By: Alexa Joy, Shop Good Product Expert
PLANT POWER, FOREVER!
Okay, okay -- we get it! Green is gold when it comes to all things skin care. We shout it from the rooftops, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly why this is true. Luckily, we can help cut out a lot of the guesswork and provide you with some easy pocket knowledge to aid your non-toxic journey. I personally love to glean off of the way-too-smart botanists who go before me & pave the way in this cleaner lifestyle (aka: Justine of Botnia Skin Care -- cannot wait to fan-girl over her at this month’s event, ‘Farm to Skin’ -- eek! Who’s going?!). In a similar way, Shop Good always strives to be among the most loyal resources you have in your back pocket for all things clean skin care, beauty, and wellness.
Now to the juicy bits: what makes plants so great for our bodies, inside and out? SO MANY THINGS: They’re high in powerful antioxidants fighting free-radicals, preventing early signs of aging and act as natural astringents fighting acne and oily skin woes. Many plants are rich in carotenoids and flavonoids -- both powerful antioxidants that aid the skin in quick healing. They’re naturally bursting with essential vitamins and minerals that offer hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits. On top of all that goodness, some plants are the best sources of antiseptic and antibacterial ingredients, providing relief for irritated, inflamed, and acne prone skin like nothing else. Our bodies (and skin, too!) crave these natural remedies in order to soothe, rebalance, hydrate and thrive. Here are the top 8 #PLANTPOWERED products I can’t stop reaching for this month --1. Botnia ‘Kale Yeah’ Mask
The restorative tonic you can grab time & time again -- this is a blend of cold-dehydrated and powdered colloidal oatmeal and green kale which create a mask that is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to maintain healthy skin. Kale, being loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, helps reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes and naturally tightens skin. Oatmeal is known to treat acne and de-clog the pores. So, this is basically your go-to-glow companion! 2. Sun Potion Chlorella
Your ultimate free-radical warrior -- not only does chlorella fight against fine lines, wrinkles, and the general aging process, it actually actively builds up the skins defense against future skin-predators (ie: inflammation, pollution, air impurities, etc). *at North Park + Del Mar shops only!*
3. Wildcare Rosemary + Bay Hydrosol
Hydrosols being the gentler version of a daily toner, obvi we’re reaching for this one all summer long. Rosemary is responsible for being our skin’s anti-inflammatory advocate, making it ideal for acne, eczema, and irritated skin types (think sunburn relief or tricky combination skin solution). Bay Laurel naturally becomes its intuitive counterpart in this hydrosol, acting as an antimicrobial, killing bad bacteria that sits on the skin wreaking all kinds of havoc. 4. Aloe vera
OK - if you haven’t caught on yet, “anti-inflammatory” is kind of a plant super-power. And Aloe Vera is no exception. It’s packed with antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A and C making it calming and soothing to the skin. Externally applied it aids in skin recovery and healing; internally taken, it aids in gut healing & reducing internal inflammation. Honestly, we can’t think of a reason not to be adding aloe to your life. 5. H is for Love Palmarosa Lip Conditioner
Macadamia nut oil draws in and locks in moisture, cocoa butter moisturizes, and pomegranate seed oil treats the skin for an all day silky-smooth-kissable pout. Need I say more? 6. House of Matcha Ceremonial Matcha
Matcha is notorious for enhancing your ability to focus, sustain your energy through the use of L-Theanine and caffeine (unlike your average cup of jo), and offering you a heavy duty dose of antioxidants. It can also aid in detoxifying your body, supporting a healthy immune system, and providing you with a sense of calm without making your lethargic. It’s like a magical green dust. 7. Ere Perez Beetroot Lip + Cheek Tint
Nutrition aside, these beetroot tints are the definition of long-lasting. You’ll go from drinks to dinner and back to drinks without a single need for re-applying. But, since it is based in a beautiful beetroot, we have to brag: these cute lip colors hydrate and nourish the skin in your lips offering hydration and...you guessed it: a fab dose of antioxidants! 8. Josh Rosebrook Active Infusion Serum
Bursting with fatty acids provided by the nut and seed oils, this serum offers skin balancing properties to help keep it clear. Herbs like calendula, chickweed, and a bundle of others address inflammation and dryness. I can feel the glow already! Be sure to give a few of these a try this summer and soak in all the #PLANTPOWER goodness they have to offer. My Product Expert recommendation: choose one to be taken internally and one to be applied externally to start. The two will enhance each other and give you a glow worth gold! Cheers to our favorite #PLANTPOWER skin heros! And of course -- cheers to you, our gorgeous Shop Good Insiders. //