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Skin Cleanse: The Simple, All-Natural Program for Clear, Calm, Happy Skin
Breakouts. Dryness. Redness. Oiliness.
If you're like most women, you've been on a never-ending quest for perfect skin—or even just good skin—since adolescence. It's a frustrating pursuit to say the least, filled with one disappointing (and expensive) miracle solution after another. Why is it so hard to get good skin?
Adina Grigore, founder of the organic skincare line S.W. Basics, would argue that getting clear, calm, happy skin is about much more than products and peels. Or, rather, it's about much less. In Skin Cleanse, she guides readers through a holistic program designed to heal skin from the inside out.
We tend to think of our skin as a separate entity from the rest our bodies when in fact it is our largest organ. The state of our skin is a direct reflection of what our bodies look like on the inside. So Adina's program begins as any healthy regime should: with the basics for full-body health. That means eating plenty of fresh, whole foods; drinking more water; getting blood pumping and oxygen flowing to your cells through movement; and giving your skin a chance to repair and regenerate by resting.
From there, readers are challenged to a skin cleanse that requires going product-free for twenty-four hours. Once detoxed, Adina then shows us how to overhaul our beauty routine, how to carefully add some products back in, and even how to make our own products at home, with advice and targeted solutions for specific skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, oily skin, and more.The secret to beautiful, stress-free skin is simple: it's an inside job.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2015
220 people are currently reading
1933 people want to read
About the author
Adina Grigore
10 books48 followersAdina Grigore is the founder and CEO of the all-natural, sustainable skin-care line S.W. Basics, which she started out of her kitchen in 2011. A graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Adina has worked in the wellness industry since 2007 as a private holistic nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a workshop coordinator teaching people about the DIY nature of wellness. S.W. Basics products are now sold internationally and have been featured in Vogue, O Magazine, W Magazine, the New York Times, InStyle, Real Simple, and Martha Stewart Living, among others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 9, 2015
I was really excited to read this book. Finally, a program to encourage healthier skin through abandoning the product upon product upon product approach!
Maybe I know too much already, but I found the part about food to be a bit patronizing (essentially, don't eat processed crap). Perhaps her New York City clients do, in fact, eat French fries or ice cream five days a week and expect healthy skin, but that seems unlikely.
The author spent so much time on food and lifestyle (which I think we have all heard before are the foundation to good skin) that she spent very little time on anything else. To recap what I did learn:
1. No need to use conditioner, except perhaps once a week.
2. Natural oils (olive oil, coconut oil) are more effective at moisturizing without causing breakouts than specialized, processed lotions.
If Michael Pollans' food rules can be summarized as "eat food, not too much, mostly plants," all you need to know from this book might be summarized as "eat food, don't use too much product, and use mostly single-ingredient natural products."
On the other hand, if you think that drinking Diet Coke, eating candy, and gorging on McDonald's, then slathering on layer upon layer of makeup will not hurt your skin, PLEASE read this book.
Maybe I know too much already, but I found the part about food to be a bit patronizing (essentially, don't eat processed crap). Perhaps her New York City clients do, in fact, eat French fries or ice cream five days a week and expect healthy skin, but that seems unlikely.
The author spent so much time on food and lifestyle (which I think we have all heard before are the foundation to good skin) that she spent very little time on anything else. To recap what I did learn:
1. No need to use conditioner, except perhaps once a week.
2. Natural oils (olive oil, coconut oil) are more effective at moisturizing without causing breakouts than specialized, processed lotions.
If Michael Pollans' food rules can be summarized as "eat food, not too much, mostly plants," all you need to know from this book might be summarized as "eat food, don't use too much product, and use mostly single-ingredient natural products."
On the other hand, if you think that drinking Diet Coke, eating candy, and gorging on McDonald's, then slathering on layer upon layer of makeup will not hurt your skin, PLEASE read this book.
July 13, 2015
After hearing Adian Grigore on a podcast, I checked out the electronic version of her book from my library. I find her thoughts interesting. I have moved to a more natural way of eating, so being more natural (less processing and chemicals) with my skin/body care makes sense. I cannot say I agree with everything she says, but I am going to try some of her recipes. Her book led me to do more research on what I'm using. The biggest challenge is sunscreen, but with some research time on the app SkinDeep and a short conversation with a dermatologist friend, I have found some viable and affordable options.
April 18, 2015
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book so much that I ordered a copy on amazon immediately after I returned this to the library. So many great recipes and tips that I will use for years to come.
March 5, 2018
Are you all about having perfect skin? Well I have a book for you, Skin Cleanse by Adina Grigore. Ms.Grigore helps you, a reader, become more at one with your health, specifically your skin. This is a nonfiction How-to book for skin care. Skin Cleanse is a comprehensive guide to natural skin care. The less is more approach the book takes is refreshing.
The first thing she addresses in this book is how genetics affect your health and skin. How your grandma ate and how she lived is exactly what your body needs. If your grandma grew up in humid florida, eating fish and salads than that is how you should live your life because your body was made to be used to that. Eating the right foods can really benefit you and your skin. She even shows you how to know what you’re doing wrong and right and how to fix them. Beauty industries are evil and Grigore explains just what evil things they trick us into believing are good. Natural skin care is not only better for you but it is a much more cost effective remedy. Throughout this entire book she explains how to have healthier skin and she even shows DIY’S. For girls like me who like to make their own beauty products and be pampered, she has a lot of recipes your skin will love.
