When I retrained so that I could work around ill health, I made the decision to follow in my sister’s footsteps. I’d seen her retrain as she was planning for a family so I figured ‘well if she can retrain to work around having a family, surely, I can retrain to work around illness?’
Before I knew it, I’d not only signed up for a nail technician course but I’d also stumbled across a facial and massage course too.
It turned out, I LOVED doing facials. My interest in massage developed here. It was so incredibly relaxing.
My need to generate an income to keep a roof over my head led to my being able to learn to relax simultaneously. About a year in, when my counsellor of 3.5 years had said “you seem relaxed today” I realised I no longer required his services.
Around 6 months in, I wanted to buy a set of facial products that would compliment the vegan friendly and cruelty free range I’d accidentally invested in with both nail treatments and spray tanning. Gorgeous products that were spa like in smells and quality too.
Somehow I’d stumbled on the fact that there were products becoming available that didn’t contain certain chemicals.
I’d not yet read about the health benefits of this, and it didn’t later escape my notice that I was prioritising specialist care and treatment for clients over my own.
Cringe moment
I remember telling my counsellor that I wouldn’t spend £7 on a body moisturiser that I could get for £2.50. For a long time after, I cringed at the thought of voicing this to him as I sat there itching my skin because I’d ran out and wouldn’t allow myself the extra fiver spend (I was still working full time then. Just.).
I have always had eczema (mostly very mild in adulthood), so this particular perfume free cream was always enough to keep it at bay when used every day.
I can’t recall how I stumbled on Tropic Skincare & Makeup but I discovered they were vegan friendly and cruelty free, free of many chemicals and reasonably priced (more comparable to no.7 than say Clinique).
Add to that, I could invest in the whole skincare range and become an ambassador which meant that I could promote the products to clients who had experienced their skin-transforming benefits.
With my limited capacity to work and full responsibility for keeping a roof over my head and food on the table whilst being in a disabled state, this opportunity appealed.
The training and support I received through Tropic were outstanding. The company had long since been part owned by Alan Sugar, alongside founder, Susie Ma and the story behind the gorgeous UK made products was endearing. The ethos and the values of the business, their giving back more than they take from the Earth and the initiative of building schools in other countries felt like I was receiving the full package. Something I had always dreamed of and known to be possible in a business, but none that I had come even close to experiencing.
As I was fascinated by business in the before times and successful in setting up a branch, team, database and clients all leading to a glowing reputation, all this really stood out to me and with all the research and study I have ever done, I have a good eye for business, marketing and feel.
Add to that, all the products are freshly made in their Surrey HQ. Supporting a UK business also appealed.
It was only when I began placing orders for clients that I treated myself to one of their most popular products, the Smoothing Cleanser. I had none left and so I replaced it with Tropic. I found myself using smaller amounts than I would the cheaper stuff I’d always used up until that point.
Each time I ran out of a skincare product, I started to replace it with Tropic. I even spent £20 on the Body Love moisturiser and there began the intentional start of my body love practice (it was a long road to self-love, but it started with that one bottle and one intention).
It became the only skincare I’ve ever known that would leave the afterglow only every previously experienced with a facial.
Eventually, I moved on to haircare as well as body care and skincare, and a couple of years later, the sun care. Though I very rarely wear it, Tropic make up is phenomenal. In that it is light weight and light reflective. Mineral makeup that feels like I have nothing on my face! I was also taught how to apply the make up in 2 training sessions which sealed my love for Tropic and its value even more.
The Feel Fresh deodorant requires only a tiny amount and puts a stop to excessive sweating. I haven’t used any other type of aluminium free deodorant however customers frequently tell me it’s the best they’ve ever used.
I was initially told that Tropic sold itself. I immediately thought this was sale and marketing bull plop.
It turned out to be true. It was the same with them being perfume free, sharing that other chemical free products often contained perfume which is a guise for adding chemicals because under this umbrella they can add any chemicals as perfume. It turned out this was true too.
So many wins I did not see coming
I noticed I was showering less and after showering everyday all my adult life, I went on to only shower twice a week. Thereby using a third less products. A little was already going a long way making them great value for money (especially when you invest in the skincare collections – though it can be a great outlay, they’re long-lasting and it works out cost effective in the long run).
