Tag: Natural Ingredients

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Silkier Skin

As summer gently fades into the crisp embrace of fall, it’s time to trade those sun-kissed, lightweight routines for the cozy, nourishing rituals our skin needs. Drawing from my 25 years of crafting clean, natural hair and skin treasures at Christina Moss Naturals, I love sharing simple, organic ways to make this transition seamless and sustainable.

Begin with fresh aloe vera gel straight from your own windowsill plant—nothing beats harvesting it yourself for that pure, soothing hydration to calm any lingering sun spots. Mix it with a dollop of organic honey from your local beekeepers to create a luxurious mask that seals in moisture against those cooler autumn winds. And remember, SPF is a year-round essential: whip up your own natural shield by blending zinc oxide with creamy coconut oil for gentle, effective protection.

To truly honor the seasonal shift, try infusing home-grown calendula petals into high-quality olive oil for a soothing serum that’s as kind to your skin as it is to the earth. This organic approach keeps your complexion supple, radiant, and utterly chemical-free, tapping into the timeless wisdom of your garden for results that glow from within.

Naturally yours,

Christina Moss

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Glow From Within

Glow from Within

I love to create clean, safe, and truly natural hair and skin treasures, I’ve always believed that true beauty radiates from the inside out. Nourishing your body with organic, home-grown essentials is the key to a balanced microbiome that powers clear, vibrant skin and lustrous, healthy hair—let’s dive into some simple ways to make this your reality.


Kick things off with fermented veggies, like sauerkraut straight from your own cabbage patch; it’s a powerhouse for gut health that sets the stage for glowing results. Embrace probiotics through homemade kefir—using raw milk if you can source it locally—to support smooth digestion and dial down inflammation, leading to those blemish-free complexions we all adore. Stay hydrated with soothing herbal teas brewed from your garden’s mint or chamomile; they’ll gently flush out toxins while encouraging shiny, resilient hair.


Don’t overlook the magic of fiber-rich berries, plucked fresh from the bush, packed with antioxidants that strengthen hair follicles and support the skin naturally. And here’s my gentle suggestion to consider: skip the supplements and lean into whole foods, like nourishing bone broth simmered from organic bones. This holistic, inside-out approach aligns so well with nature’s perfect harmony, unlocking your radiant glow that’s as authentic as it is enduring.


Naturally yours,
Christina Moss

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Natural Skincare

Hawaiian Girl Watercolor by Christina Moss

How to Take Care of Your Skin – The Power of Natural Ingredients

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, a protective barrier that deserves thoughtful care. With so many skincare products on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, the secret to healthy, radiant skin lies in simplicity and nature. By prioritizing natural ingredients and high-quality skincare products, you can nourish your skin effectively and sustainably. Here’s a guide to building a skincare routine that celebrates natural ingredients and promotes glowing, healthy skin.

Why Natural Ingredients Matter

The skincare industry is flooded with products containing synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and preservatives that may do more harm than good. Harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates can strip your skin of its natural oils, disrupt its balance, and cause irritation or long-term damage. Natural ingredients, on the other hand, work in harmony with your skin, providing nourishment without unnecessary additives.

Benefits of Natural Ingredients

  • Gentle on the skin: Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea soothe irritation and reduce inflammation.
  • Nutrient-rich: Natural oils and plant extracts are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that hydrate and repair.
  • Eco-friendly: Products made with natural ingredients are often sustainably sourced and biodegradable, supporting both your skin and the planet.
  • Less risk of sensitivity**: Free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, natural products are less likely to trigger allergies or irritation.

By choosing natural skincare products, you’re investing in your skin’s long-term health while minimizing exposure to potentially harmful substances.

Building a Natural Skincare Routine

A consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin type—whether oily, dry, combination, or sensitive—is the foundation of healthy skin. Here’s a step-by-step guide to caring for your skin using natural ingredients and products.

