Last week, we celebrated our second anniversary at The Mockingbird Apothecary. Back in 2018, we did not use any natural skincare products, and had not thought of using natural ingredient household products. It was at the enthusiasm of our grown-up-independent children, who practice the natural lifestyle (now I know why they brought their own soaps, shampoos and even laundry products when they would come to stay overnight) that I decided to buy what used to be NuNatural Beauty.

Having to advocate for the products in our shop, I found myself spending hours reading labels, studying ingredients, and feeling overwhelmed by all the available information. I felt defeated by how much toxic products I was surrounded by at home. If not for the shop, I would not know where to begin.

The first thing I did was to look at my beauty routine; anything with a phthalate or paraben had to go. And soon everything our home was replaced with natural ingredient products: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and makeup.

If you are just beginning the journey to use natural ingredient products, I encourage you to take your time and pace yourself. Begin by making the resolution to eliminate two or three toxic ingredients every month.

Making the switch to a natural routine is a lifestyle choice and giving yourself time to adjust is extremely important. Here are some things to remember as you

• Take time to read labels, and learn what’s what. I recommend  beginning with the ingredient database at Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep, where you can search ingredients or products safety based on scientific studies. 
• Take the time to familiarize yourself with the ingredients in all the products you use every day. If something is labeled “Tea Tree Oil”, you still need to check the other ingredients not boldly labeled. Read the fine print so you know what's entering your body through your skin. 
• High quality natural products are not always easy to find. You may have to experiment with some and some may be expensive. Start slow. Switch to natural ingredient alternatives as you finish your current products. 

Lastly, while you try out all the new natural products that will change your life for the better, enjoy the great sense of empowerment you will experience. 

I know I do; I love the fact that what I put on the outside of my body has become as important as what I put inside my body.