Overall, I give this book a five star rating. I give it a five star rating because it’s clear, concise, and easy to understand. It’s a book for anyone who desires great looking skin. Anyone can do these DIY’S and tips and tricks she gives. The book just has it all when is comes to skin stuff and I plan on following everything she says to the best of my ability. All-in-all this is a great book that I highly recommend to anyone.
The first thing she addresses in this book is how genetics affect your health and skin. How your grandma ate and how she lived is exactly what your body needs. If your grandma grew up in humid florida, eating fish and salads than that is how you should live your life because your body was made to be used to that. Eating the right foods can really benefit you and your skin. She even shows you how to know what you’re doing wrong and right and how to fix them. Beauty industries are evil and Grigore explains just what evil things they trick us into believing are good. Natural skin care is not only better for you but it is a much more cost effective remedy. Throughout this entire book she explains how to have healthier skin and she even shows DIY’S. For girls like me who like to make their own beauty products and be pampered, she has a lot of recipes your skin will love.
Overall, I give this book a five star rating. I give it a five star rating because it’s clear, concise, and easy to understand. It’s a book for anyone who desires great looking skin. Anyone can do these DIY’S and tips and tricks she gives. The book just has it all when is comes to skin stuff and I plan on following everything she says to the best of my ability. All-in-all this is a great book that I highly recommend to anyone.
July 14, 2023
no bad feelings re: 3 stars, just a 250 page cleanse manual so i wasn’t very dazzled lol but took many notes!!!!!!!
April 25, 2021
Ten poradnik daje nieco inne spojrzenie na własne zdrowie. I fajnie. Mimo że to książka o skórze, połowę objętości zajęły rozważania na temat zdrowego odżywiania i to ta część była dla mnie ciekawsza od drugiej – typowo kosmetycznej. Z drugiej wynika głównie tyle, że należy zapomnieć o wszystkich kosmetykach z laboratorium, a już najlepiej zamienić się w wiedźmę, która samodzielnie warzy (tak, przez er zet) mikstury w kuchennym kociołku. Wymiękłam gdzieś w okolicach maski z majonezu. Zajmuję się tematem świadomej pielęgnacji od wielu lat i wiem, że nie zawsze w pełni naturalne składy są w stanie rozwiązać wszystkie nasze problemy. Zwykle kremy na olejowej bazie są za tłuste pod makijaż, a znalezienie naturalnego kosmetyku do włosów, który sprawiałby, że włosy będą... po prostu ładne, graniczy z cudem (u mnie ten cud jeszcze nie nastąpił, a przetestowałam ich wiele). Warto pamiętać o tym, że książka została napisana w Stanach, gdzie wciąż mnóstwo syfu znajduje się w drogeryjnych kosmetykach (o czym zresztą pisała autorka). W Europie jest pod tym względem dużo lepiej, a poza tym coraz więcej firm dąży do tego, żeby składy były dobre, nietoksyczne, a przy tym skuteczne (co nie zawsze oznacza, że INCI musi być w 100% naturalne).
Nie byłoby dobrze, gdyby każda kobieta, która przeczyta tę książkę, nagle w panice pozbyła się wszystkich kosmetyków, które do tej pory jej służyły, i przerzuciła na własnoręcznie robione mieszanki miodu manuka, oleju jojoba i octu jabłkowego. Warto obserwować składy i trzymać się z daleka od pewnych naprawdę niefajnych dla naszej skóry substancji, ale nie dajmy się zwariować. Znam przypadki, w których dziewczyny wymieniały całą pielęgnację na w 100% naturalną i dopiero wtedy zaczynały się problemy i wielomiesięczna frustracja.
Moim zdaniem korzystanie z takich poradników nie powinno polegać na przejmowaniu stylu życia autora 1:1, to nie ma sensu. Cenne jest przede wszystkim to, co taka książka robi z naszym postrzeganiem rzeczywistości. Na pewno warto wziąć sobie do serca porady żywieniowe (choć właściwie nie ma w nich nic odkrywczego, to raczej taki dietetyczny coaching) i w pełni się zgadzam z tym, że to, co jemy, wpływa na nas całościowo, w tym na naszą skórę. Zmianami w diecie możemy wyraźnie poprawić stan cery i do tego warto dążyć.
A z części o pielęgnacji skóry warto przyjąć jedną cenną uwagę: zwykle używamy dużo więcej kosmetyków, niż faktycznie potrzebujemy. Co nie znaczy, że – jak mocno poleca autorka – zacznę myć twarz wodą :).
Nie byłoby dobrze, gdyby każda kobieta, która przeczyta tę książkę, nagle w panice pozbyła się wszystkich kosmetyków, które do tej pory jej służyły, i przerzuciła na własnoręcznie robione mieszanki miodu manuka, oleju jojoba i octu jabłkowego. Warto obserwować składy i trzymać się z daleka od pewnych naprawdę niefajnych dla naszej skóry substancji, ale nie dajmy się zwariować. Znam przypadki, w których dziewczyny wymieniały całą pielęgnację na w 100% naturalną i dopiero wtedy zaczynały się problemy i wielomiesięczna frustracja.
