CLEAN BEAUTY

How to Transition to Natural Beauty: A Guide to Safer Skincare

BY ELISABETH VEH, RN

For years, I trusted conventional beauty products, never questioning what was in them—until my health and my family’s health made me take a closer look. After struggling with infertility, I finally had two beautiful boys—but both had immune challenges. I became hyper-aware of what was in their food, their bath products, and their environment. I researched, read labels, and removed toxins from our home. But the one thing I overlooked? My own skincare and beauty routine.

As a nurse, I had the research skills to dig into what’s really in our personal care products, and what I found was shocking. So many conventional formulas contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, skin irritants, and even carcinogens—things I didn’t want anywhere near my body. That’s when I committed to a cleaner, safer approach to skincare and makeup. If you’re considering making the switch, here’s how I did it—and how you can, too.

Step 1: Start with Daily Essentials

Swap the products you use the most—these have the biggest impact on your health.

✔ Best First Swaps:

• Cleanser – Choose a gentle, sulfate-free wash that won’t strip your skin.

• Moisturizer – Look for fragrance-free hydration with simple ingredients.

• Deodorant – Ditch aluminum; let your body detox naturally.

• Sunscreen – Use a mineral-based SPF (zinc oxide) to avoid harmful UV filters.

These are the products that sit on your skin for hours—so they should be the cleanest.

Step 2: Read the Labels

You don’t have to memorize every chemical—just know the biggest red flags.

Avoid These Toxins:

• Parabens – Linked to hormone disruption.

• Phthalates – Found in synthetic fragrance; messes with hormones.

• Sulfates (SLS, SLES) – Harsh foaming agents that dry out skin.

• Chemical sunscreens – Oxybenzone and similar chemicals can disrupt hormones.

• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives – Yes, some beauty products still contain these.

💡 Pro Tip: “If an ingredient list is overloaded with chemicals, research it before you buy. Clean beauty doesn’t have to be complicated.”

Step 3: Keep Your Routine Simple

Your skin doesn’t need 12 steps. Less is more.

Morning Routine:

1. Skip harsh cleansers – A splash of water is often enough.

2. Hydrate & protect – A vitamin C serum + moisturizer works wonders.

3. Always wear SPF – A mineral sunscreen is your best friend.

Evening Routine:

1. Double cleanse if needed – Oil cleanse first, then a gentle wash.

2. Nourish – A peptide serum or rosehip seed oil supports skin repair.

3. Seal in moisture – A rich night cream keeps skin soft overnight.

💡 Pro Tip: “I used to think more products meant better skin. But when I stripped my routine down, my skin actually became healthier.”

Step 4: Upgrade Your Makeup Bag

Toxic ingredients in cosmetics don’t just sit on your skin—they’re absorbed.

💄 Best Makeup Swaps:

• Foundation & Primer – Look for clean, skin-friendly formulas.

• Mascara – Avoid formaldehyde-based preservatives; plant-based is best.

• Lip Products – Since lipstick gets ingested, choose lead-free, synthetic dye-free options.

💡 Pro Tip: “I was afraid natural makeup wouldn’t perform—but I’ve found amazing clean alternatives that work just as well (or better) than conventional brands.”

Step 5: Be Patient & Trust the Process

Your skin may adjust at first, but stick with it—it’s worth it.

⏳ What to Expect:

• Some dryness or breakouts as your skin detoxes.

• Skin balancing over time—less irritation, more glow.

• Confidence knowing your products support your health.

💡 Pro Tip: “Your skin might take a few weeks to adjust, but once it does, you’ll never go back.”

Final Thought: Small Steps,

Big Change

This journey isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being mindful.

✨ Start small. Stay consistent. Choose what feels right for you.

✨ Healthy beauty should support your body, not compromise it.

💡 Pro Tip: “Your beauty should enhance your health. Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the process.”