Clean Cancer (Skin) Care
Dry skin, dry mouth, dry scalp and dry nose were all side effects of chemotherapy. Before cancer, I had really dry skin especially in the Chicago winters. Moisturizer was always my friend, but when my head started itching all of the time, my mouth filled up sores and my nose drew blood from it for the first time ever, I realized that taking care of my body in new ways would be really important.
I am grateful for the skin that I have. It might be dry, but I never really experienced acne or rosacea issues. All throughout cancer treatment, I barely wore makeup unless it was to a wedding or event. I also didn’t really have a skin care regime. I mean I cleansed and moisturized, but never considered serums, toners, or eye creams. When I saw what the chemo and radiation did to my body - skin mostly, I told myself that it was important for me to not only create a skin regimen but if I was going to wear makeup again that it needed to be good for my health. I was not going to put harmful products that could be linked to cancer, Sensitization, Hormone Disruption or be toxic to my body.
I started doing some research and found a few brands that I really liked. These included True Botanicals, Alpyn Beauty and Clarins. I saw the word natural and just went with it. I didn’t really look much into the ingredients nor did I really understand how to read the ingredients. If I was being told it was organic or natural well then I believed them. I still use these three brands today, but have been interested in learning more about clean beauty and not just natural.
Credo had opened up a mile from me in Chicago. I knew it was a beauty store, but other than that not much else. I decided one day to check them out online and sign up for the newsletters. When I did I started seeing what they were all about. During this pandemic I received emails from them and one caught my attention. It read “aspiring entrepreneurs.” Now I wasn’t BIPOC or a beauty brand, but I thought I need to reach out and see if anyone would be open to talking with me as I was a budding entrepreneur.
To my surprise, one of the co-founders responded right away and supported me from the moment we first chatted on the phone. We talked about Liv & Let and the caring crates along with clean ingredients and the Credo Clean Standard. I knew I had found a great connection and was so grateful that the founder of a large and growing business cared about little me sitting behind my ipad trying to create a hub and caring crate service for those affected by breast cancer. In addition to talking about both of our businesses, Annie shared with me details about an amazing organization call Lipstick Angels. Their mission is to strengthen the dignity, hope and self-esteem of individuals with cancer or other chronic illness. Credo Beauty just happens to be a partner and support of Lipstick Angels. What an awesome connection I had just made. The next week I connected with founder of Lipstick Angels, Renata and had an amazing conversation with her. I may have found two of the most amazing women on the planet and they wanted to talk with me and support me? Wow! I was amazed that they cared enough to give me the time of day.
After checking out Credo and having conversations with Annie and Renata, I learned a lot more about clean products and about products that were toxic to the human body as well as those linked to hormone disruption and cancer:
Toxic to Human Body
Methyl Cellosolve or 2-Methoxyethanol
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Toluene
Hormone Disruption
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
Chemical Sunscreens
Parabens
Phthalates
Resorcinol
Triclosan and Triclocarban
Cancer
BHA (ButylatedHydroxyanisole)
Ethanolamines
Ethoxylated Ingredients
Formaldehyde
A few weeks went by and I decided I wanted to add more beauty care to the product recommendation page as well as the curated caring crates. This was when I reached out to the expert at Credo. Annie, sent me the most amazing list of brands that were favorites of Lipstick Angels. I had just received the clean standard list of products that would help benefit those going through cancer! Now it was my turn to try them out for myself. A week ago I headed to the Credo store in Bucktown, Chicago and met the most amazing store manager. She graciously gave me a ton of samples to bring home and try on.
I wasn’t able to try all of the below products yet, but I plan to do so soon. Check out the list along with my reviews:
Masks
Tata Harper, Hydrating Floral mask
Liv & Let Review - It might be on the pricier side, however it made my skin feel very hydrated and moisturized. It also smells really good!
January Labs Moisture Renew mask
Eye Cream
Tata Harper, Restorative Eye cream
Liv & Let Review - This product provides hydration, however I haven’t seen results after using a tester tube. Maybe I need to use it for a little longer. I’m definitely going to give it another chance.
Evolve Hyaluronic Eye Complex
Liv & Let Review - Not only is the inclusion of hyaluronic in the eye cream amazing, but what I love the most is the cool roller on my eyes - under the eye and on the eyelid.
Moisturizers
CV Skinlabs, Calming Moisture for Face, Neck and Scalp
Liv & Let Review - It is lightweight and goes on very smoothly. I love that it has antioxidants in it to add more hydration.
Violets Are Blue, Coconut & Argan Face and Body Lotion
Liv & Let Review - This all over lotion is gentle and easily absorbed. It also smells beautiful with the hint of lavender that adds full coverage of vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E which is amazing!
Cleanser
Violets are Blue, Gentle Cleanser with White Tea and Carrot Seed
Liv & Let Review - This oil based - non foaming cream cleanser leaves my face smooth, soft and clean.
Peet Rivko Gentle Cleanser
Liv & Let Review - The gentle cleanser is truly gentle and light. It’s formulated especially for sensitive skin which is great for me.
Facial Wipes
Acure Seriously Soothing Micellar Water Towelettes
Liv & Let Review - Gentle and no irritation, these light wipes leave my face feeling clean and removes the little makeup I wear really well.
Balms
CV Skinlabs, Restorative Skin Balm
Liv & Let - I tried it for a few days and it seems great. I look forward to using it in the winter time. Chicago winter weather will definitely call for a balm.
Kari Gran, Essential Balm
Sprays/Toners
CV Skinlabs, Rescue + Relief Spray
Liv & Let Review - After a cleansed face, I love spritzing my face with this spray. It leaves it feeling hydrated and refreshed. I look forward to having this if there happens to be any burns or cuts. I have been told it’s great for burns, cuts, sunburns and pains. Anyone having radiation should definitely check this out.
Tower28 Daily Rescue Spray
Liv & Let Review - It feels gentle and refreshing.
Serums
Violets Are Blue, Ultra Violet Facial Serum with Carrot and Rosehip Seed Oils
Liv & Let - I love this serum - I have been using it every morning!
Violets Are Blue Visible Light Brightening and Repair Serum w/ Tamanu and Helichrysum
Liv & Let - I wish I had this serum after my surgeries. I have actually tried using it on a scar I have from a blemish issue and it definitely lightened the scar!
Body Moisturizers
CV Skinlabs, Body Repair Lotion
Violets Are Blue, Kokum Butter and Argan Oil Body Cream
As I was preparing this post to share, I came across a post from Lipstick Angels that I wanted to include before wrapping it up:
“ During cancer treatment, many people will experience skin-related side effects such as extreme dryness, changes in pigmentation as well as sensitivity that can cause feelings for frustration and discomfort. Experiencing any adverse side effect is stressful, not only can it cause tremendous physical strain but it can have a negative emotional impact as well. Fighting cancer is difficult enough- you deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your skin no matter what. Depending on the concern here are a few fantastic and oncology -safe ingredients to incorporate into a skincare routine: Hyaluronic acid (for hydration), niacinamide (for brightening and balancing, aloe (to calm and hydrate), and oat extract (for ultimate skin soothing and repair.”
If you have any products you’d like for me to try and review or even include in crates, please let me know and I would be happy to look into them. Right now Liv & Let has Violets Are Blue products as well as a few other natural brands - Lovett Sundries, Little Seed Farm, Palermo Body and Salty Girl Beauty (not sold at Credo) - not included above available to include in crates!
Stay tuned for a full blog post on natural deodorants and reviews!
