With over 25 years of experience in the world of beauty, Dotti is an advocate for the no-makeup, makeup movement. She believes that natural beauty originates from the inside to manifest itself on the outside. The following plant-based beauty piece, penned by Dotti, originally appeared in the Winter 2022 issue of Tracy Anderson Magazine, available now for digital download and print orders.
A plant-based skincare regimen extends beyond products’ ingredients. It’s a lifestyle that mindfully considers what is applied on the body since it eventually becomes part of your system.
We are also individuals and there is no one-size-fits-all routine, whether it’s skincare or makeup. Each person will react differently to different products so it’s important to know what the right formula is for you. A combination of oils, fruit, and vegetable enzymes, hydrosol flower waters can lead to significant results to improve the look, feel, and texture of your skin, and can also help repair damaged or problem areas.
Hydrosols + Carrier Oils
They say that oil and water don’t mix, but that is not the truth in the world of skincare. Choosing a hydrosol before applying a carrier oil is essential to the absorption of the product into the skin. Some of my favorite carrier oils include:
- Jojoba oil: closest to the skin’s natural sebum
- Avocado oil: has vitamin E and D which are essential to the skin
- Sunflower oil: contains natural vitamin E and sunscreen
- Rosehip oil: has natural cellular regeneration qualities
- Plum kernel oil: rich with antioxidants and aids in skin turnover
- Camellia oil: essential to prevent water loss from the skin and does not clog pores
Most hydrosols contain antioxidants, soothe irritated skin, and provide extra nourishment as they help to absorb oils and creams. Some of my favorite hydrosols are rose water, orange blossom/neroli, chamomile, frankincense, and mirth.
Skin Cleansers
Skin cleansers come in all different formulas and everybody has a personal like or dislike of the feel of skin texture after cleansing. One thing to keep in mind is that your skin does not need to feel dry or stripped in order to be clean. The use of plant oils for cleansing, for example, helps to remove excess oil and impurities—like makeup and dead skin cells—all while nourishing the skin.
Facial Peels
When talking about peels, fruit and vegetable enzymes offer incredible results. Peels remove dead skin cells and help resurface skin texture which is important, especially as we go into the colder weather months. One of my favorites, that I find incredibly effective, is a yam and pumpkin peel, as it not only helps your skin, but it’s very energetically grounding for the body. If you are looking for a more active formula, your esthetician can offer a berry or fruit pulp peel depending on your particular skin type.
Body Skincare
Your facial skincare is important but let’s not forget that the rest of your skin also needs care. Daily moisturizing is something that many people forget to do. A simple body brushing routine helps with the removal of dead skin cells and aids in circulation and stimulating cell regeneration. Moisturizing following a shower or bath while the skin is still damp, maximizes the absorption of product into the skin. Remember that the weight of your body moisturizer depends on your particular skin type and changes seasonally. In winter, I recommend layering a carrier oil with a cream on top for extra love.
As mentioned before, everyone’s skin is different and not everyone will benefit from each product in the same way, so don’t be afraid to test things out. Keep in mind that custom blends are a great way to give your skin the right care that it needs. And always remember, as you take care of your face and your body—look in the mirror, give yourself a wink, and let your body know how much you love it.
Editor’s Note: Your skin deserves plant-based TLC, which is why Tracy Anderson teamed up with Dr. Doug to create SKIN SEQUENCE, a premium line of body balms—and one face balm—to support your body on every level. Shop now at the TA Online Shop.