Why I Choose Clean Beauty: A Personal Journey

By Christine Provost, Co-Founder, KOR Mindful Beauty

Choosing clean beauty was not just a decision; it was a turning point in my self-care journey. After undergoing dental work, which included having four teeth pulled, I noticed something unexpected—my face changed shape. The worst part was the contraction of my smile. It shrunk, and when I looked in the mirror, it made me sad. Smiling is such an important part of who I am, and seeing my face with that droop, almost like the sagging that happens when you lose weight, was disheartening to me – every day when I looked in the mirror.

On a whim and out of frustration that no normal course was improving the sag, I opted for a popular filler treatment to restore my face to its original state. After the bruising healed—a typical side effect—I was pleased with the results, but they didn’t last. Within 5 or 6 months, the sagging returned with a vengeance. That’s when I faced a dilemma: return for another round of treatment or explore a different path.

Three things bothered me about continuing with fillers. First, the idea of injecting unnatural ingredients into my body didn’t sit well with me. After my first treatment, I developed tinnitus, a ringing in my ears, and that condition that still lingers. While it could have been caused by something else, the timing and the fact that it’s a known side effect of the treatment made me question what other known or unknown side effects could arise. Secondly, having to sleep with my face up to prevent the fillers from moving was a strain on my sleep health. I understand the importance of protecting your skin as you age, but not at the expense of restful sleep which is the best time for your skin to rejuvenate and your body to heal. Lastly, the need to return every three to six months without seeing any “real” improvement was frustrating. Sure, my face looked better for a while, but there was no lasting change and no real improvement.

This led me to explore alternatives, and that’s how I found clean beauty. Treatments like micro-needling and products like KOR Mindful Beauty™ have made a real difference. Unlike fillers, these treatments work with your body to improve elasticity, texture, and the overall look of your skin without harsh chemicals. Micro-needling, when done by a licensed professional, has been particularly effective for me. As for skincare products, with clean, KOR MIndful Beauty, I’ve learned to listen to my skin, adjusting the amount and type of product I use based on how my skin feels each day. It’s about becoming familiar with the products and letting the natural, quality ingredients do their work.  I’m also back to a restful sleep pattern which gives my body the sleep it needs to heal and transform overnight.

I must confess that I’m not a true purist, I still dye my hair to maintain a look I’m satisfied with. I also have some permanent makeup, eye liner and micro-bladed and powdered brows (thank you Kelly Miller at Beauty and the Brow in Feeding Hills, MA for an amazing look!). In the end, permanent makeup has been cleaner for me because I’m not using any additional product on my face. Without adding product, I don’t have to be concerned with makeup residue or removal – which I love.

Respecting the personal choices of others in self-care is important to me, and this article is simply my own experience. Adopting clean beauty practices has made a significant impact on my life, and I'm grateful to have found a path that aligns with my values and my desire for sustainable, natural and even remarkable results. To find out more, reach out to me at kormindfulbeauty@gmail.com.