CALLING ALL DRY SKIN SUFFERERS. I feel you. I really, really do. It’s the worst. And you know that with cold weather just around the corner, it’s about to get even worse. You probably stock up for the winter with moisturizing creams, exfoliators, face washes, anything you can find that says “for dry skin” or “extra hydrating,” right? It’s even harder to find something non-toxic that will do the trick.
Let me start out by saying I am not an esthetician or a dermatologist. I am simply speaking from my experiences from dealing with my terribly dry and flaky skin for years. Hopefully this post will save you from any more failed trial-and-errors. I would love to know if you try it and what you think!
I have asked several people about the cure for my dry skin, and the only consistent answer I seem to get is to use face oils. Between facial oil cleansers and a face oil moisturizers, I’ve been recommended both, and tried both. There are so many out there, but not many seemed to work, so I was starting to doubt this “cure.” Plus, I have been on a (very difficult & slow) journey to switch all of my beauty products to clean and non-toxic. Finding clean beauty products that actually work is really really hard.
This summer, I found Raleigh’s first clean beauty store, Trellis Beauty, a.k.a. the answer to my prayers. This store has made the search for functional non-toxic beauty products ten times easier for me, because the owner has already tested each brand she carries to make sure it works! On my very first visit to the store in search for a new cleanser, I asked the associate what I ask every beauty store, “I have terribly dry skin. What is best for my face?” She picked up the Double Happiness Restart: Face Oil Cleanser and handed it to me. Thus began my love for the Canadian brand that creates amazing non-toxic face oils.
I have been fortunate to be in touch with the owner of the Canadian-based small business (happy coincidence there, for those of you who know the special place in my heart for small businesses), Sonja, and she was so kind enough to send me her Restore: Face Oil Potion along with a sample of the Refine: Face Exfoliator. I have been using these products for over a month, now, and I am ready to tell you all about it! These products have become a part (and pretty much taken over) my nightly routine.
This article includes affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you make a purchase using one of my links. However, please know that these opinions are 100% mine and I only share products I truly love! Read more here.
Step 1: Cleanse with the Restart Face Oil Cleanser
The worst part about wearing makeup is removing it at night…amirite? You have to use a makeup remover to remove the makeup, THEN cleanse your face. It’s a lot of work when you just want to curl up under the covers and go to sleep after a long day but you know that leaving your makeup on overnight is terrible. UGH! ~dramatic much?~
Lucky for you, the Double Happiness Face Oil Cleanser does BOTH of those for you…at once. The ease that my makeup comes off with this stuff blows my mind. See for yourself:
My face feels so clean afterwards, especially knowing that what I just used was 100% non-toxic!
What to know about the ingredients, according to the DH website:
Pumpkin seed oil, rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, effectively removes makeup and deeply cleanses, leaving the skin soft, clear and blemish free. Evening primrose oil nurtures damaged skin cells and the calming scent of rose and neroli relax your mind and senses so you can face a brand new day.
How to use it:
- Dampen face with warm water.
- Pump 4-5 pumps into palm of (clean) hand.
- Gently massage over face.
- Wipe clean with a warm damp face cloth. I like to use soft microfiber cloths like these.
Tip: If you have dry skin, do not use a regular wash cloth to wipe your face clean. They are too harsh for your delicate skin and only make the dryness and flaky skin worse. I made the same mistake and was wondering why nothing was working. As soon as I switched to microfiber cloths I noticed a huge difference, even with using the same products.
Step 2: Exfoliate with the Refine Face Exfoliator
Image source: Double Happiness
I do not do this every night, because there is such thing as too much exfoliating, but I love this stuff! It’s great to use 1-2 times a week, and it’s a lot of fun to use (because I get really excited about little things).
What to know about the ingredients, according to the DH website:
The Double Happiness Refine Face Exfoliator is a joyful blend of rose petals, calendula flower and lavender to uplift your senses, while natural oat and brown rice gently remove dry skin for a more refined complexion. Add on the softening magic of sea kelp and you’ll be left with a healthier, brighter glow.
