Yes! I would definitely be interested in hearing more about this in podcast form.
Side note, this reminds me of a question I’ve been wanting to ask you: do you have any articles where you talk more about showers? I’ve learned so much from you about the skin on my face and have drastically cut down my skin care routine and products thanks to you. However, and this may be a silly question, but does the skin on our body (below the neck) work the same way as the skin on our face? It hurts and disgusts me to see how many plastic bottles of body wash, feminine wash, and lotion I go through, not to mention the amount of money I spend on all this stuff! (I’ve yet to find a bar of soap that doesn’t leave my skin with that weird rubbery feeling afterwards, so that’s why I opt for body wash) Do you have any resources that you’ve written in the past that you can direct me to that would also help me cut down the amount of products I use when I shower? Thank you!
I haven't written a ton about that BUT my go-to source is Dr. James Hamblin. He's researched and written a ton about showers, soap, etc. Google his name + shower, and pick up a copy of his book Clean: The New Science of Skin. Would also recommend the book Beyond Soap. Excellent reads!
Hi Jessica, I would love a podcast by you! I've learned a lot about my skin since I started following you, I dug in in late July and read a bunch of your past newsletters and articles. I pretty much just wash my face with water unless I've got makeup on (which is maybe once or twice a month over the last few months). My skin can't handle SPF no matter what I try - even Kari Gran's broke me out. That being said, only water washing once a day has made a huge, positive difference! My skin is a lot clearer and I don't have any irritation. If I need to, I just moisturize with a couple drops of Dr. EJ's serum. So yes, you've really made a big difference in how I approach my skin and I'd love a podcast!
On another note - I read James Hamblin's book and was inspired to stop using commercial shampoos...I tried for 2.5 months and gave up. I'm now back to washing my hair every other day and feel like I can't stretch it any further than that. Any thoughts on shampooing? I feel like getting off soap (except for hand washing and other sanitation situations) was not that difficult. But shampoo is a whole different level for me.
I still use shampoo occasionally too. If it's a shampoo with good ingredients, I don't think it's terrible! Especially if not using shampoo negatively impacts how you feel. One extra thing that's helped me stretch my time between washing is daily scalp massage to get my oils flowing and a reallllllyyyyy light scalp oil. I use this one: https://www.drmusavvir.com/shop/grow-oil
Hi, Great advice thank you. Do you have a gentle hair oil recommendation that you can buy in UK? Will Jojoba oil suffice if I can't find anything similar to Dr Nadia?
I didn’t use commercial shampoo for years when I had short hair, but as I grew it out, I went back (I have very fine hair that tends toward the limp and greasy, and also can’t really go more than 2 days), though I’m extremely particular about what I use now. Everyone’s hair and scalp is different, and I think as long as you’re aware of trying to not overwash, do whatever feels comfortable and right for or your hair, scalp, and how you want to present yourself to the world. You’re doing great.
I started using Hairstory three months ago and have never looked back! I absolutely love it! (Hair is long, course and super thick). It took awhile to adjust, but I only wash my hair every 3-4 days now. Even my hairdresser is stunned! I’m a runner and a BIG sweat-er so never thought I’d be saying any of this.
I use Living Libations Seabuckthorn shampoo, it’s very mild sudsing comes from coco protein & yucca root. I have short, fine hair & wash twice a week. Good luck with your search!
Jessica! I've become so inspired to cut back on my skincare routine from your articles. Also I think I read somewhere you're working on a book, and I'm personally so excited. Your writing is beautiful! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us.
I'm currently using a chemical based sunscreen, but I've been wanting to switch to mineral since I've read they're safer. Are they actually safer? Do you have a particular brand you've fell in love with? Also, wondering if there are more articles/info about prebiotics. I hadn't heard of this before in regards to skincare and not supplements. Is it a serum?
