I feel like I say this all of the time. I’ve never had a solid skincare routine. In the past, I’ve loved trying new products and sharing them with you but let’s be real, it never stuck. Well, it’s about time to I got my act together, ladies.
So why have I finally made the decision to clean up my skincare? Let me explain.
Reason No. 1: My Hashimoto’s Diagnosis
I shared a few weeks ago that I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s – an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid (read more about it here). In addition to eating a more nutrient-dense diet that not only fuels my body but supports my thyroid, I’ve also started to find cleaner alternatives to my favorite supplement, skincare, and makeup products. What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body. A lot of skincare products are full of toxins and harmful ingredients which can trigger inflammation – and this is no bueno with an autoimmune disease.
Reason No. 2: Hormonal Acne
Right after my Hashi’s diagnosis, I made the decision to stop taking hormonal birth control (the pill). We are not trying to get pregnant – yet – but because I’ve been on birth control for 16+ years, I wanted to give my body a chance to get back to its normal hormone production. I’ve been off the pill for a little over a month and recently started experiencing some of the symptoms I was warned about – the main one being hormonal acne. And let me tell ya – this freaked me out. I have never had acne before. Maybe a pimple here or there once a year but even before BC, I never experienced breakouts this like.
My body is in the process of regulating hormones – something it hasn’t done for 16 years – so a little acne is normal. I’ve never really had a solid skincare routine so I’m using this as an opportunity to learn more about my skin and how to take better care of it, and hopefully combat these new skin/hormone challenges.
But why Beautycounter?
This one is simple. Clean beauty + safe ingredients. What’s not to love? Not only does Beautycounter choose the best organic, natural, sustainable and synthetic ingredients but over 80% of the ingredients in their products are natural or plant-derived.
Every ingredient used in the formulation of their products is screened and assessed against 23 safety endpoints including carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and reproductive and dermal sensitivities.
And the best part? They prohibit the use of 1,800+ questionable or harmful ingredients when formulating their products through The Never List™.
When you spend $100 or more on Beautycounter products, you’ll receive $15 back. When shopping, you should see “shopping with Lauren Price” in the top corner of the screen. Once you place your order (yay, you!), simply send me an email – lauren@laurenelyce.com – with your order number to claim your cash-back reward. Keep a lookout more goodies coming your way including exclusive giveaways, tutorials, product alerts and more.
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As a Band of Beauty Member you get the following awesome benefits for only $29/year:
- Receive free shipping each time you place an order of $100 or more.
- 10% product credit on all orders (That means if you spend $100 on product purchases, you will get $10 towards your next purchase!)
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My Clean Skincare Routine
It’s only been a few weeks but I gotta say, I’m officially obsessed with my new routine. I don’t know if it’s the cleaner products, a healthier diet, my hormones regulating or a combo of all three but the acne is clearing up and my skin is #glowing. Check out my easy skincare routine below.
Step 1: Makeup Remover
How to use: I use one of these wipes to take off makeup before I cleanse my skin. Gently wipe over face and eyes until clean – and that’s it.
These wipes easily remove makeup and cleanse your skin in one step. Using a naturally derived micellar formula, each super soft wipe traps makeup, dirt, and impurities, then gently whisks it away with no need to rinse. Aloe Vera delivers hydration, while cornflower water soothes delicate skin. Gentle enough to use on face and eyes every day. Oil-free. No added fragrance.
Step 2: Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser
How to use: I use this cleanser twice daily – especially right after a workout. Apply a small amount to a wet face and massage gently in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
If you’re looking for a deep clean without the dryness – this cleanser is for you.
This daily exfoliating cleanser, designed for oily and blemish-prone skin, removes oil, makeup, and other impurities without harsh surfactants that can strip skin of moisture. Beautycounter’s SkinBalance Complex and aloe vera helps purify the pores and soothe skin, while jojoba beads gently slough away dead skin cells. (my favorite part)
Step 3: Countercontrol Instant Matte Toner
How to use: I use this stuff two times a day – and Jessica was the one who convinced me to finally get this into. my routine. Apply two shakes to a cotton pad and swipe over a clean, dry face.
Reduce shine in seconds. This alcohol-free toner is designed to mattify skin, remove residual impurities, and minimize the appearance of pores without stripping moisture. With the signature SkinBalance Complex, the formula helps purify skin while preserving ideal moisture levels for a refreshed, comfortable complexion.
I also really like the Countermatch Hydra-Gel Radiance Toner!
Step 4: Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment
How to use: Spot-apply a thin layer to blemishes twice daily or as needed. Apply after All Over Acne Treatment.
Yup. This stuff has been a lifesaver. I pair with the All Over Acne Treatment when I’m in the middle of a crazy breakout and it helps SO much.
Created for skin in distress, this invisible, lightweight gel penetrates pores to reduce blemishes. Featuring Beautycounter’s signature SkinBalance Complex and maximum-strength salicylic acid, the treatment addresses breakouts without over-drying the skin for a clearer, healthier-looking complexion. Formulated without the use of harsh irritants and sensitizers like benzoyl peroxide and sulfur which can cause irritation.
Step 5: Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream
How to use: Apply one-and-a half pumps to face, neck, and chest after cleanser, toner, and treatments.
When I say this stuff feels good on the skin, I mean it.
All the hydration with none of the shine. Mattify skin for up to eight hours* with this innovative cream-to-gel formula for oily and blemish-prone skin. Featuring their signature SkinBalance Complex with wintergreen and rosebay willow, this oil-free, non-greasy hydrator improves skin’s texture without ingredients that can clog pores.
Step 6: Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask
How to use: Apply an even layer to clean skin. Let dry for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use 2 to 3 times per week. note: this can also be used as an overnight spot treatment.
Since my epic acne breakout, this has been my saving grace.
This kaolin clay mask with activated charcoal purifies and balances, absorbing any excess oil and drawing out impurities. The salicylic and lactic acids support a gentle exfoliation, giving your skin a smooth, polished look with a minimized appearance of pores. This stuff is perfect for folks with congestion and oily skin.
only $105 for band of beauty members!
Not sure where to start?
Everyone’s skin care needs are different! If you have no idea where you should start when it comes to finding the right skincare regimen, the Beautycounter Skincare Quiz is for you. Designed to help you find the right system for your skin, the quiz takes just under a minute to complete and you’ll get your recommended regimen in seconds.
