A Functional Medicine Doctor’s Clean Beauty Routine (+ anti-aging secrets)

Clean Beauty is an Inside Job

Through my own health journey, I came to an important conclusion: clean beauty is an inside job. When my health was at its worst, I had acne, rashes, bloating, weight gain, and inflammation. The glow was gone.

Getting my health back was a long process that involved healing my gut, balancing hormones, sleep, exercise, stress management, dietary changes, supplements, medications and focused elimination of environmental toxins.

I truly believe that any beauty routine starts with good nutrition and lifestyle practices, and addressing underlying health issues. When I got my health back, I got my glow back. And in doing so, I revamped my beauty routine and ditched the toxic chemicals I used on my skin and hair.

We Have To Advocate For Ourselves

Did you know that many personal care products expose you and your family to toxic chemicals? While the European Union has banned approximately 1,400 harmful chemicals¹ and ingredients from personal care products, the United States has only banned about 30.

An analysis by the Environmental Working Group² found that

“more than 1 in 5 of all products contain chemicals linked to cancer, 80% contain ingredients that commonly contain hazardous impurities, and 56% contain penetration enhancers that help deliver ingredients deeper into the skin. Cosmetic ingredients penetrate the skin and may pose health risks, particularly for children. Personal care products may be the primary exposure route for many chemicals that raise significant health concerns. Consumers can be exposed through skin absorption, inhalation, and ingestion.”

If you’re not convinced that the products we slather on our skin are actually absorbed, think about the topical medications we prescribe, like hormone creams. It is well known that transdermal estradiol raises systemic estrogen levels (thank goodness, because there are lots of benefits with this for women in perimenopause/ menopause... stay tuned!)

To make matters worse, the average woman uses 12 personal care products a day, exposing her to over 168 unique chemicals³.... before she even walks out the door.

You Don’t Have To Compromise Health In The Name Of Beauty

Skin care and beauty products can be both safe and effective.

I counsel my patients to utilize resources like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetics Database and Think Dirty to evaluate the safety of their personal care products. You can also look for the EWG VERIFIED mark on products that meet EWG's strict criteria based on a variety of health standards.

An effective anti-aging skincare routine typically includes the following:

• Topical estrogen - yes, that's right... I said estrogen. Specifically: estriol. This is not for everyone, so check with your doctor first! Estrogen on the face is an anti-aging "secret" because it helps restore skin integrity, increase collagen production and retain moisture. This is especially helpful on the undereye area. I typically only recommend this to women over age 35, but, again, talk to your provider and keep away from men/ children/ pregnant women.
  
• Nitric Oxide - This is another one of my anti-aging "secrets" because as we age, the body’s ability to produce nitric oxide diminishes. This decline is one of the key factors contributing to the aging of the skin, manifesting as wrinkles, fine lines, and reduced elasticity. Nitric oxide vasodilates, increasing blood flow, collagen production, oxygen, hydration, and nutrients in skin cells.
• Retinoids (Retinol) - this helps promote cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoid can be prescribed, or purchased over-the-counter as a phyto-retinol which tends to be more gentle and clean (but less effective and often more expensive). Note that Retinoic Acid, a synthetic vitamin A, has safety concerns including Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity. It's not for pregnant women. Usually applied at night, starting with lower concentrations to build tolerance.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - Potent antioxidant that protects against free radical damage and brightens the skin. Look for serums with a concentration of 10-20% ascorbic acid. Usually applied in the morning before sunscreen.
• Peptides - Help to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
  
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) - Exfoliate the skin, improve texture, and promote cell turnover. Depending on skin tolerance, used a few times a week at night.
• Moisturizer - Keeps the skin hydrated and supports the skin barrier function.
• Sunscreen - In the United States we have very good UVB protection, but often lack in UVA protection. Europe and Asia have more options that include both UVA and UVB. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide can offer this "broad-spectrum" protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Some of my favorite clean beauty brands include: ILIA, Primally Pure, Josh Rosebrook, Osea, RMS Beauty, True Botanicals, W3LL People, Rahua and Innersense.

Below, I share the exact products I use including a few of my "secrets" for anti-aging.

My Safe and Effective Clean Beauty Routine

Skin Care

Primally Pure Cleansing Oil - oil cleansing uses beneficial oils that penetrate deep into pores to dissolve grime and build-up, while keeping my skin's natural moisture barrier in-tact. I use this with a warm washcloth nightly.  Use code DRMAREN10 for 10% off Primally Pure products.

Primally Pure Baby Bar - Sometimes I follow oil cleansing with this gentle bar for a deeper clean (i.e. after a night out wth full makeup). I also love the Primally Pure Clarifying Bar, made with charcoal, which has more antibacterial, antimicrobial and astringent properties to calm breakouts.  Use code DRMAREN10 for 10% off Primally Pure products.

Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Toner - I use a toner nightly after cleansing. This one has a ph-balanced blend of fruit and flower acids to help exfoliate the skin, improve texture, and promote cell turnover. I also like Primally Pure Everything Spray as a toner (which I have on hand as an underarm refresher after the gym!)

N1o1 Nitric Oxide Activating Serum - I'm obsessed with this nitric oxide serum because I SEE THE RESULTS! It is my best kept secret for anti-aging (try it and you will see). It is also great for rosacea and acne. The serum includes Nitric Oxide plus 20% Vitamin C to improve wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, tone and texture. Note that this product does contain Tetrasodium EDTA and sodium metabisulfite, which you can read more about in the links provided. Use code MAREN10 for 10% off + free US shipping on N1o1 products.

