Jo Lam, from Sydney, grew up surrounded by natural remedies and always saw food as a kind of medicine due to her Malaysian and Chinese background.
When she became a mother, the 42-year-old former accountant wanted the same for her three sons and has been careful to always feed them a diet of organic, chemical-free food.
But Ms Lam realised it was pointless eating organic, healthy food if they were using chemicals on their skin, and launched her own online ethical beauty hub, Orli, where all products are chemical-free.
Orli founder: Jo Lam, from Sydney, grew up surrounded by natural remedies and saw food as medicine due to her Malaysian and Chinese background
Natural: As a mother to three boys, the 42-year-old former accountant wanted the same for her sons and has been careful to always feed them a diet of organic, chemical-free food
‘I did a lot of research on what I should and shouldn’t be using and was quite amazed. A lot of the products out there that claim to be natural sometimes are only one per cent natural,’ Ms Lam told Daily Mail Australia.
‘I wanted to create a space where women could go for true, healthy, natural products that were completely free of chemicals and were actually beneficial for the skin.’
Ms Lam said alcohol in some products is used as a ‘penetration enhancer’ and can cause the skin to dry out and absorb harmful chemicals.
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WHAT TO USE ON ACNE-PRONE AND DRY SKIN TYPES?
SKINCARE FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
– Use gel cleansers and lighter moisturisers
– Use essential oils in your routine like top grade lavender oils as they do wonders for your skin
– When I have flare-ups I mix turmeric, manuka honey and a little squeeze of lemon
PRODUCTS I RECOMMEND:
– Gel cleansers from the The Little Alchemist and People for Plants range
SKINCARE FOR DRY SKIN
– Layer your products, spritz with hydrosol and use a serum
– Lock in your toner with moisturiser while the products are still wet
– Have a teaspoon of coconut oil everyday
PRODUCTS I RECOMMEND:
– Moisturisers by Mokosh and shea butter based products
Avocado does wonders: ‘Basically what’s good for your skin is the same as what’s good for your tummy. Your skin loves antioxidants and so does your body,’ Ms Lam said
Oats and berries: ‘My favourites to use on the face are things like berries, raw honey, avocado and oats. They contain antibacterial properties and such complex enzymes full of nourishing minerals,’ she said
Fragrances can also have a negative effect on the skin as, according to Ms Lam, fragrance is a ‘blanket term for around 3,000 chemicals.’
‘When I stopped using perfume I stopped getting headaches,’ Ms Lam said. ‘Even some aromatherapy candles are labelled as “naturally fragranced” but are rife with chemicals.’
Ms Lam has selected a number cruelty free, vegan friendly and planet friendly products to be available on her website, and suggests people opt for completely natural products… even those from the pantry.
‘Basically what’s good for your skin is the same as what’s good for your tummy. Your skin loves antioxidants and so does your body so things like Vitamins A, C and E and whole fresh foods can be applied topically with fantastic results,’ Ms Lam said.
Unique choice: Ms Lam also makes turmeric face masks mixed with honey… and while they leave a yellow tinge on the face towel, it has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties for the face
Keep it simple: ‘I like to spritz my hair with apple cider vinegar after shampooing. I wash it off and it really gives the hair this fluffiness and shine,’ Ms Lam said
‘My favourites to use on the face are things like natural yoghurt, raw honey, avocado and oats. They contain antibacterial properties and such complex enzymes full of nourishing, moisturising minerals.
‘I also love using berries because they are great for you both inside and out, green tea mixed in yoghurt, all berries and raw cacao.’
Ms Lam also makes turmeric face masks mixed with honey… and while they leave a yellow tinge on the face towel, it has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties for the face.
When it comes to her hair, Ms Lam uses organic shampoo and says once people start using shampoos without sulphate, they stop needing conditioner altogether.
Keep it natural: Ms Lam says while make up free is best, natural mineral make up is the second best choice
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
SODIUM LAURETH SULPHATE
Sls is used in products as garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and car wash soaps. It will leave your skin ‘squeaky clean’ but strips your skin of its natural oils.
FRAGRANCE
Fragrances have been associated with allergies, dermatitis and respiratory stress. They can also negatively impact your immune system and reproductive system,
PARABENS
These preservatives can cause allergic reactions and are easily absorbed into the body.
BHT/TOLUENE
This chemical is made from petroleum and coal tar and found in synthetic fragrances. Exposure to it can lead to anemia, liver and kidney damage.
PETROLATUM
Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil doesn’t moisturise or nourish the skin. It interferes with the boy’s moisturising system and can lead to dryness.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
This chemical can cause skin irritation, is linked to kidney problems and reproductive issues.
Scrub it up: ‘With the body you can also use just normal table salt to exfoliate and with the face you can even go with a mixture of sugar, coconut oil and olive oil – all from the pantry,’ she said
‘Sulphate is very harsh and drying on the scalp and when you use shampoos without it it’s soft and healthy on its own,’ Ms Lam said.
‘I like to spritz my hair with apple cider vinegar after shampooing. I wash it off and it really gives the hair this fluffiness and shine.’
With exfoliating, Ms Lam recommends doing a body scrub once a week.
‘I use a scrub made from sea salt with a base of coconut and jojoba oils to hydrate… it’s so important to do this once a week,’ she said.
‘With the body you can also use just normal table salt to exfoliate and with the face you can even go with a mixture of sugar, coconut oil and olive oil – all from the pantry.’
Change up your routine: ‘I use a scrub made from sea salt with a base of coconut and jojoba oils to hydrate… it’s so important to do this once a week,’ she said
Ms Lam puts a face mask on once a week in the morning while she gets the kids ready, before taking it off 15 minutes later.
‘When you’re moisturising it’s also really important to apply it on damp skin,’ Ms Lam said.
‘It applies easier and locks in moisture.’