You can usually Google my name + the subject you're curious about and something will come up! But basically: I personally use a mineral sunscreen (Kari Gran Essential SPF or Le Prunier) and as for topical prebiotics, I cleanse with Manuka honey. (Prebiotics can technically be added to any type of skincare product, not just serums, but are generally unnecessary as long as you arent destroying your microbiome with too much skincare)
thank you so much for sharing Jessica! this is so helpful <3 I went from a person with probably 25 products per week to now just jojoba, rosewater, and Manuka. I'm still in that adjustment period, but I can already see how unnecessary all that "skincare" was. This feels more aligned to truly caring for myself! I also have noticed how important the type of water is - I was just visiting my parents for a week and they have very soft water. It was so much better on my skin. Now back home in LA where the water is incredibly hard, my skin is unhappy again. I can't wait to be able to have my own home one day where I can put in a water filtration system for the whole house!
Yes, please do a podcast! I'm new here and absolutely loving what you are writing about. I have never really had a skincare routine, I've always just used some type of over the counter face wash scrub and a moisturizer but thats about it. I just recently started to become interested in my skin - I have mild breakouts and rosacea. I started by getting a facial and then literally spending $250 on products. Then I heard you as a guest on a podcast and I felt silly, and enjoy your approach much more financially, and just the fact that it all ties back to beauty standards that are designed by men which really just pissed me off. Can I ask 2 questions? 1. did the years of using crappy chemical scrubs and not taking care of my skin cause irreversible damage to my barrier/microbiome? 2. i love the idea of manuka honey and jojoba oil, but what about for tough hormonal breakouts? I tend to break out the most around the time of my cycle. Thank you in advance for any response given, and thank you for the information you've already shared!
1. NO! The skin is an absolutely brilliant and self-renewing organ and I'm confident you did not do irreversible damage! Once you start on a skin-supportive routine, it can take a few skin cycles (28 days each) for the skin to properly rebuild its barrier and microbiome, so be patient. Sometimes this process takes longer, too. (For example, I was on prescription topical steroids for 2 years, which penetrated very deeply and affected my skin functioning on a deeper level, so I'm still super sensitive 5+ years later.)
2. Hormonal breakouts can't truly be addressed by topical products anyway, because the root issue is internal (hormones). It's much more effective for your hormonal breakouts *and* for your skin barrier to address it from within. These two articles might be helpful for you:
Thank you so much for responding! I'm relieved it's not irreversible, and I can be patient a couple months really isn't much. I hate steroids, I have alopecia (very minimal, small bald spots from time to time, usually stress induced) and the doctor gave me steroid shots and topical steroids to help hair growth, but it really didn't help and it was super painful. This is helpful and I'd much rather spend money on books, food and vitamins than products. Thanks again!
Would love anything (or recommendations) for perimenipause. My skin is DRY no matter what I do (lips, hands, cuticles, privates). My skin routine looks a lot like yours minus the seed cycling.
Would definitely try incorporating some different foods (that way your “skincare” can reach all your parts from the inside out). Omega-3s will be hugely helpful (salmon, nuts) for your skin barrier to seal in moisture. Flax or sesame seeds for phytoestrogens. Magnesium and protein & vitamin c to help your produce enough collagen & hyaluronic acid naturally. Bone broth is great if you’re ok with animal byproducts! A cup a day will do wonders.
Jessica! Your work has changed so much of my life and I'm really thankful for that! Personally I weaned myself off of my Curology subscription over the last month and am trying to support my skin's inherent (and magical!) capabilities. It's been a journey of highs and lows but my bank account and my body are much happier mostly being left alone. I would love a podcast; I feel like I can't learn enough from you!
Yes! I would definitely be interested in hearing more about this in podcast form.
Side note, this reminds me of a question I’ve been wanting to ask you: do you have any articles where you talk more about showers? I’ve learned so much from you about the skin on my face and have drastically cut down my skin care routine and products thanks to you. However, and this may be a silly question, but does the skin on our body (below the neck) work the same way as the skin on our face? It hurts and disgusts me to see how many plastic bottles of body wash, feminine wash, and lotion I go through, not to mention the amount of money I spend on all this stuff! (I’ve yet to find a bar of soap that doesn’t leave my skin with that weird rubbery feeling afterwards, so that’s why I opt for body wash) Do you have any resources that you’ve written in the past that you can direct me to that would also help me cut down the amount of products I use when I shower? Thank you!