Moim zdaniem korzystanie z takich poradników nie powinno polegać na przejmowaniu stylu życia autora 1:1, to nie ma sensu. Cenne jest przede wszystkim to, co taka książka robi z naszym postrzeganiem rzeczywistości. Na pewno warto wziąć sobie do serca porady żywieniowe (choć właściwie nie ma w nich nic odkrywczego, to raczej taki dietetyczny coaching) i w pełni się zgadzam z tym, że to, co jemy, wpływa na nas całościowo, w tym na naszą skórę. Zmianami w diecie możemy wyraźnie poprawić stan cery i do tego warto dążyć.
A z części o pielęgnacji skóry warto przyjąć jedną cenną uwagę: zwykle używamy dużo więcej kosmetyków, niż faktycznie potrzebujemy. Co nie znaczy, że – jak mocno poleca autorka – zacznę myć twarz wodą :).
March 6, 2018
Read August 2015
Picked this up because lately my skin has been acting up a lot, I was almost at the point of buying expensive products and then thought, let’s give this a try first!
I wasn’t quite what I had hoped it to be though..
Over half of the book is focussed on food and not on actual skin care. While I definitely understand that a healthy diet plays a big part in having healthy skin, it wasn’t quite the advise I was looking for. I know what kind of foods are healthy and which ones are not and I can’t say I learned anything new. Basically it came down to: Lot’s of veggies, healthy fats, preferably no diary, limited soy, meat only a couple of times a week and organic (I’m a vegetarian so, not an option as far as I’m concerned) try to eat only natural products, no processed crap, etc.
There also were quite a few recipes in here, I’m sure they’re good, but it wasn’t what I was looking for when picking up this book.
Then she finally went on to the skin care part of the book and honestly it wasn’t that great either: Don’t use a lot of products and only (or mostly) use products with natural ingredients (mostly oils). While I like that she focuses on a more natural approach instead of treating the skin with a bunch of chemicals I just feel like she could have said everything in about 5 pages. She talked a lot, but didn’t have much to say I guess..
And then again there were a bunch of DIY recipes for skin care, probably good, but I doubt I’ll ever use them.
Looking back; Sure there is some great advise in here and I will use some of it, but as a whole It just wasn’t a great book. Not for me at least.
Picked this up because lately my skin has been acting up a lot, I was almost at the point of buying expensive products and then thought, let’s give this a try first!
I wasn’t quite what I had hoped it to be though..
Over half of the book is focussed on food and not on actual skin care. While I definitely understand that a healthy diet plays a big part in having healthy skin, it wasn’t quite the advise I was looking for. I know what kind of foods are healthy and which ones are not and I can’t say I learned anything new. Basically it came down to: Lot’s of veggies, healthy fats, preferably no diary, limited soy, meat only a couple of times a week and organic (I’m a vegetarian so, not an option as far as I’m concerned) try to eat only natural products, no processed crap, etc.
There also were quite a few recipes in here, I’m sure they’re good, but it wasn’t what I was looking for when picking up this book.
Then she finally went on to the skin care part of the book and honestly it wasn’t that great either: Don’t use a lot of products and only (or mostly) use products with natural ingredients (mostly oils). While I like that she focuses on a more natural approach instead of treating the skin with a bunch of chemicals I just feel like she could have said everything in about 5 pages. She talked a lot, but didn’t have much to say I guess..
And then again there were a bunch of DIY recipes for skin care, probably good, but I doubt I’ll ever use them.
Looking back; Sure there is some great advise in here and I will use some of it, but as a whole It just wasn’t a great book. Not for me at least.
September 16, 2017
Nothing i don't already know.
January 17, 2018
I read Grigore's other book about Essential Oils and really enjoyed it, and this one was mentioned another Wellness Challenge book I read recently where the author went on a 12-month challenge to improve her autoimmune disorder. Grigore's writing style is enjoyable, and I got a ton of good ideas for more natural products--bought a bunch of supplies and now just need to make the stuff! I don't have problems with my skin, but recently I've only been moisturizing with coconut oil, and I haven't been wearing much (or any) makeup (my husband prefers it, and it's part of my morning routine post-baby that seemed simple to dump) and my skin has been looking great, if I do say so myself. But I'd like to be more natural around the whole house (and on my whole body). It's a work in progress, but she had some great tips. Enjoyable, helpful, and easy read.
June 26, 2017
Skin Cleanse: The Simple, All-Natural Program for Clear, Calm, Happy Skin felt like a friendly sister helping me review everything I already knew about food and health in one condensed go, which was rather more useful than I expected, and made me wish I'd read this years ago. For those who don't care to read this whole review, you need to check out this website, which is a real gem: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ Type in your beauty/bodycare products and see how they rank for safety. I also recently read The French Beauty Solution: Time-Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out and feel that Skin Cleanse does a better job of covering a wider range of relevant topics.
I really appreciated the individualized approach reminding the reader that their body's makeup and food needs are affected by who their grandparents were, and that that fact needed to be taken into account to come to a realistic balance. This book also brought up exercise, stress levels, meditation, etc, making it a great well-rounded approach to beauty that's more than skin deep fixes for symptoms of bigger underlying causes. I appreciated the book's no-nonsense approach to healthy fats and the explanation that many minerals are fat-soluble, meaning the body can't maximally process them without fat, so put some avocado and/or dressing on that salad! The discussion of eating = inflammation, glycation sugar monsters called AGEs, what free radicals are naturally meant to do when there aren't too many (cell communication), and antioxidant heroes was enlightening.
