Lisa's Everyday Skincare Essentials: A Holistic Approach to Radiant Skin

Hey Peaches! It’s Lisa, your Holistic Master Esthetician of almost 40 years. I’m 58 and a half, and my passion for helping men and women achieve beautiful, healthy skin without needles, procedures, or pills burns brighter than ever. I believe in a holistic approach, focusing on natural ingredients and mindful practices to unlock your skin's true potential.

I often receive questions about my personal skincare routine and the products I swear by. So, I've decided to share my everyday essentials – the products and practices that form the foundation of my skincare philosophy. I'm a self-proclaimed product junkie, always experimenting with new tips and tricks, so I'm sure I've missed a few things! But these are the staples I rely on, even when traveling. I decant everything into smaller containers for short trips, and for longer getaways, I ship a box ahead of time. That's how essential these elements are to my routine!

The most crucial thing to understand is that we all start with normal skin. It’s what we do to it daily, weekly, and monthly that transforms it. The biggest offenders? Bad skincare products (a major culprit!), foundation and concealer (another significant one!), harmful sunscreen (and there are so many out there!), neglecting a wide-brimmed hat, and even the water in your home or the environment around you. We often underestimate how much these factors affect our nasal passages, which directly impacts our skin. So many of the things I’ll share are little hints I incorporate into my daily life.

One practice I swear by is cleansing the inside of my nose morning and night. I use a cotton swab dipped in either hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or apple cider vinegar. My husband, Kent, and I are religious about this. I even have a dedicated little wooden container on my bathroom counter with Q-tips and a small bottle – currently filled with hydrogen peroxide. I prefer alcohol, but after receiving concerns from some, I experimented with hydrogen peroxide. Honestly, I think I’m reverting back to alcohol. Apple cider vinegar is another effective option. We also drink apple cider vinegar every night – a small amount in a shot glass diluted with water. It’s fantastic for gut health, which is intrinsically linked to skin health. I've championed this connection for decades. A healthy gut fosters a healthy environment for everything – skin, mind, hair, even the clarity of your eyes. It's truly remarkable!

I’m a huge advocate for baking soda. I prefer the non-GMO variety by Bob’s Red Mill. I keep it in a container in my shower and use it about once or twice a week, sometimes every other week. I simply mix it with a little water to create a paste, gently rub it on my face for about 10 seconds, and rinse. \ \ In my full Peaches skincare routine, I use this after Flawless Exfoliator, Restore, and Classic Cleanser, followed by Perfecting Polish. Baking soda is incredibly versatile and can be used on other parts of your body as well. Don't let the naysayers demonize this natural ingredient. It’s wonderful for your skin. While some worry about its effect on skin pH, remember that many everyday activities, like walking outside, rinsing with water (hot or cold), and using a cleanser, all alter your skin’s pH. Don't get overly fixated on that or the "skin barrier."\ \ A gentle baking soda scrub is far superior to harsh chemical peels, lasers (which I strongly dislike), or microneedling (another no-go for me).

I adore Vaseline brand petroleum jelly. I even dedicated an entire video to its benefits! I use it every single day. Upon waking, after cleansing with Restore and using my LED mask, I apply a thin layer of Vaseline while I catch up on emails and questions. Overnight, our skin dehydrates, so this helps to rehydrate and plump it up. I occasionally use Miracle Mask, a natural pumpkin and papaya peel, in conjunction with Vaseline. Vaseline acts as a healing occlusive, but it must be the Vaseline brand. Their patented triple purification process makes it superior to Neosporin or Aquaphor, even though those also contain petroleum. Don't shy away from this versatile product!

Manuka honey is another favorite. While I don’t eat it often (though I might add it to my tea occasionally), I primarily use it as a face mask. I mix it with either six crushed aspirin (a natural source of salicylic acid) or turmeric. This mask is incredible for refining the skin, removing dead skin cells, soothing irritations, and healing superficial tears. It also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s a truly healing and restorative mask!

Let’s talk about Milk of Magnesia. There's a whole story (and a dedicated video) about how my Milk of Magnesia was confiscated during our three-week European trip last year. This led to the discovery of a new favorite: my Peach’s Purifying Acne Stick, now renamed Revitalizing Rescue Mask and packaged in a jar. It’s a miracle worker! My daughter suggested it while we were in Europe, and I'm eternally grateful. I was panicked about being without my Milk of Magnesia, a staple in my routine for 45 years! It's difficult to find in Europe unless you visit a compounding pharmacist, and I was constantly on the move. While I still use Milk of Magnesia occasionally, Revitalizing Rescue Mask has become my go-to, especially at night. Milk of Magnesia is anti-inflammatory and healing. Both masks effectively draw out impurities from your hair follicles (what you might call pores) and maintain clean skin. For cuts or irritations, Milk of Magnesia promotes beautiful healing, which can be further enhanced by applying Vaseline. I’m convinced that nightly masking is one of the secrets to my smooth, youthful skin. Of course, I also incorporate facial yoga and my complete Peaches skincare routine.

