I have the most sensitive skin imaginable, both topically, externally, and internally. I’ve experienced multiple skin issues since I was young, but through trial and error I’ve discovered natural products and ingredients that effectively address my skin concerns without irritation.

I am a firm believer in natural beauty. My skincare routine evolves as I like to introduce a new solution every few months so that my skin barrier stays fresh and doesn’t get accustomed to certain products. Please note that I am not a licensed dermatologist; I am sharing what I currently love, including a product I am pretty sure I will be using forever!

Cleansing & Toning

First and foremost, I don’t wash my face in the morning. I integrated this dermatologist-approved step years before moving to Italy. Instead, I start my day with a splash of cold water followed by several spritzes of Granola Mama Bulgarian Rose Face Mist (code: SHAYNA). Another rose water I like is the Heritage Rosewater Spray. 

To tone my skin I like The Offering Toner by Dayspring Natural Skincare (formally known as Wabi Sabi) which contains orange blossom water, rosewater, and probiotics. (I am careful not to get this into my eyes, otherwise it does sting!)

Hydration & Plumping

One of the newer additions to my routine is a hyaluronic acid serum, which I love for my face and neck. Formulated with naturally-derived ingredients, the OSEA Hyaluronic Sea Serum is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines. I have truly noticed how much this serum plumps and helps my skin retain water. I like to also spread the product onto my hands, which helps to restore hydration given how often I use my hands for cooking. 

Moisturize & Nourish 

Growing up as a kid with extremely sensitive skin, I dreamed of one day creating my own natural skincare line. My 8-year-old self literally wrote in my diary a list of my favorite ingredients, several of which are in the moisturizer I now use every day: Tallow Love by Granola Mama (code: SHAYNA)! 

This moisturizer features tallow, beef suet that has been clarified, strained, and whipped into a cream. It’s an exquisite beauty ingredient that was used in ancient Egypt.

I do what Granola Mama recommends, which is to mix Tallow Love with the Bare Botanical Tallow Oil, a pure tallow oil. This combination plumps and revives all skin types without the need for any additional moisturizers or facial oils.

For those who like extra nourishment, I recommend the Dayspring Shepherd Serum, which I keep on hand and incorporate whenever my skin needs more moisture.

Eye Care & Wrinkle Prevention

I always had very defined wrinkles under my eyes when I was younger. But with consistent use of eye creams and eye patches, the wrinkles around my eyes are pretty much non-existent, demonstrating the strength of natural and beautiful ingredients that hydrate the skin by deeply penetrating rather than just sitting on top.

I enjoy The Eye Brightener by The Face Planner, a brand whose founder is from Ireland and now lives in Florence, Italy, which is where we met!

Gua Sha For Graceful Anti-Aging

I’m a very expressive individual so I tend to get forehead wrinkles. As a personal choice to age naturally and gracefully, I’ve decided against using Botox or any toxins on my face. When I shared this online, there were of course some people who disagreed with my philosophy, but my intention has always been to share what I like and what I do for those who also live or are interested in living holistically.

Gua Sha is a non-invasive anti-aging tool and technique I do every single day that helps me look refreshed and awake—even if I’m not feeling that way. 

Before doing Gua Sha, it’s important that you open up your lymph nodes. Gently pat your lymph nodes in areas like under your collarbone and armpits (watch me do that here) and lightly jump and shake your body to help naturally drain your lymph nodes. I gently scrape the Gua Sha stone from jawline to neck, from jawline to ear, under the cheekbones, under the eyes, and in between the eyebrows. Some days, I like to take my time with Gua Sha, but if I have a busy day ahead, I do Gua Sha pretty quickly. Gua Sha is a customizable facial massage that can take as little as a few minutes. Just remember to be gentle and slow, even if you are in a rush. 

Holistic Beauty, Nutrition, & Lifestyle 

I hope this product overview is helpful to you, especially my sensitive skin ladies! 

It’s important to remember that your skin is the largest organ in your body and that topical solutions are just one aspect of optimizing your skin’s health and appearance. As a holistic nutritionist, chef, and gut health expert who believes that food is medicine, I take gut-healing elixirs and cook nutrient-rich recipes to help my skin glow from within. 

My Gluten-Free, Refined-Sugar-Free, And Dairy-Free Recipes: https://shaynaskitchen.com/recipes/

My Gut Health Journey: https://shaynaskitchen.com/gut-health/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/shaynateresetaylor/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shaynateresetaylor