Why I Use What I Use (and Leave the Rest Out)

Why I Use What I Use (and Leave the Rest Out)

If your skin has ever reacted to products that were supposed to “help,” you’re not alone.

For many women — especially women with melanin-rich skin — irritation, dryness, breakouts, or imbalance don’t come from having “bad skin.”
They come from using products that do too much, too often, or fight the skin instead of supporting it.

At Naked Lavender, I believe skincare should feel intentional, not overwhelming.
That belief shapes every formula we create.

My Philosophy: Balance Over Stripping

Most skincare problems aren’t random.
They’re reactions.

When skin is repeatedly stripped, overloaded, or disrupted, it responds the only way it can — through irritation, dryness, odor, or flare-ups.

Instead of trying to “fix” skin by doing more, we focus on balance. 

That means:

  • Supporting the skin barrier

  • Using ingredients the skin recognizes

  • Leaving out anything unnecessary

Especially when it comes to melanin-rich skin, balance matters more than intensity.

How I Choose Ingredients (and Why That Matters)

Every ingredient in a Naked Lavender product has a role.
Nothing is added just to fill space or follow trends.

Here’s how I think about formulation. 

Botanical Actives

Ingredients like clove and carrot are used for their natural supporting properties.

These botanicals have been used traditionally to help:

  • Calm imbalance

  • Support clarity

  • Promote healthier-looking skin over time

They’re not harsh or aggressive — they work by supporting the skin, not overpowering it.

Nourishing Butters

Butters like shea, mango, and kokum help maintain moisture and protect the skin barrier.

They: 

  • Reduce dryness

  • Support elasticity

  • Help skin feel comfortable instead of tight

Healthy skin starts with a strong barrier — and these butters help reinforce it.

Supportive Oils

Oils like avocado and olive oil are chosen for their ability to nourish without clogging or overwhelming the skin.

They help:

  • Seal in moisture

  • Support softness

  • Maintain balance

  • I use oils intentionally — not excessively. 

Gentle Cleansing, Explained Simply

Cleansing shouldn’t feel harsh.

My soaps are designed to cleanse without leaving skin feeling stripped or dry.
That’s especially important for skin that’s already prone to irritation or imbalance.

Clean skin should feel:

  • Comfortable

  • Calm

  • Supported

Not tight or reactive.

What I Leave Out — On Purpose

I'm just as intentional about what I don’t use as what I do.

My formulas are made without harsh or unnecessary ingredients commonly linked to irritation or imbalance.

I don’t believe in overloading skin with:

  • Fillers

  • Excess fragrance

  • Ingredients added “just because”

When skin is already doing its best, less truly is more.

Why This Matters for Melanin-Rich Skin

Melanin-rich skin responds differently to irritation and imbalance.

When the skin barrier is disrupted, it can show up as:

  • Dry patches

  • Hyperpigmentation

  • Sensitivity 

    • Ongoing cycles of flare-ups

    That’s why Naked Lavender is formulated with melanin in mind — not as an afterthought, but as the foundation.

    You Don’t Need Everything — Just the Right Start

    You don’t need a complicated routine.
    You don’t need ten steps.
    You don’t need to constantly switch products.

    Most women see the biggest difference when they:

    • Simplify

    • Stay consistent

    • Choose products that support balance

    When you’re ready, start simple.
    One product. One change. One step toward understanding your skin instead of fighting it. 

    And if now isn’t the time, that’s okay too.

    Your skin will always tell you the truth.

    When you’re ready

    👉 Explore my products
    👉 Start with my bestsellers

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