Monistat 7, specifically the one in the purple box, is a game-changer. Rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis are frequently overdiagnosed. We all have natural fungus and bacteria on our skin. Problems arise when we create an environment for these microorganisms to flourish. Factors like needles in the face, aggressive treatments, foundation and concealer (which trap impurities instead of allowing them to clear), scratching, and even environmental factors can trigger fungal overgrowth. Years ago, a surgeon introduced me to Monistat 7, and it's been transformative for my clients. I’ll even share a before-and-after photo of my client, Anne. While she uses the entire Peaches routine, she credits Monistat 7 as a key element in her skin transformation. If you’re following the Peaches routine, apply a small amount of Monistat 7 after your toners. Don’t rinse it off. Apply it all over, or if you’re a seasoned Peach, focus on irritated areas. You should see improvement within 24 hours.

Speaking of fungus and bacteria, I avoid waxing. At Peach’s salons (we’ve had seven!), we prioritize hygiene during waxing – new stick every time, no double dipping. However, many salons aren't as meticulous. I also dislike threading. I prefer using small dermaplaning tools (the brand I like is Tinkle) to tidy up my eyebrows and any stray hairs on my lip. I then follow my complete skincare routine, and I experience no breakouts or irritations. Don't be afraid to shave! The myth about hair growing back thicker is simply that – a myth. It's safer to remove hair yourself than to risk irritation or infection from unsanitary waxing practices.

I’m a firm believer in good toothpaste. I have naturally white teeth, and while I periodically use peroxide and baking soda, my daily toothpaste is ProDent Max. I believe it’s primarily available on Amazon. It’s produced by a small family business in Michigan. They utilize coconut oil, and it provides a sensation similar to coconut pulling or oil pulling. My gums feel healthier, and my teeth feel whiter and smoother. It’s affordable, fluoride-free, and the owner is passionate about avoiding fluoride in your water. Support small businesses!

Jamaican black castor oil, or simply black castor oil, is another essential. I prefer it to have a smoky scent. I’ve tried numerous brands, and my previous favorite was packaged in a plastic bottle, which raised concerns for some. However, PET plastic is resistant to castor oil. I’ve been transitioning to glass bottles, but the one I currently have isn’t smoky enough. Exciting news! Peaches skincare is launching our own black castor oil, sourced from India. It will be 100% organic, roasted, and possess all the qualities you love. I use castor oil daily – under my eyes and on my eyelids at night, on my nails, and to promote eyelash and eyebrow growth. I don’t curl my lashes or wear falsies. Castor oil is truly transformative! You can also apply it to your face or body. While I don’t ingest it or apply it directly to my eyes, I know some who do and swear by it. You do you! I’m not a doctor, so always consult with yours.

My favorite sunscreen is Malon and Goats. It’s a zinc oxide sunscreen, making it a healthy choice for your skin. It blends in beautifully without leaving a white cast. Do I wear sunscreen every single day? Absolutely not. Those who advocate for daily sunscreen application… well, let’s just say their philosophy differs from mine. I believe the emphasis on sunscreen arose in the 80s with the increasing incidence of skin cancer. I strongly recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat whenever you’re outdoors. Consider this: are the people promoting daily sunscreen use also undergoing frequent laser treatments and chemical peels? I prefer a more natural and holistic approach. I also like Dermatology (I have a code Lisa20 for their physical sunscreen) and Sun Bum mineral. These are good options when traveling or needing something readily available. Look for zinc oxide, or a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as the active ingredients.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) toner is amazing. You can easily make your own by combining three parts ACV with one part water. I use it morning and night, and even as a mosquito repellent! It’s beneficial for both gut health and skin health. If you experience a slight burning sensation upon application (even those using my Peaches pH toner sometimes do), it likely indicates the presence of bacteria or fungus, and the ACV is working to eliminate it. It's a healing process! I use it every morning and night after cleansing, followed by my serums, eye cream, moisturizer, gua sha, and facial yoga. ACV toner is a true game-changer.

I also love Clean & Clear Persa-Gel. If you’re experiencing breakouts, remember that fungal acne appears red and itchy, while bacterial acne manifests as zits or whiteheads. Persa-Gel is excellent for breakouts. It contains time-released benzoyl peroxide, making it less irritating than other formulas. If you do experience redness or irritation, simply reduce the amount or dilute it with a little water. Within the Peaches routine, use Persa-Gel after your ACV and pH toner. If you’re dealing with both fungal acne and bacterial breakouts, use Monistat in the morning and Persa-Gel at night. For solely fungal acne, stick with Monistat. For solely bacterial breakouts, use Persa-Gel.

Finally, let’s talk hair! When you see my hair in a bun, it’s coated in leave-in conditioner. I’m embracing my natural gray – almost eight years strong! I feel healthier, and my hair is thriving. I’ll wear it down soon, but during the summer, a bun is simply more practical at the beach. I love Pantene hydrating conditioner, but my current favorite leave-in is Orbea.

There you have it! These are the products and practices I currently use and love. I’m sure I’ve overlooked a few things, so please ask any questions you may have in the comments below (with love and kindness, of course!). And if you’d like a personalized routine, remember my time is complimentary. Email me at lisa@peachesskincare.com. I have almost 40 years of practical experience healing skin, and I’m here to help you uncover your true confidence!