How to use it:
- After cleansing, mix ½ tsp of the dry exfoliator with ½ tsp of water. You should end up with a runny paste.
- Gently massage paste onto face and neck in circular motions.
- Rinse.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy! This stuff has an amazing smell and gives your skin such a soft feel and glowing complexion afterwards.
Step 3: Mist your face with the Refresh Flower Shower Face Mist
Image source: Double Happiness
This one I unfortunately have not tried yet, because I already have a hydrating mist that I haven’t run out of, but as soon as I do, I’m picking this stuff up. I will be sure to update you guys and let you know how I like it. Based on everything else, I’m sure it won’t disappoint!
Misting is a step that people don’t use or realize how important it is. It’s perfect for prepping your skin for extra hydration. What it does is lock in that moisture after cleansing and gives the oil moisturizer something to hold on to so your skin really soaks up the amazing clean ingredients. It is also great to keep in your purse to spritz on your face throughout the day, or right after your makeup as a setting spray and to give your face a beautiful dewy glow.
What to know about the ingredients, according to the DH website:
Discover the magic of our botanical face mist, made with rose hydrosol and mindfully selected essential oils to calm inflammation, hydrate the skin and help prepare it to receive nutritious face oils.
How to use it:
- After cleansing and/or exfoliating, mist your face generously with the spray.
- Let air dry for 1-2 minutes.
And DONE! Onto the next step…
Step 4: Moisturize with the Restore Face Oil Potion
This is where the magic happens. This non-toxic face oil actually does so much more than just moisturize. It is called “Restore” for a reason! Several people I have talked to that use this (and also myself) have noticed a change in their skin. Whether it’s the brightness, even tone, or even a reduce in acne scars! That’s a big deal, guys. I know a lot of us are guilty of popping those pimples. It’s reallyyy hard not to, I know! I’m terrible about it. But all it does it lead to worse breakouts and scars afterwards. If you are as guilty as I am and you have scarring from that bad habit, you need to try this. I promise you will see a difference within a month of using it.
What to know about the ingredients, according to the DH website:
Inspired by the finest ingredients available in the natural world, the Double Happiness Face Oil Potion was created to re-balance, strengthen and nurture your skin, and its delicate microbiome, so that it could thrive in any condition.
Mindfully formulated and hand blended with powerful active botanicals and ancient elixirs of schizandra berry, magnolia leaf, pomegranate and seabuckthorn. These elements work harmoniously together to revert your skin back to a youthful, radiant complexion.
How to use it:
- After cleansing, pump a small amount into palm and gently pat onto skin.
- If using in the morning (I just use it at night, but twice a day would be even better if you have the time!), let oil absorb (5-10 minutes) before applying makeup.
My dry skin just soaks this stuff up. I love it and I can’t wait to keep watching my skin transform with each use!
In addition to being a completely clean and non-toxic beauty brand, Double Happiness’ products are cruelty free and completely sustainable! According to their website, they are “committed to ensuring (where possible) that Double Happiness Skincare has a low carbon footprint which is why our formulas contain sustainably harvested ingredients. Our glass bottles are reusable/recyclable, the box they come nestled in are created from 100% recycled material and our labels and note cards were produced in a facility that has a Forest Stewardship Council® Canada Chain-of-Custody certification. They’re also a member of EcoChoice and the Greenflow GreenTeam.”
So here’s to small businesses doing amazing things! 🥂 I hope to see their business grow to provide even more amazing clean beauty products! I hope you give them a try, and if you do, please let me know! I’d love to hear about your experience!
You can shop their products at www.doublehappiness.ca, or if you are a Raleigh local, head over to Trellis Beauty in Lafayette Village to test out these clean beauty products (and more) in person before buying. I promise you won’t regret it!
What clean beauty products do you love? I’m always looking for more to try, so please share!