I've done a food journal in the past, but I'm ready to try again using this book's suggested approach - don't just write down the food you eat, but the pattern of physical and mental symptoms that appear which could be linked to your diet (such as breakouts, low/high energy). The "good foods list" with recipes was enjoyable, especially the description of sauerkraut. I liked the reasoning behind why almond milk is the best alternative choice to dairy as opposed to soy, which can screw with hormones and is an industrialized product. I already knew a lot of this, but again, finding it all in one place as a fantastic review means it would be a stupendous introduction for someone new to these ideas.
Then the book gets into the realm of beauty products. The overview of what the FDA can and (more importantly) cannot do to regulate cosmetics was informative while the truth was astoundingly disappointing. It made me grateful that I am only now beginning to purchase beauty products after using minimal foundation before. The list of "worst ingredients ever" was eye-opening with the obviously-bad-for-you ingredients out there. Products on our skin/scalp are absorbed into our skin and bloodstream, so ingredients like "formaldehyde, plastic, asbestos, lead, & coal tar" along with the previously-unknown-to-me-to-be-unsafe "petroleum" are a scary slap in the face -literally- waking up readers to how little these beauty companies actually care about the consumers' health. The "how to read a label" section is practical information, too.
Finally, the actual Skin Cleanse chapter.
This website is one everyone needs to know: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ You can type in your beauty/bodycare products and see how they rank for safety. That includes beyond lotion/makeup: toothpaste, hand soap, shampoo, sunscreen, nail polish, deodorant ... . If you put it on your body, you can check it out. Then clean out your cabinets and choose better products, if necessary.
The author suggests keeping a Product Journal - similar to the Food Journal - keeping track of every product used on the body for 3-7 days and your skin's condition throughout that time. Even laundry detergent and the cleanliness of your pillowcase matters. Then there's a discussion of how makeup does go bad over time and how immensely important it is to REMOVE makeup every night before going to bed. The author also suggests going cold-turkey no-products for a few days to give the skin a break and then start slow to see which products, if any, are causing reactions. There are more details on levels of detox, but read the book for those.
The Apothecary chapter is a goldmine of simple home recipes for DIY skincare. This chapter is the reason I'm considering purchasing this book (love my library and basically NEVER buy books, so this is a big deal). I'm also considering gifting a copy of this book to a friend who's had major skin issues forever. Explanations of the benefits of individual ingredients (many of which are already in the standard kitchen), cute graphic illustrating easy combinations, and eat-while-you-apply delicious concoctions make this hefty chapter extra appealing, plus storage and shelf life information so you use everything you make. The recipes go beyond the face to toothpaste, body care, foot soaks, perfume, hair care, the works. Very impressive and motivating to actually get in the kitchen and try some out.
The book ends with some science- and humor-based Q&A's and an exhortation to remember how empowering mindful self-care can be. The research and effort to change to help yourself can only be a good thing.
5/5 stars. Highly recommended, probably will even purchase!
I really appreciated the individualized approach reminding the reader that their body's makeup and food needs are affected by who their grandparents were, and that that fact needed to be taken into account to come to a realistic balance. This book also brought up exercise, stress levels, meditation, etc, making it a great well-rounded approach to beauty that's more than skin deep fixes for symptoms of bigger underlying causes. I appreciated the book's no-nonsense approach to healthy fats and the explanation that many minerals are fat-soluble, meaning the body can't maximally process them without fat, so put some avocado and/or dressing on that salad! The discussion of eating = inflammation, glycation sugar monsters called AGEs, what free radicals are naturally meant to do when there aren't too many (cell communication), and antioxidant heroes was enlightening.
I've done a food journal in the past, but I'm ready to try again using this book's suggested approach - don't just write down the food you eat, but the pattern of physical and mental symptoms that appear which could be linked to your diet (such as breakouts, low/high energy). The "good foods list" with recipes was enjoyable, especially the description of sauerkraut. I liked the reasoning behind why almond milk is the best alternative choice to dairy as opposed to soy, which can screw with hormones and is an industrialized product. I already knew a lot of this, but again, finding it all in one place as a fantastic review means it would be a stupendous introduction for someone new to these ideas.
Then the book gets into the realm of beauty products. The overview of what the FDA can and (more importantly) cannot do to regulate cosmetics was informative while the truth was astoundingly disappointing. It made me grateful that I am only now beginning to purchase beauty products after using minimal foundation before. The list of "worst ingredients ever" was eye-opening with the obviously-bad-for-you ingredients out there. Products on our skin/scalp are absorbed into our skin and bloodstream, so ingredients like "formaldehyde, plastic, asbestos, lead, & coal tar" along with the previously-unknown-to-me-to-be-unsafe "petroleum" are a scary slap in the face -literally- waking up readers to how little these beauty companies actually care about the consumers' health. The "how to read a label" section is practical information, too.
Finally, the actual Skin Cleanse chapter.