I haven't written a ton about that BUT my go-to source is Dr. James Hamblin. He's researched and written a ton about showers, soap, etc. Google his name + shower, and pick up a copy of his book Clean: The New Science of Skin. Would also recommend the book Beyond Soap. Excellent reads!
I will definitely look him up and check out those two books! Thank you so much for taking the time to get back to me :)
Hi Jessica, I would love a podcast by you! I've learned a lot about my skin since I started following you, I dug in in late July and read a bunch of your past newsletters and articles. I pretty much just wash my face with water unless I've got makeup on (which is maybe once or twice a month over the last few months). My skin can't handle SPF no matter what I try - even Kari Gran's broke me out. That being said, only water washing once a day has made a huge, positive difference! My skin is a lot clearer and I don't have any irritation. If I need to, I just moisturize with a couple drops of Dr. EJ's serum. So yes, you've really made a big difference in how I approach my skin and I'd love a podcast!
On another note - I read James Hamblin's book and was inspired to stop using commercial shampoos...I tried for 2.5 months and gave up. I'm now back to washing my hair every other day and feel like I can't stretch it any further than that. Any thoughts on shampooing? I feel like getting off soap (except for hand washing and other sanitation situations) was not that difficult. But shampoo is a whole different level for me.
Ahhh I love to hear that! Thank you for sharing :)
I wrote a bit about shampoo/scalp health for Allure a while back, which might be helpful:
https://www.allure.com/story/why-im-not-washing-my-hair-during-quarantine-covid19
I still use shampoo occasionally too. If it's a shampoo with good ingredients, I don't think it's terrible! Especially if not using shampoo negatively impacts how you feel. One extra thing that's helped me stretch my time between washing is daily scalp massage to get my oils flowing and a reallllllyyyyy light scalp oil. I use this one: https://www.drmusavvir.com/shop/grow-oil
Hi, Great advice thank you. Do you have a gentle hair oil recommendation that you can buy in UK? Will Jojoba oil suffice if I can't find anything similar to Dr Nadia?
Hi there! I’m a hairstylist and study this stuff! Here is a blog post I wrote about hair cleansing and scalp health that you might find helpful: https://www.cathleenlikesyourhair.com/post/to-wash-or-not-to-wash
I didn’t use commercial shampoo for years when I had short hair, but as I grew it out, I went back (I have very fine hair that tends toward the limp and greasy, and also can’t really go more than 2 days), though I’m extremely particular about what I use now. Everyone’s hair and scalp is different, and I think as long as you’re aware of trying to not overwash, do whatever feels comfortable and right for or your hair, scalp, and how you want to present yourself to the world. You’re doing great.
I started using Hairstory three months ago and have never looked back! I absolutely love it! (Hair is long, course and super thick). It took awhile to adjust, but I only wash my hair every 3-4 days now. Even my hairdresser is stunned! I’m a runner and a BIG sweat-er so never thought I’d be saying any of this.
Hi Naomi,
I use Living Libations Seabuckthorn shampoo, it’s very mild sudsing comes from coco protein & yucca root. I have short, fine hair & wash twice a week. Good luck with your search!
Jessica! I've become so inspired to cut back on my skincare routine from your articles. Also I think I read somewhere you're working on a book, and I'm personally so excited. Your writing is beautiful! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us.
I'm currently using a chemical based sunscreen, but I've been wanting to switch to mineral since I've read they're safer. Are they actually safer? Do you have a particular brand you've fell in love with? Also, wondering if there are more articles/info about prebiotics. I hadn't heard of this before in regards to skincare and not supplements. Is it a serum?
