The Lies of Store-Bought Creams:

As a massage therapist, I’ve always been in interested with the human body and what's good for it. How it responds to touch, tension, and the importance of nurturing it. But it wasn’t until I started paying closer attention to the products, I was using outside of the spa that I stumbled upon an unsettling truth: many of the store-bought creams we’ve trusted for years are doing more harm than good.

This discovery wasn’t intentional. I wasn’t actively looking for flaws in skincare products. But through my work and my personal experiences, I began noticing patterns in how certain products left skin irritated, dry, or dependent. What was more frustrating, a big pet peeve of mine was when creams felt more like a brick on top of the skin. Unlike spa products, store bought creams would not absorb into the skin. It was then when I completely changed how I approach skincare.

The Problem with Store-Bought Creams

Store-bought creams often promise glowing skin, deep hydration, and even anti-aging benefits. But when you look past the flashy marketing and pretty packaging, the truth lies in the ingredient list. Here are some of the main issues I’ve uncovered:

• Harsh Chemicals: Many creams contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, and alcohols that strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its barrier.

• Dependence on Fillers: Ingredients like mineral oil and silicones create the illusion of hydration but don’t actually nourish the skin. Instead, they can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

• Short-Term Benefits, Long-Term Damage: While some creams may provide immediate softness, prolonged use can lead to sensitivity, redness, and even premature aging.

What Opened My Eyes

It started with my grandmother who had chronic dry skin despite using expensive, well-known moisturizers. One day I gifted her a spa-grade oil blend for her skin. Over time, she noticed significant improvements. This inspired me to compare the ingredients in their store-bought creams to the simple, natural ingredients in spa products. The difference was startling.

Around the same time, I noticed my own skin becoming dull and reactive. I realized that the face and body creams I was using at home contained the very ingredients I’d been warning my family and clients about.

What Our Skin Really Needs

The human body is incredibly resilient, but it thrives on what’s natural and nourishing. Our skin is no different. Here’s what I’ve learned about what truly supports healthy skin:

• Simple, Natural Ingredients: Look for products with oils like jojoba, almond, or coconut oil, which closely mimic the skin’s natural sebum.

• Avoid Synthetic Fragrances: Go for unscented or naturally scented products to avoid irritation.

• Feed the Skin: Ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E provide real nourishment without harmful side effects.

Making the Switch

Switching away from store-bought creams can feel daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Start small by replacing one product at a time. There's an app called Yuka that has made shopping for cleaner ingredients easy from body products to food! Look for items with short ingredient lists, or better yet, experiment with making your own creams at home.

Here’s a simple DIY body cream recipe:

• 1/2 cup shea butter

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 1/4 cup almond oil

• A few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

  
  

Melt the ingredients together, let them cool, and whip until fluffy. Store in a glass jar and use as needed.

As consumers, we deserve transparency and quality in the products we use. My journey as a massage therapist has taught me that what we put on our skin is just as important as what we put in our bodies. By making more informed choices, we can protect and nourish our skin instead of unknowingly harming it.