This website is one everyone needs to know: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ You can type in your beauty/bodycare products and see how they rank for safety. That includes beyond lotion/makeup: toothpaste, hand soap, shampoo, sunscreen, nail polish, deodorant ... . If you put it on your body, you can check it out. Then clean out your cabinets and choose better products, if necessary.
The author suggests keeping a Product Journal - similar to the Food Journal - keeping track of every product used on the body for 3-7 days and your skin's condition throughout that time. Even laundry detergent and the cleanliness of your pillowcase matters. Then there's a discussion of how makeup does go bad over time and how immensely important it is to REMOVE makeup every night before going to bed. The author also suggests going cold-turkey no-products for a few days to give the skin a break and then start slow to see which products, if any, are causing reactions. There are more details on levels of detox, but read the book for those.
The Apothecary chapter is a goldmine of simple home recipes for DIY skincare. This chapter is the reason I'm considering purchasing this book (love my library and basically NEVER buy books, so this is a big deal). I'm also considering gifting a copy of this book to a friend who's had major skin issues forever. Explanations of the benefits of individual ingredients (many of which are already in the standard kitchen), cute graphic illustrating easy combinations, and eat-while-you-apply delicious concoctions make this hefty chapter extra appealing, plus storage and shelf life information so you use everything you make. The recipes go beyond the face to toothpaste, body care, foot soaks, perfume, hair care, the works. Very impressive and motivating to actually get in the kitchen and try some out.
The book ends with some science- and humor-based Q&A's and an exhortation to remember how empowering mindful self-care can be. The research and effort to change to help yourself can only be a good thing.
5/5 stars. Highly recommended, probably will even purchase!
Want to read
January 3, 2020This was on the bedside table of the house I was house sitting at. I wasn't that interested in fixing my own skin, because it's pretty good with minor ups and downs, but I like reading about beauty and nutrition. If you're just interested in those things it's a fun book. Adina's approach makes a lot of sense to be intuitively and she writes in a fun way that made me get excited about lettuce and water (wtf).
February 27, 2020
I have so much to say about this book...but I just can't be arsed to do it right now.
I agree with maybe 1/4 of it, the rest of it is bullshit "natural" is best and "chemicals" are bad.
I agree with maybe 1/4 of it, the rest of it is bullshit "natural" is best and "chemicals" are bad.
May 20, 2017
Wonderful!
Very well written, comprehensive guidebook to skin health and overall health (since the two are very related)! I'll be coming back over and over again as it also gives a lot of info on how to DIY your own skincare. Would recommend!
Very well written, comprehensive guidebook to skin health and overall health (since the two are very related)! I'll be coming back over and over again as it also gives a lot of info on how to DIY your own skincare. Would recommend!
January 22, 2023
this is maybe my 3rd time reading this book? pick up something new every time.
skincare fascinates me and this one is a must read for anyone who has ever struggled with their skin.
skincare fascinates me and this one is a must read for anyone who has ever struggled with their skin.
June 22, 2016
It's always good for me to read something that says drink more water! This book talks about nutrition for skin and advocates using natural products on our skin, such as oils (olive, and a whole bunch more). If you have sensitive skin, you should read this. Grigore comes from a background of extremely sensitive skin. She recommends an elimination diet, where you gradually re-introduce foods that might be causing flare-ups, and doing the same with products: going product-free for a few days--just washing with water; even your hair, if you have body rashes, because it could be caused by your shampoo. This is for extremely sensitive skin. I don't have sensitive skin and I am a product junkie (as she calls it), but I like to use natural, too. She includes a number of natural recipes for cleanser, moisturizers, even toner and hair treatments; as well as a few food recipes. There are a few that I would never do, (like the pickled cabbage-ew) but I'm planning on trying most of the natural skin care recipes, because they are simple, and sound good.
March 4, 2015
If the books No More Dirty Looks and Eat Pretty had a baby in 2015, it would likely be named Skin Cleanse and read like a whip-smart older sister who knows just how to get you to pay attention and finally use all those raw natural beauty ingredients you’ve been hoarding.
I had the pleasure of finishing up S.W. Basics (formerly Sprout Skincare) founder Adina Grigore’s first book, Skin Cleanse, this week, and came away inspired to continue to pare down my beauty products (kinda hard when you’re a product reviewer) and learn just what simple beauty ingredients work best for my skin.
Read the full review >> http://bit.ly/1GQdliD
I had the pleasure of finishing up S.W. Basics (formerly Sprout Skincare) founder Adina Grigore’s first book, Skin Cleanse, this week, and came away inspired to continue to pare down my beauty products (kinda hard when you’re a product reviewer) and learn just what simple beauty ingredients work best for my skin.
Read the full review >> http://bit.ly/1GQdliD
May 22, 2016
A very interesting read. The skin care industry is so corrupt and sneaky.
Case in point: I went to the pharmacist looking for moisturizing lotion at a point when my guttate psoriasis was really bad. He told me not to use anything with alcohol. He proceeded to show me popular brands of moisturizers and they all had some form of alcohol, which is drying. Even the ones he recommended did. Such a scam.
I kind of wish I owned this book so I could reference it often.
I'm going to clean out my bathroom products and old make up today. Some of the stuff is so old that there is no way it is even close to being safe for my skin, or face.