  1. Cleanse with Care – Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Look for gentle, plant-based cleansers that use ingredients like aloe vera, which hydrates and calms while cleansing. Also, tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic ideal for acne-prone skin. Then, the botanical chamomile that soothes sensitive skin and can reduce redness. Tip: Avoid cleansers with sulfates, which can dry out your skin. Double cleanse at night if you wear makeup or sunscreen, starting with an oil-based cleanser (rosemary essential oil is wonderful for skin) to melt away impurities, followed by a water-based natural cleanser.
  2. Exfoliate Sparingly – Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, revealing a brighter complexion. However, over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier. Use natural exfoliants 1-2 times a week. Try Oatmeal to gently buff away dead skin while soothing irritation. Sugar or coffee grounds mixed with honey or coconut oil creates a nourishing scrub. Fruit enzymes from papaya or pineapple will dissolve dead skin naturally without abrasive scrubbing. Tip: Always follow exfoliation with a hydrating product to replenish moisture.
  3. Tone for Balance – Toners restore your skin’s pH and prep it for moisturizing. Natural toners hydrate and refine pores. Try rose water that can help hydrate, reduce redness, and add a natural glow. Witch hazel is a gentle astringent that minimizes pores and controls oil. Green tea extract is packed with antioxidants to protect against environmental damage. Tip: Mist toner directly onto your face or apply with a reusable cotton pad for an eco-friendly approach.
  4. Moisturize to Nourish – Hydration is key to plump, healthy skin. Natural moisturizers lock in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier. Look for products with Shea butter that can deeply moisturize dry skin and heal cracks. Jojoba oil mimics your skin’s natural sebum which can balance oil production. Plant-derived hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin for a dewy finish. Tip: Apply moisturizer to damp skin after cleansing or toning to trap hydration.
  5. Protect with Natural Sunscreen – Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin damage. Look for formulas infused with ingredients like red raspberry seed oil which offers natural SPF plus antioxidants. Carrot seed oil may help support skin repair as well as sun protection. Tip: Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and don’t skip sunscreen on cloudy days.
  6. Treat Troubled Skin with Targeted Care – Address specific concerns like acne or fine lines with natural serums or treatment. Vitamin C (from kakadu plum or acerola cherry) is a long-known anti-oxidant. Tea tree or lavender essential oils can work to fights skin issues and promote healing. Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A, it reduces scars and boosts collagen. Tip: Patch-test new products to ensure they suit your skin, and introduce one product at a time to monitor results.

Choosing the Right Natural Skincare Products

Not all “natural” products are created equal. To ensure you’re using high-quality, effective skincare, keep these tips in mind:

  • Read labels carefully: Look for recognizable ingredients like plant oils, herbal extracts, or essential oils. Avoid products with vague terms like “fragrance” or long lists of unpronounceable chemicals.
  • Support ethical brands: Check is the company prioritizes transparency and fair trade sourcing. Is the product from a respected business that has longevity and traction rather than a fly-by operation interested in making a quick buck using hype and unrealistic claims?
  • Know your skin: Natural ingredients work best when tailored to your needs—oily skin loves lightweight gels, while dry skin thrives with rich creams.

Lifestyle Habits for Radiant Skin

  • Skincare isn’t just about products; your lifestyle plays a huge role. Complement your natural routine with these habits:
  • Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin plump and flushed of toxins.
  • Eat nutrient-rich foods: Incorporate fruits, vegetables, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids (like chia seeds or walnuts) to nourish your skin from within.
  • Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours to allow your skin to repair and regenerate overnight.
  • Manage stress: Go for walks in a pleasant environment, paint, sketch, read a book, start a journal or do a puzzle. Each of these activities can calm the mind, as well as reduce stress and inflammation.
  • Exercise regularly: Exercise helps boosts circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin for a natural glow.

DIY Natural Skincare Recipes

For a budget-friendly and fun approach, try making your own skincare products with these pantry staples:

  • Honey-Oat Face Mask: Mix 2 tbsp raw honey with 1 tbsp ground oats. Apply for 15 minutes to hydrate and soothe.
  • Coconut Oil Makeup Remover: Massage a small amount of coconut oil onto your face, then wipe off with a warm cloth.
  • Turmeric Spot Treatment: Combine a pinch of turmeric with aloe vera gel. Dab on blemishes to reduce inflammation.

Note: Always patch-test DIY recipes to avoid irritation, especially if you have sensitive

Long-Term Benefits of Going Natural

Switching to natural skincare is more than a trend—it’s a commitment to your skin’s health and the environment. Over time, you’ll notice:
  • A stronger skin barrier, less prone to dryness or irritation.
  • A brighter, more even complexion thanks to nutrient-dense ingredients.
  • Fewer breakouts and sensitivities as your skin finds balance.
  • Confidence in knowing you’re using safe, sustainable products.

My Final Thoughts

Caring for your skin doesn’t require complicated routines or expensive products. By embracing natural ingredients and high-quality skincare, you can achieve a healthy, radiant complexion while supporting your overall well-being. Start small—swap one product for a natural alternative, listen to your skin’s needs, and enjoy the journey to glowing skin, naturally.
What’s your favorite natural skincare ingredient? Share your tips and let’s glow together!

Yours Naturally,

– Christina Moss

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Silicones

If your conventional shampoo, lotion, or makeup goes on smooth, silicones are probably the reason why. These synthetic ingredients are added to skincare products to improve the way they feel on your skin, but they cause enough side effects that I don’t want them anywhere near my products…or my body. Here’s everything you need to know about these common ingredients.

What are Silicones?

Silicones start out from a natural product – a substance called silica. However, they undergo so much chemical processing before they’re used that they really can’t be called anything other than synthetic.