I'm so glad to hear that!! I've written about chemical vs. mineral sunscreens here:
https://coveteur.com/2020/07/13/sunscreen-formula-safety-facts/
And prebiotics here:
https://coveteur.com/2020/10/21/microbiome-health-skin-care/
You can usually Google my name + the subject you're curious about and something will come up! But basically: I personally use a mineral sunscreen (Kari Gran Essential SPF or Le Prunier) and as for topical prebiotics, I cleanse with Manuka honey. (Prebiotics can technically be added to any type of skincare product, not just serums, but are generally unnecessary as long as you arent destroying your microbiome with too much skincare)
thank you so much for sharing Jessica! this is so helpful <3 I went from a person with probably 25 products per week to now just jojoba, rosewater, and Manuka. I'm still in that adjustment period, but I can already see how unnecessary all that "skincare" was. This feels more aligned to truly caring for myself! I also have noticed how important the type of water is - I was just visiting my parents for a week and they have very soft water. It was so much better on my skin. Now back home in LA where the water is incredibly hard, my skin is unhappy again. I can't wait to be able to have my own home one day where I can put in a water filtration system for the whole house!
Yes, please do a podcast! I'm new here and absolutely loving what you are writing about. I have never really had a skincare routine, I've always just used some type of over the counter face wash scrub and a moisturizer but thats about it. I just recently started to become interested in my skin - I have mild breakouts and rosacea. I started by getting a facial and then literally spending $250 on products. Then I heard you as a guest on a podcast and I felt silly, and enjoy your approach much more financially, and just the fact that it all ties back to beauty standards that are designed by men which really just pissed me off. Can I ask 2 questions? 1. did the years of using crappy chemical scrubs and not taking care of my skin cause irreversible damage to my barrier/microbiome? 2. i love the idea of manuka honey and jojoba oil, but what about for tough hormonal breakouts? I tend to break out the most around the time of my cycle. Thank you in advance for any response given, and thank you for the information you've already shared!
Hi!! So happy you're here :)
1. NO! The skin is an absolutely brilliant and self-renewing organ and I'm confident you did not do irreversible damage! Once you start on a skin-supportive routine, it can take a few skin cycles (28 days each) for the skin to properly rebuild its barrier and microbiome, so be patient. Sometimes this process takes longer, too. (For example, I was on prescription topical steroids for 2 years, which penetrated very deeply and affected my skin functioning on a deeper level, so I'm still super sensitive 5+ years later.)
2. Hormonal breakouts can't truly be addressed by topical products anyway, because the root issue is internal (hormones). It's much more effective for your hormonal breakouts *and* for your skin barrier to address it from within. These two articles might be helpful for you:
https://hellogiggles.com/beauty/heal-hormonal-acne-holistically/
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a28778205/seed-cycling-acne-hormones/
Would also recommend reading Woman Code and In The Flo by Alissa Vitti for more hormonal insight!
Thank you so much for responding! I'm relieved it's not irreversible, and I can be patient a couple months really isn't much. I hate steroids, I have alopecia (very minimal, small bald spots from time to time, usually stress induced) and the doctor gave me steroid shots and topical steroids to help hair growth, but it really didn't help and it was super painful. This is helpful and I'd much rather spend money on books, food and vitamins than products. Thanks again!
Would love anything (or recommendations) for perimenipause. My skin is DRY no matter what I do (lips, hands, cuticles, privates). My skin routine looks a lot like yours minus the seed cycling.
Would definitely try incorporating some different foods (that way your “skincare” can reach all your parts from the inside out). Omega-3s will be hugely helpful (salmon, nuts) for your skin barrier to seal in moisture. Flax or sesame seeds for phytoestrogens. Magnesium and protein & vitamin c to help your produce enough collagen & hyaluronic acid naturally. Bone broth is great if you’re ok with animal byproducts! A cup a day will do wonders.
Am totally good with animal products! Thank you!
YES please to podcast! Keep up the great work Jessica, our skin needs you 🌟
Thank you!!
YES please! I have so many questions and I myself love putting on face creams :)
Yes, a podcast! PLEASE.
Jessica! Your work has changed so much of my life and I'm really thankful for that! Personally I weaned myself off of my Curology subscription over the last month and am trying to support my skin's inherent (and magical!) capabilities. It's been a journey of highs and lows but my bank account and my body are much happier mostly being left alone. I would love a podcast; I feel like I can't learn enough from you!
Thanks! OK I think I'll do it next week... :)