Case in point: I went to the pharmacist looking for moisturizing lotion at a point when my guttate psoriasis was really bad. He told me not to use anything with alcohol. He proceeded to show me popular brands of moisturizers and they all had some form of alcohol, which is drying. Even the ones he recommended did. Such a scam.
I kind of wish I owned this book so I could reference it often.
I'm going to clean out my bathroom products and old make up today. Some of the stuff is so old that there is no way it is even close to being safe for my skin, or face.
February 6, 2016
Some really interesting thoughts about rethinking how we categorize skin. I have been motivated to re-think the chemicals I put on my skin- it is an organ, after all!
Still not 100% in love with the word "cleanse" or adding to the multiple "elimination diets" out there. I think at it's core, we need to eat more fruits and vegetables. That being said, every book you pick up that has some direction for diet is going to have its own perspective. I appreciated the read, even if I didn't agree with all of it.
Still not 100% in love with the word "cleanse" or adding to the multiple "elimination diets" out there. I think at it's core, we need to eat more fruits and vegetables. That being said, every book you pick up that has some direction for diet is going to have its own perspective. I appreciated the read, even if I didn't agree with all of it.
February 27, 2016
I loved this book. A lot of the information was logical, but explanations for everything were detailed and easy to read and understand. The information about the cosmetics industry was astonishing. I've been leaning towards a cleaner diet and more natural skin care and cosmetics and this book has given me the motivation to do it. I feel optimistic that following Adina's advice will actually result in clear and glowy skin (which I've never even come close to). I loved the recipes and will definitely start with a skin detox. A must-read for everyone (particularly the cosmetics industry info).
September 5, 2016
I don't have sensitive, red, dry or oily skin. I have what she calls "good" skin. I didn't pick it up based on that. I picked it up hoping I'd learn more about natural/ holistic approach to beauty regimes. Maybe I knew too much already. Basically, don't eat junk, eat tons of vegetables and drink tons of water. Haven't we all heard that a million different ways?
The three stars are for the recipes, which I did enjoy, and the illustrations.
The three stars are for the recipes, which I did enjoy, and the illustrations.
January 17, 2016
I liked this book but was disappointing in the lack of recipes! Also, I thought it would go more into essential oils and oil cleansing, but it basically comes down to: stop eating sugar, drink a ton more water, use only natural ingredients on your face. We know this! It's a good reminder to clean up your diet and drink tons--just wish she would have gone more into depth with a natural skin care regimen.
January 31, 2017
Great information. Looking forward to trying the DIY recipes!
August 19, 2018
My star rating is thwarted by the fact that this book does not contain the recipe for the SW Basics cream as I had hoped, although it does include the recipe for their lip balm.
This is a book written by the slightly woo nutritionist who runs SW Basics. The first half is just about nutrition, which is a fine focus. The author is really fairly reasonable but there were a few statements I found scientifically suspicious - exactly how does one’s ancestry affect one’s dietary needs from a skin perspective, not just the cholesterol or lactose-tolerance parts which seem established? Short attention is given to melanin. I really dislike authors who use the wide range of popular theories as indicative of a truth we can accept - and here, referring to the existence of blood type diets as some kind of proof that one’s genetics affect one’s skin is VERY annoying.
She simultaneously recommends seeing a dermatologist and suggests dermatologists are just drug-pushers, so that’s odd. Overall there is a we-all-know-this for unexamined assumptions plus what-we-know-is-wrong for the popular assumptions to examine vibe. This book is decidedly focused on white women, they seem to be entirely the default. I guess she knows her audience but in trying to work on my own skin stuff I’ve become alarmed at the race-divided product availability in my local stores.
The second half of the book is divided between skin care specifically, suggesting a detox and using fewer products with lab-produced chemicals, and recipes for products you might use. Useful and hopefully more reliable than a blind internet search, the recipes also include storage advice and usage time limits. These look like fun, although honestly a lot of the previous information suggests you might just use single ingredient treatments. She never talks about where you might find ingredients, so she must live somewhere where you don’t have to drive to alternate Targets just to find shea butter or cocoa butter (thanks, history of redlining and segregated suburbs.)
This is a book written by the slightly woo nutritionist who runs SW Basics. The first half is just about nutrition, which is a fine focus. The author is really fairly reasonable but there were a few statements I found scientifically suspicious - exactly how does one’s ancestry affect one’s dietary needs from a skin perspective, not just the cholesterol or lactose-tolerance parts which seem established? Short attention is given to melanin. I really dislike authors who use the wide range of popular theories as indicative of a truth we can accept - and here, referring to the existence of blood type diets as some kind of proof that one’s genetics affect one’s skin is VERY annoying.
She simultaneously recommends seeing a dermatologist and suggests dermatologists are just drug-pushers, so that’s odd. Overall there is a we-all-know-this for unexamined assumptions plus what-we-know-is-wrong for the popular assumptions to examine vibe. This book is decidedly focused on white women, they seem to be entirely the default. I guess she knows her audience but in trying to work on my own skin stuff I’ve become alarmed at the race-divided product availability in my local stores.
The second half of the book is divided between skin care specifically, suggesting a detox and using fewer products with lab-produced chemicals, and recipes for products you might use. Useful and hopefully more reliable than a blind internet search, the recipes also include storage advice and usage time limits. These look like fun, although honestly a lot of the previous information suggests you might just use single ingredient treatments. She never talks about where you might find ingredients, so she must live somewhere where you don’t have to drive to alternate Targets just to find shea butter or cocoa butter (thanks, history of redlining and segregated suburbs.)
