICLOSAN & TRICLOCARBAN
    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