This ingredient is everywhere in conventional hair, skin, and cosmetic products. Manufacturers love them because of the impact they have on a product’s texture. When silicones are in the mix, products go on smoothly, without tugging or feeling oily or sticky. Hair washed with silicone products feels silkier, and skin ends up feeling smoother. Silicones are a cheap, easy way to get this effect, but there are other types of costs involved.

Where Can You Find Silicones?

Lots of places. The list includes skin creams, serums, shampoos, other hair care products, makeup products like foundation, eyeshadow, blush, liquid and pencil eyeliners, and lipstick. You’ll also find them in anti-aging skincare products, as they can help blur fine lines and wrinkles.

Silicones’ Downsides

Silicones have an occlusive effect. This means they easily build up and smother your skin and scalp. In the short-term this buildup may help protect against outside pollution, but if you rely on them too often your skin might become dependent, which in the long run leaves it duller and less healthy.

The more silicone builds up on your skin and hair, the tougher it is to clean off. If it builds up on your hair, you’ll end up with locks with less volume. The occlusive effect will prompt your hair to retain fats and secrete oil more quickly, which means you’ll have to wash it more often… which means you’ll need to use more of the product that put silicones in your hair in the first place. You’ll also have to buy more of the product, which I’m sure is something that makes the manufacturers quite happy!

Silicone is one of the many ingredients the European Union has banned for its potential to impact our body’s hormones. While the FDA contends that there is no danger at the level we currently experience this chemical, we don’t really know the consequences of buildup over time.

The final downside of using silicones is their impact on the environment. While research is still ongoing, in 2008 an Environment Canada review found that certain siloxanes have the potential to accumulate in aquatic organisms. Environmental activists encourage consumers to avoid silicones until more is known about the full impact they have on our ecosystem.

Avoiding Silicones

The best way to avoid silicones is to keep a sharp eye on your ingredients list. The two most common types of silicones are dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane. Look for products that are silicone free. The easiest way to find them? Stick to natural products that don’t use any synthetic ingredients.

There are better ways to get great texture in your skincare products than silicones. Look for natural alternatives and skip the synthetics altogether – the environment will thank you!

What kind of products have you found that contain silicone? Let me know about them in the comments below!

 

– Christina Moss

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Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary – it’s not just the herb you’ll find next to parsley, sage, and thyme. This aromatic herb is used to create rosemary essential oil, a potent substance with a number of amazing benefits. I love rosemary’s unique aroma – it adds a wonderfully green fragrance to soaps, shampoos, and lotions. But its aromatic uses are just the beginning; this essential oil is packed with benefits.

Rosemary Essential Oil Benefits

Traditionally, this Mediterranean evergreen was used for medicinal purposes, including memory improvement, muscle ache relief, and digestive relief. Today, it’s used in a number of cosmetic and aromatherapeutic situations. Here are just some of the ways you can benefit from this oil:

  1. Improved Hair Growth: Your hair follicles love rosemary. When you apply rosemary essential oil to your hair, it wakes them right up! Use this oil to stimulate hair growth. Not only can it help your hair grow longer and stronger, it can slow down premature hair loss. Use diluted rosemary oil in a tonic or shampoo to fight back against aging hair and male pattern baldness.
  2. Scalp Healing: An itchy, flaking scalp can be a real pain, and those white flakes on your shoulders don’t do much for your appearance. The same hair tonic or shampoo you used to improve hair growth can also provide exactly what your itchy scalp needs to heal. Even better, combine it with tea tree oil or basil oil to create a tonic that fights the bacteria that causes dandruff in the first place. And a final perk? Your hair will smell amazing.
  3. Soothe Skin Conditions: Rosemary essential oil contains antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities that benefit the skin if you suffer from eczema, dermatitis, or acne. Apply a cream or lotion that contains rosemary oil regularly to soothe away flare-ups, moisturize your skin, and create a bright, healthy glow.
  4. Stress Relief: Let’s talk stress for a minute. When something stresses you out, your body releases a chemical called cortisol. If you’re constantly undergoing stress, cortisol is constantly building up in your blood. Let that go on unchecked and you’ll end up with a hormonal imbalance or an impaired metabolism. But not to worry – you have rosemary essential oil, which has been proven to decrease the level of cortisol in saliva. Simply enjoy the aroma of rosemary for 5 minutes a day and watch your stress slip away.

Rosemary Essential Oil Cautions

Rosemary essential oil is safe for most people to use. However, if you have epilepsy it is recommended that you avoid oils that, like rosemary, have a particularly strong scent. If you know you’re allergic to rosemary, don’t use this oil. If you’re pregnant, check in with your doctor or midwife before use. Finally, any essential oil can be dangerous if it isn’t diluted properly. If you’re unsure how to use rosemary oil safely, check in with an expert before making your own mixtures.

Rosemary may taste great on chicken and potatoes, but that’s just the beginning of what this aromatic herb can do! Do you love rosemary oil, or even the herb? How do you like to use it? Let me know your cosmetic or culinary recipes below!

– Christina Moss