September 8, 2018
I've been working on making over over my beauty products-- my first focus was on cruelty-free, then I started learning about taking care of my waves/curls so have started the curly girl method (no sulfates; no silicones) both of which has made me more aware of looking at products' labels so this took it a step further. I've been interested in natural/clean beauty for awhile but both the curly girl method and this book has made me realize more what's going into our products and then into our skin. It amazes me the amount of ingredients that are banned in the UK yet still allowed in US products.
Th author spends a lot of time on what you eat--ultimately that plays a big part in how your skin looks. I feel I keep getting messages I should really do an elimination diet; I had some health issues last year and although the removal of my gallbladder got rid of the pain, I still get bloated so I think there's more going on. However, I do feel for a book on skincare it spent more time on your eating. Which, as I just said, I see the connection but not what one expects when picking up a book on skincare. And the author's nagging tone got to be a bit much. She had to keep putting in comments making it quite clear she felt you should do an elimination diet. Ok, mom! I get it. But I did find useful information and curious to try out her recipes.
If you're interested in looking up products and ingredients to see how "good" or "bad" they are, definitely check out the Environmental Working Group's website (EWG.org) and they also have an app that has ratings for personal care products and foods.
Th author spends a lot of time on what you eat--ultimately that plays a big part in how your skin looks. I feel I keep getting messages I should really do an elimination diet; I had some health issues last year and although the removal of my gallbladder got rid of the pain, I still get bloated so I think there's more going on. However, I do feel for a book on skincare it spent more time on your eating. Which, as I just said, I see the connection but not what one expects when picking up a book on skincare. And the author's nagging tone got to be a bit much. She had to keep putting in comments making it quite clear she felt you should do an elimination diet. Ok, mom! I get it. But I did find useful information and curious to try out her recipes.
If you're interested in looking up products and ingredients to see how "good" or "bad" they are, definitely check out the Environmental Working Group's website (EWG.org) and they also have an app that has ratings for personal care products and foods.
February 2, 2025
The book was an enjoyable and comprehensive guide to both skin health and overall well-being. I genuinely appreciated the author’s serendipitous approach to natural skincare, and her perspective was thought-provoking and insightful. There were numerous new insights I encountered in this book—information I had never come across before. For instance, the author offers a critical view of the beauty industry, particularly its lack of regulation and the inherent shortcomings in product standards. I was especially intrigued by her discussion on the FDA's role (or lack thereof) in overseeing this area.
While some of the author’s points are certainly contentious, they prompted me to reconsider my current skincare routine. This book has sparked a desire to delve deeper into my own skincare practices, encouraging me to conduct more research on how I can optimize my routine, particularly in light of the differences between Western and Asian beauty philosophies.
I’m particularly excited to try the product journal and explore her DIY skincare recipes, using only natural ingredients. I’m curious to see how the results will unfold when I focus solely on homemade, natural skincare solutions. Moreover, this approach aligns with my desire to be both environmentally conscious and mindful of my budget, and I’m eager to discover how I can maintain this type of routine sustainably for years to come.
While some of the author’s points are certainly contentious, they prompted me to reconsider my current skincare routine. This book has sparked a desire to delve deeper into my own skincare practices, encouraging me to conduct more research on how I can optimize my routine, particularly in light of the differences between Western and Asian beauty philosophies.
I’m particularly excited to try the product journal and explore her DIY skincare recipes, using only natural ingredients. I’m curious to see how the results will unfold when I focus solely on homemade, natural skincare solutions. Moreover, this approach aligns with my desire to be both environmentally conscious and mindful of my budget, and I’m eager to discover how I can maintain this type of routine sustainably for years to come.
December 6, 2019
If you have any skin issues whatsoever stop reading this review and order this book immediately! The author tells of her own skin struggles and what she did to fix them (spoiler alert she cleaned up her diet and stopped using conventional beauty products).
The nutrition advice here is spot on! Rather than recommend a diet or even a labeled lifestyle she encourages you to take control of your own health and really dig deep to find out what works for you specifically through the use of a food journal. She does advocate for clean eating, lots of water, and exercise, but specifically for your skin which was interesting to read about.
The second part of the book is all about the beauty industry and the harmful ingredients in their products. I am confident in my abilities to read a food label but knew nothing about skin product labels. It was so eye opening and, dare I say, life changing to learn this new skill.
The final section contains the DIY recipes for personal care products. I haven’t made any yet but have written down which ones I want to make and ingredients I need to buy, which isn’t many. Most of the recipes contain everyday things that are already in my kitchen.
This was a library checkout for me but I will be purchasing the book, not only for the recipes, but as reference material on the whole.
The nutrition advice here is spot on! Rather than recommend a diet or even a labeled lifestyle she encourages you to take control of your own health and really dig deep to find out what works for you specifically through the use of a food journal. She does advocate for clean eating, lots of water, and exercise, but specifically for your skin which was interesting to read about.
The second part of the book is all about the beauty industry and the harmful ingredients in their products. I am confident in my abilities to read a food label but knew nothing about skin product labels. It was so eye opening and, dare I say, life changing to learn this new skill.
