The older (and wiser) I get, the more disenchanted I become with super fancy, hyped up and gimmicky skin care products which most often than not are largely comprised of toxic chemicals rather than wholesome ingredients. They cost a pretty penny but for all for the wrong reasons. It’s as if the price corresponds to the number of unnatural ingredients listed on the package, that, and all the effort put into advertising and packaging something which in the end is more harmful than it is good. 
Take for example sunscreen, and the huge market it dominates. Sunscreen is supposed to be good for you, but guess what? Unless you are buying all natural, organic, paba-free, non-toxic sunscreen products you are actually putting yourself at a higher risk for cancer due to the free-radical generating properties found in the chemical ingredients they contain. Would you consciously put poisonous pesticide all over your body to protect your skin? Most people do. Remember, that at the core of any huge endorsement driven by cleverly instigated mass demand and hysteria there is a huge industry profiting. Let’s not forget that cigarettes were once touted to be good for you – back in the 50′s and 60′s when they ‘took the edge off’ and relaxed you at the end of a long day. That’s back when real men smoked, as we are nostalgically reminded by the debonair Don Draper in Mad Men!
So forget all the commercial, expensive name brands, and get back to basics. My rule of thumb is there should only be items you are familiar with and can clearly identify on any label, and the list should never be a mile long. I use the same rule for food labels. If I want an oat bran cereal, there should be only one ingredient: oat bran – unless you want raisins in it! Simple goodness is what it’s all about. Have a look at these old-time favorite brands I’ve recently re-discovered. Not only are they good for your skin, they are affordable, and they will look super vintage glam on your bathroom shelf. Did I mention they’ve been in business for over a century?
J.R. Watkins SPF 30 Sunscreen ($10.99) is an eco-friendly, plan-based formula which contains all natural titanium-dioxide for sun protection and anti-aging ingredients. I also recommend their Gentle Pore Scrub ($9.99), which was awarded Best Exfoliant in the 2009 Beauty With A Conscience Awards!
Thayers Witch Hazel Lemon Toner ($9.95) which is based on a Native-American skin cleansing formula is my favorite antidote to dull and oily skin. It refreshes, boosts shine, and invigorates your face immediately – and is the perfect solution for enlarged and clogged pores. If you don’t fall in love with the aromatic and fresh lemon scent, you will definitely fall in love with how soft and supple your skin will feel. The Witch Hazel Pads ($7.95) are great to carry in a purse if you like to freshen up on the go, and are also great for traveling!
Thayers Lemon Witch Hazel With Aloe Vera
J.R. Watkins Pore Scrub
Tags: alcohol free skin astringent, Chemical free sunscreen, clogged pores, Donal Draper, J.R. Watkins Naturals, Lemon Witch Hazel, Mad Men, natural exfoliant, Natural Sunscreen, skin cancer, skin care, sun burn, Thayers Natural Remedies, Witch Hazel
