Artificial Moisture

Below is an article for my monthly newsletter section on product usage tips (this month’s newsletter also included some great specials and ideas for beating strep throat naturally).  This particular article was looking too long for the newsletter though, so I’m linking to it here on the blog.  🙂

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Using a truly natural product can be a strange transition for some, because we are so used to ‘normal’ or conventional (chemical ridden) products – how they feel, smell, taste, and work.  Throughout this series, I’m sharing my experiences with some of the products that were the most noticeably different for me when I first made the switch to truly natural products, and how the results are stacking up against their conventional counterparts.

If you’ve been reading my newsletter the last few months, I guess it’s obvious how much I’m enjoying the highly concentrated, food-only supplement products from Miessence.  They really have made such a difference for us in many ways.  But how about some of their other certified organic products?

For this November issue of the newsletter, since we’re heading into the colder and drier weather, I’d like to share with you my experience with the facial moisturizers.

I have personally used the balancing and the rejuvenating moisturizers from Miessence – and generally stick with the rejuvenating at this point for my skin.  There is also a purifying and a soothing moisturizer, which I personally don’t need but clients are enjoying.  All four moisturizers are certified organic to food grade standards – zero synthetics and no greenwashing, just beneficial food for your skin.  They are light, nourishing, and have little or no scent to them (more thoughts on product scents/smells in next month’s newsletter).

Obviously different moisturizers will work differently for different skin types, but here was my experience.  Stick with me through the ups and downs – remember we’re talking about transitions here!  It ended on the upside for me and does for most folks.  🙂

I switched to Miessence’s certified organic moisturizer from a more conventional ‘natural’ (semi-natural) moisturizer during the summer months, and I did an experiment by putting my old products on one half of my face and the Miessence products on the other half.  I noticed immediately that my skin felt softer using the Miessence moisturizer and serum in place of the old moisturizer and serum I had been using.  Hours later, the Miessence side still felt softer.

By the end of the day, however, my skin did feel a little drier than normal.  Then I realized that, well, duh, there are no synthetic chemical hydrating agents in the products, so I knew I needed to essentially wean my skin off the old ‘turbo-charged’ moisturizer I’d been using.  I also realized that this change would encourage better health overall by taking away artificial moisture quick-fixes and helping me think more long-term by focusing on the #1 tip for healthy skin – drinking more water.  You know?  Take away the band-aids and deal with the deeper causal issues.

After a couple weeks, I felt like my skin was feeling well moisturized and hydrated all day with just the moisturizer, so I began reserving the serum for around the eyes, or for a little boost if I hadn’t had enough water to drink.

Then winter rolled around, and I did notice a need for a boost from the serum during the colder, drier days – although my water intake was still not optimal during that season, so who knows if I would have needed it at all if I’d been drinking more water.  The Rejuvenessence serum definitely seems to help protect against the harsh winds and bitter cold we can get here in the northeast.

At this point, even though I confess my water intake is still not where it ‘should’ be all the time, I am very happy with the results I get from the rejuvenating moisturizer and either of the serums just here and there as needed.

Side note – when I do use the serums, I generally use the Rejuvenessence facial serum for around the face, the eye/neck serum for around the eyes, and reserve the more potent (and more expensive) Ambrosia Essence for just occasionally around the eyes – makes it last an extra long time and stretches the value.

I’ll be curious to see how this winter goes now that I’m learning more about optimal hydration and some simple tricks for humidifying our home with added benefits from anti-viral essential oils.  I am guessing I will be using less of the serums this winter and just using the moisturizer most of the time.  We’ll see!  🙂

But these are just my skin’s needs and experiences with the moisturizers.  Yes, a few ups and downs and some experimenting was required, but removing the synthetic chemicals from my daily personal care routines has been well worth the little bit of effort.  And now I can guide others through this process and save them time in the experimenting.

What are some of your facial care needs or concerns?  Normal skin?  Extra dry?  Sensitive?  Acne-prone?  Excessively oily?  A good, chemical-free moisturizer can help, but don’t forget to explore the underlying general health issues as well.