N1o1 Age Defying Face Cream - this is my can't-live-without face cream, that combines three anti-aging ingredients: Nitric Oxide for promoting overall skin health and circulation to the skin; complex peptides for rejuvenating skin; and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Note that this product does contain Phenoxyethanol, which you can read more about in the link provided. Use code MAREN10 for 10% off + free US shipping on N1o1 products.

Emerita Estriol Balancing Cream - Estriol is especially helpful on the undereye area. I typically only recommend this to women over age 35, so talk to your provider and keep away from men/ children/ pregnant women. I use topical estriol every other night, alternating with a retinoid. You can access this product through my online supplement dispensary at 10% off.

Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream - This is a super hydrating cream that helps restore the skin's damaged natural barrier, making it good for occasional use for excessive dryness. Also excellent for people with eczema.

True Botanicals RENEW Nutrient Facial Mist - This is an ultra-hydrating facial mist that includes antioxidants and smells amazing. It helps set makeup and gives skin a nice healthy glow. I layer this on after makeup.

Primally Pure Lip Balm - I love my lip balm!  Use code DRMAREN10 for 10% off Primally Pure products.

Makeup

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 - This tinted moisturizer provides SPF 40 and sheer coverage, which makes it ideal for days without makeup and also gives me extra coverage when I do wear foundation.

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation - This weightless foundation is a game changer. It's easy to use and looks natural. I layer it over the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 for extra coverage on occasion.

ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer - I use a little bit of this creamy, crease-resistant concealer over my Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 to hide dark circles (thank my kids).

Pai The Impossible Glow - Easy to use hyaluronic acid and sea kelp bronzing drops add a dewy sun-kissed glow. I mix a couple drops into my Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40.

ILIA Multi-Stick- this super simple twist-up stick offers a buildable wash of color for cheeks (or lips). I also love the RMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush.

ILIA The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette - super easy to wear. I also like RMS Beauty Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow.

ILIA Clean Line Gel Liner - this one goes on easy like a gel but with the precision of a pencil, and blends well before setting

ILIA In Frame Brow Gel - Flake-proof, foolproof, and easy to use.

ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara - You guessed it, more from ILIA. I'm a big fan.

Hair Care

Rahua Hydration Shampoo + Conditioner - smells so good and leaves my hair smoother and shinier. I use also like Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath + Conditioner.

Primally Pure Natural Dry Shampoo - Avoid the talc. This one is made from kaolin clay, arrowroot powder and organic essential oils.  Use code DRMAREN10 for 10% off Primally Pure products.

Body Care

Primally Pure Deodorant - The best! And it actually works. The use a finer grain baking soda that tends to be more gentle.  Use code DRMAREN10 for 10% off Primally Pure products.

Primally Pure Body Dry Brush - I use a this brush on dry skin before my shower to stimulate circulation, lymphatic flow, and detoxification. Just brush from the extremities in toward the heart.  Use code DRMAREN10 for 10% off Primally Pure products.

Primally Pure Body Wash - this gentle body wash made with your microbiome in mind, and doesn't strip the skin's moisture barrier with chemicals and detergents. My household is also a fan of Dr. Bronner's Organic Pure Castile Tea Tree Soap.  Use code DRMAREN10 for 10% off Primally Pure products.

Alba Botanica Unscented Very Emollient Cream Shave - this is my fav for a close shave.

Primally Pure Body Butter - this feels really luxurious after a warm bath or shower and keeps my skin so soft. I also love True Botanicals Pure Radiance Body Butter but this one is a splurge.  Use code DRMAREN10 for 10% off Primally Pure products.

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil - another splurge (and also a great gift), this non-greasy seaweed-infused body oil is a fav.

Kenna Nicole DUSK Essential Oil Blend - I am obsessed with this warm and sultry blend of 8 essential oils, and I use this instead of perfume. Plus, Kenna Nicole is a local Michigan company that is generous enough to offer my tribe 15% off! (use the coupon code MAREN, and buy their candle while you are there).

Good Molekules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen - I love that it is fast absorbing and leaves no white cast. Contains 13.3% zinc oxide to protect from UVA and UVB rays. Only complaint is that it's small and not waterproof, so this isn't a great option for a family at the pool. But I'll use this on my hikes etc.

Oral Hygeine

RiseWell Toothpaste - I look for toothpaste that is gluten-free, fluoride-free, and also free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. I also avoid anything too abrasive, like many whitening products and tooth powders can be. But the reality is, we still need a safe and effective alternative to fluoride. Enter hydroxyapatite. There aren't many products on the market with this ingredient, which has been used in Japan for decades. Use code MAREN10 for 10% off!

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser - I love a good waterpik! As an alternative you can use dental floss, but you should know that it is often coated with PFCs — Teflon, and PTFE. Dr. Tung's Smart Floss is lightly waxed with a vegetable/beeswax blend, and is free of BPA, PTFE, PFAS chemicals and petrochemical wax.

Dr. Tung's Tongue Scraper - once you try it, you'll never go back.

Philips Sonicare rechargeable electric toothbrush - An electric toothbrush is also essential for good oral hygiene.

Interested in Sampling Clean Beauty Products?

My one and only monthly subscription box is The Detox Box from The Detox Market and I'm such a fan. I receive a monthly beauty box filled with tried-and-true favorites (and some new discoveries). It's honestly such a great value. On the regular, I get a box full of awesome products valued at over $150 for $39.95. It's seriously a steal.

CLICK HERE TO TRY MY FAVORITE CLEAN BEAUTY SUBSCRIPTION!

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1. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:342:0059:0209:en:PDF
2. https://www.ewg.org/news/testimony-official-correspondence/statement-jane-houlihan-cosmetics-safety#.Wllm1EvauRs
3. https://www.ewg.org/news/testimony-official-correspondence/statement-jane-houlihan-cosmetics-safety#.Wllm1EvauRs