For a while I made the link that going chemical free was contributing towards showering less frequently. I no longer ever smell of BO and I now barely use the deodorant at all. That said, I feel its important to note that I was making many changes to my diet, lifestyle and stress management alongside and began to deepen my healing journey so there is a bigger picture to factor in and consider.
All that taken into consideration, reducing chemicals in my body and home felt a giant leap forward in my health journey and how I approached it is another fine example of how I create long-lasting change.
One small, tiny step at a time. No pressure to get it right. And I would always say to customers who wanted to buy their products but had a full range at home – use those first and then buy them when you are ready1. Use what you have because you’ve paid for them - but also because of the impact on the environment (I never did like waste).
Over what I’ve learnt as I’ve grown, I haven’t read a lot into reducing chemicals (some articles can be fear inducing and although I started to make changes from a place of fear, my health improved when I made changes that were in alignment with what I wanted, which was improved health).
I only know it’s a thing and its one of the recommendations when it comes to balancing our hormones. I’ll be sharing more about that in future posts on this topic – though expect them to be sporadic.
What has been your experience with skincare and making changes for the benefit of your health?
For whatever reason I have never mentioned on here that I promote and recommend Tropic Skincare and Makeup.
I feel vulnerable even writing this post and letting you know. Which I’ve realised is ridiculous because
a) it’s one the changes I’ve made that has had a big impact on my health long term
b) it’s been a way for me to generate an income in the most dire set of circumstances and
c) you might want to support me at the same time as supporting you!
You also might have no interest or capacity and that’s ok. I’m not just talking financial capacity here either. It was only when I began to use my skincare again every day that I realised I hadn’t been using it daily in the same way I had all my adult life (my mum drilled skincare and body moisturiser into me from a young age – the one thing I’ve always been the most thankful to her for).
Using skincare again daily was a change that happened 3 years into my journey. Up until that time I hadn’t realised I no longer had the capacity to apply it daily. It made me realise my health really was starting to improve2.
I’ve linked all the products mentioned above to my own personal Tropic page if you do have an interest in exploring further.
With it being Christmas, they have a range of amazing gifts to suit a range of different budgets from £20 and under.
My personal favourite has always been The Serene Sleep because it’s the best value (half price) and also soothes me into relaxation.
Tropic are a UK based company – all products are freshly made (its why they don’t have stores). Now the company have grown exponentially, they do deliver to most places around the world.
If you find yourself in the market for some new skincare (or makeup/haircare/body care/sun care) or want to peruse the Christmas gifts (3-5 working days delivery in the UK, free delivery when you spend over £40 with last Christmas orders by 20th December in the UK), head on over to the ambassador page under my name.
Perhaps you already use the products – let me know your faves?
I wouldn’t allow myself the serums for a long time but I love the elixir oil.
I stopped actively promoting Tropic when I felt strongly guided towards prioritising writing. Around the same time as I moved into my static caravan and started blogging here. I surrendered to listening, utilising my privilege in helping support others. Even though it meant earning no income at all from my writing and only a continued small amount elsewhere. I’ve been working towards making sure my work is sustainable in the long term ever since.
I still only shower twice weekly/as needed but I love the fact that I’m using less water and less heating of the water is required - there is no difference in my body if I go one day or a few days.
When I first went chemical free I used an incredible Canadian based company called living libations. I can’t use them anymore as I’m too sensitive to essential oils - but I learned so much from them!
I changed my skincare, oral care and hair care. Best changes were my hair … I went from washing every day to once every 10 days and my curls were the healthiest they had ever been without any products.
I rarely needed deodorant and I loved that I just used 1-2 products for everything.
Going chemical free is quite the journey - but it’s been 100% worth it in my experience! Glad you’ve found similar success!
I gaslit myself that it was gross not to shower every day. But then I confront the thought with the fact that 1) my house is cold, I don't sweat much even when doing cardio --> the Youtube video instructor sweated buckets but I barely broke a sweat, and I was in a fleece jacket to boot, 2) I use only 1 soap bar with minimum ingredients, no fragrance nor colourants, my body likes it as I don't have a strong BO at all. I shower 2-3x weekly, saving water and healthier to my body.