The final section contains the DIY recipes for personal care products. I haven’t made any yet but have written down which ones I want to make and ingredients I need to buy, which isn’t many. Most of the recipes contain everyday things that are already in my kitchen.
This was a library checkout for me but I will be purchasing the book, not only for the recipes, but as reference material on the whole.
June 16, 2022
Some good advice here about how your skin is a whole organ unto itself, and responds to lifestyle factors (look to your stress levels and whether your diet contains vegetables and fruits), but unfortunately an absolute f*ckload of diet-culture garbage where certain foods are demonized, without sufficient evidence of them being "bad for you". (Guess what else is bad for you and your skin? Eating disorders.) A shallow understanding of epigenetics and how you should look to your ancestors' likely diets to inform what will work for you (and, it's assumed, your skin), with zero acknowledgment of people who have mixed heritage, with ancestors from wildly disparate cultural/geographic regions.
On the plus side, it's extremely accessible and an easy read, introduces the idea of the acid mantle and that your skin doesn't necessarily need products. Basically, this book is, at best, the gateway through which a reader can access better-written, more scientifically-informed writing about skin care. Honestly, just read Jessica DeFino's Substack.
On the plus side, it's extremely accessible and an easy read, introduces the idea of the acid mantle and that your skin doesn't necessarily need products. Basically, this book is, at best, the gateway through which a reader can access better-written, more scientifically-informed writing about skin care. Honestly, just read Jessica DeFino's Substack.
January 8, 2021
This was an interesting read. The author was very clear that the condition of our skin is determined by our internal health. So before we think about slathering our skin the largest organ with products we need to take an inventory of our internal health. Eating right, exercise and water is the first defense. Author suggested 4 reasons for health challenges are hormones, inflammation, glycation and free radicals. It leaves me craving for more to dig deeper on these topics as the author didn’t cover these in great details. Besides healthy eating author suggested supplements - probiotics, digestive enzymes, vitamin D and greens powder. This suggestion was very different from what I have always heard but again the subject was touched on surface only. I like the idea of 3 ingredients cosmetic products and she shared some good basic recipes to try at home. Overall I liked the book and concepts but need to dig deeper on the topics touched in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2019
This is an excellent, easy-to read, non-nosense manual on beauty and health.
While the premise is: how to get and keep your skin healthy and clean, it touches on pretty much every major beauty/health area: food, lifestyle, skin products and even hormones.
The solutions all point towards a more natural, chemical-free, “less is more” approach, which is a direction I want to explore.
The author is the owner of a skin-care company, but it doesn’t feel at all like she’s pushing her own products, and she gives lots of recipes for dyi products for free. She also seems fun and quirky, so from now on consider me an Adina Grigore fan!
I would recommend this book to all the women I know who want a book about health and beauty that is practical and informative, and also keeps the focus on health first, then beauty that reflects it.
While the premise is: how to get and keep your skin healthy and clean, it touches on pretty much every major beauty/health area: food, lifestyle, skin products and even hormones.
The solutions all point towards a more natural, chemical-free, “less is more” approach, which is a direction I want to explore.
The author is the owner of a skin-care company, but it doesn’t feel at all like she’s pushing her own products, and she gives lots of recipes for dyi products for free. She also seems fun and quirky, so from now on consider me an Adina Grigore fan!
I would recommend this book to all the women I know who want a book about health and beauty that is practical and informative, and also keeps the focus on health first, then beauty that reflects it.
January 14, 2020
I used to be a skincare hoarder, suckered by the outrageous claims and luxurious packaging of beauty products. I started ~collecting~skincare items since I was 15, when I was suffering from teenage acne.
During those years, my skin was a wreck. I spent lots on these items, but then I spent waaay more on facials and treatments because my skin barrier got compromised, making me prone to irritation and inflammation.
A decade later, I have made tremendous progress with my skin as soon as I learned that skincare is NOT the only solution to my sin problems. I learned what foods I have to give up or limit, developed the habit of cleaning my phone screen daily, learned what ingredients worked for my skin and what I should avoid, and overall, I realized that simple is best when it comes to a skincare routine.
It took me a whole freakin' decade to know what I know now. I learned all these the hard way; I made my own face the guinea pig for my skincare experiments. Never again.
THIS BOOK SUMS UP PRETTY MUCH WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP YOURSELF FROM MAKING THE SAME MISTAKES I DID.
Our skin is smart. It knows what it needs and what it does not. We just have to listen to it.
During those years, my skin was a wreck. I spent lots on these items, but then I spent waaay more on facials and treatments because my skin barrier got compromised, making me prone to irritation and inflammation.
A decade later, I have made tremendous progress with my skin as soon as I learned that skincare is NOT the only solution to my sin problems. I learned what foods I have to give up or limit, developed the habit of cleaning my phone screen daily, learned what ingredients worked for my skin and what I should avoid, and overall, I realized that simple is best when it comes to a skincare routine.
It took me a whole freakin' decade to know what I know now. I learned all these the hard way; I made my own face the guinea pig for my skincare experiments. Never again.
THIS BOOK SUMS UP PRETTY MUCH WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP YOURSELF FROM MAKING THE SAME MISTAKES I DID.
Our skin is smart. It knows what it needs and what it does not. We just have to listen to it.
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