My Brighter Hydrated Anti-Aging Skin Care

This post contains affiliate links from my favorite brand Mountain Rose Herbs. I love their high quality organic/fair trade products, and am blown away by their commitment to zero waste. 

My initial skin care goal to eliminate breakouts was successful when I came across research on using oils high in linoleic acid for acne, and I started using soft microfiber cloths while oil cleansing.  My skin took another HUGE change for the better when I started eating abundant raw fruits and vegetables.  As my digestive system improved tremendously, my skin cleared up even more.

I also played around with water only skin care over the summer, yet I decided I wanted to focus on brightening up my complexion.  This new skin care regimen has not only brightened my skin, but has also given it a plump hydrated feel.  Each component of this skin care regimen was chosen specifically to address my new skin care goals of maintaining a brighter, hydrated, youthful complexion.

CLEANSE--Trader Joe's Organic Wild Collected Raw Honey

Using raw honey as a facial cleanser was something I first wrote about in 2012.  Raw honey is antibacterial as well as a humectant.  It gently cleanses the skin, removes excess sebum, and efficiently brightens the skin.  Once raw honey is mixed with water, it produces a natural peroxide to lighten dark spots and even out the complexion.

I apply a thin layer of raw honey to my skin with damp fingers, and I allow it to sit while brushing and flossing my teeth.  After rinsing, I do not pat dry my skin with a towel since my theory is to increase the moisture in my skin and not remove any of it.  I just wait a moment before my next step.  (I stopped wearing face makeup awhile ago, and use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water to gently remove eye makeup.)

TREAT--Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

I was so curious about whether using a vitamin C serum would really make a difference in the overall appearance of my skin and it has.  I came across Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum and loved the ingredients.  Vitamin C is an antioxidant which brightens the skin and increases skin cell turnover.  

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum also contains hyaluronic acid which plumps up the skin by increasing skin hydration.  Other ingredients such as ferlic acid double the UV protective effects of vitamin C, and konjac root powder reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  The combination of these action packed anti-aging powerhouses help to further even, smooth, and tighten the complexion.

MOISTURIZE--Mountain Rose Herbs Organic Evening Primrose Oil & Organic Helichrysum Essential Oil

With winter approaching I wanted to formulate a very simple yet nourishing facial oil to protect my skin from the dry cold air.  I chose organic evening primrose oil because it is extremely high in linoleic acid which is incredible for acne prone skin.  Evening primrose oil is packed with antioxidants, is anti-aging, and calms inflammation in the skin.  This silky oil absorbs into the skin quickly, and has been known to smooth fine lines and help maintain skin hydration.

I’ve used helichrysum essential oil in the past and was astonished by its amazing ability to heal old scars and scars in general.  It’s also known for diminishing the appearance of age spots.  This essential oil even works well with the most sensitive skin.  Although it is pricey, once you have used it the price will no longer deter you.  (I will share my simple facial oil recipe and more on these two ingredients in the next article.)

REFRESH--Mountain Rose Herbs Organic Neroli Hydrosol & Organic Helichrysum Essential Oil

Having a refreshing facial spritz helps to maintain moisture in my skin throughout the day.  I also spritz my skin after moisturizing to help the facial oil penetrate into my skin even more.  Neroli hydrosol is also wonderful for healing scars and is the perfect facial mist for sensitive and mature skin.  I added helichrysum essential oil to the neroli hydrosol for additional healing properties because I love this essential oil so much.  (I will also share more details on neroli hydrosol with helichrysum essential oil in the next article.)

I've always strived to keep a very simple skin care regimen with healthy minimal ingredients.  Oil cleansing was awesome once I learned about the right oils, and using water only skin care was a great vacation for my skin.  Yet to brighten my skin as well as rid any remaining minuscule acne scars, these are the products and ingredients I have turned to.

I've finally added powerful anti-aging components to my skin care regimen.  I do believe using gentle cleansers as well as potent ingredients makes a difference.  I have recently started including my neck with each one of these steps in my skin care regimen.  

Remembering all of the anti-aging neck creams on the market helped me to realize that neglecting that area of my skin would not serve me well in the long run.  Although I have added a plethora of skin care goodies into my life, the biggest overall shift from unhealthy to healthy skin has still been giving up processed foods and refined sugar and increasing the amount of raw fruits and vegetables into my diet. So there you have it, my updated skin care regimen for the fall/winter season for a bright, hydrated, and youthful complexion!

Check out Organic Skin Care by Minimalist Beauty 

Image by Dawn Michelle