Finding Your Zen Center: Q&A with Kaitlyn Lockman of Zen Society Skincare
Zen Society Skincare believes beauty comes from simplicity. Meet Master Herbalist Kaitlyn Lockman and get your zen on!
-Lucia Peters, BettyConfidential.com
Take a deep breathe, Bettys. Breathe in… hold it for a few seconds… and breathe out. Aaaaaah! Don't you feel better just taking a second to breathe properly, even on a hectic Monday morning?
And that, Bettys, is the philosophy behind Zen Society Skincare. Founded by Master HerbalistKaitlyn Lockman, Zen Society believes that beauty comes from simplicity. Through the company's 100 percent natural, organic, and preservative free, Kaitlyn hopes to foster a world free of chemicals and toxins and to promote overall well-being. Doesn't that sound like a lovely place in which to live? We think so! Even the most sensitive of skin will positively eat up these fabulous skincare products, so be sure to head on over to BettyConfidential Shop and give them a try in our exclusive flash sale!
Kaitlyn sat down to chat with us about Zen Society's philosophy, what inspires her, her personal skincare routine, and more. Read on and Zen out!
BettyConfidential: How did you become a maker of skincare products?
Kaitlyn Lockman: I grew up handcrafting my own natural and organic products because I had a very hard time finding products that were completely natural or preservative-free. I made essential oils and herbs a daily part of my life. This allowed me to gain exposure to many different types of ingredients. My mother would create natural herbal remedies for my brother and I and I applied her basic principles to my own formulas. I'm now a Master Herbalist studying at the Global College of Natural Medicine and I am just a few months away from being Board Certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.
BC: Congrats! Can you tell us a little about the history of Zen Society Skincare?
KL: When I founded Zen Society, I wanted to be different-I wanted to create a line that was one of the purest on the market. I didn't want to compete with hundreds of other natural companies that all have the same products and ingredients and claim to be natural. With my background as a Master Herbalist, it was an easy goal to accomplish: I learned ways to heal through simple, holistic treatments and applied those theories to my formulas. My line specifically appeals to people with sensitive skin, those bothered by fragrances or those who want a line that is safe for the whole family. To an Herbalist, "100% natural" means absolutely no fragrances, no preservatives, and no chemicals. It means the products smell like the oils and extracts that they are made of, not a synthetic fragrance. Zen Society is a member of PETA's Caring Consumer Program and recognized as a cruelty free and vegan company. We are proud signers of The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and The Natural Pledge.
BC: Do you have a favorite Zen Society Skincare product? What is it and why?
KL: Well, I'm a little biased because I use all of my products and love them all equally. If I had to choose, though, I'd say that I love my toner and body oils the most. When I was younger and didn't know better, I used alcohol-based astringents-and my face was horrible! It was always so dry and irritated. But my Elderberry Toner is extremely mild and helps prevent wrinkles. I also am a huge fan of floral waters because of the wonders they work on your skin; the Elderberry Toner also contains lavender water, which I love because it makes my face feel so soft.
Then there's my Macadamia Body Oil-it's one of the most quick-absorbing body oils I've ever used. In fact, it's managed to turned people around who said they would never use oil on their body, to using my oil daily! I also love that it's unscented, because it can be used anytime
BC: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only one skincare product with you, what would it be and why?
KL: Easy: Toner, because it's so universal. It can cleanse the face, moisturize, and tone-and it can also be used all over the body if needed.
BC: What's your background like? Had you ever dabbled in making body products or in other types of design before creating Zen Society Skincare?
KL: I originally went to school for business. My undergraduate degree is in Marketing and my MBA is in General Business. I even worked in investment banking for four years, but I had always wanted to pursue a career in health and wellness. I grew up in a health-conscious family, so I began self studies at a very young age. Combining my passion for health and wellness with my business background, I created Zen Society. Within the past year, I've even gone back to school for Herbology; I'm incredibly eager to get my Board Certification!
BC: Zen Society is 100% eco-friendly, contains only healthy ingredients used in healthy formulas, and is USDA certified organic. What are the benefits to using organic skincare products instead of non-organic ones?
KL: Organic means greater quality and aroma. By purchasing organic, you help to reduce the toxic load on the environment and to improve your health. Organic farms are also held up to higher quality standards, so when you purchase organic, you know you're purchasing from a reputable supplier and that you'll be getting quality ingredients. And finally, organic foods and oils contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals that are naturally good for your skin.
BC: Can you tell us a little about what inspires you?
KL: I love to travel, work out, read, be outdoors, and help others, and I believe strongly in supporting local businesses. I care deeply about offering natural and organic products; I also place a huge emphasis on overall wellness, nutrition, and giving back by helping to save the environment (in fact, I donate a percent of every sale to Friends of the Earth, the world's largest grassroots foundation).
BC: There's no better inspiration than this great big amazing ball we live on! Have you ever created something and ended up not liking it?
KL: When I create my products, I have an end result in mind of what I would like them to do. I don't focus so much on "finding the cure," but rather on finding the root cause of the skin condition, and work on correcting that. For instance, if someone has acne prone skin, I'll investigate what's causing the acne and suggest a product that will make their skin healthier to keep the acne from coming back. In order to offer this types of products, though, I do have some trial and error runs. I incorporate ingredients that I know work, AND work together well. So far I haven't had any issues with my products, I think because I spend a great amount of time and research on what I put into then.
BC: What's your personal skincare routine like? Have any tips to share?
KL: When it comes to my own skincare routine, I don't use any shower gels or body washes; I use only castile-based soaps that I make myself. I alternate between using my Tea Tree Facial Cleanser and a face wash I create myself from barley grits, dry milk and lemon peels. A cleanser doesn't need to lather to be effective! I also moisturize my skin daily with my Bilberry Repair Serum and apply a weekly sandalwood powder mask with essential oils to prevent wrinkles.
As for skincare tips: The biggest ingredient to avoid in skincare products is alcohol. It causes extreme dryness and premature aging. Foaming agents found in soaps also have the same effects, so I'd recommend avoiding those if possible. And finally, I stay away from lotions as a rule; they're filled with synthetic emulsifiers and wax, both of which coat the skin and clog pores. Once the water in lotion evaporates, the skin goes back to its original dry state. Body oil is so much healthier and keeps the skin hydrated longer.
Snag Kaitlyn's favorite products here!
BC: Who's your skincare role model?
KL: During my studies, I've spent a lot of time researching Ayurveda treatments and skincare. I love Dr. Pratima Raichur's mission and skincare techniques. Her philosophy is, "You should never put something on your skin that you cannot eat," so her skincare products are made from everyday household items and essential oils. She also formats customized skincare routines based on one's dosha (body type). It's essential to follow your dosha's skincare regime to keep your skin clear and healthy. Radiant beauty is visible when the doshas are aligned.
BC: And finally, if you could have any celebrity, living or dead, use your stuff, who would it be?
KL: I would love for Gwyneth Paltrow to use my products; she's a huge advocate in the natural and organic field!
Gwynnie seems to be a popular choice; Suz Somersall of KiraKira Jewelry also said she'd love to have her wear her stuff. Are you listening, Gwyneth? We've got your new favorite beauty products and jewelry pieces right here!
Treat yourself to these delish beauty goodies right now at BettyConfidential Shop!
Lucia Peters is BettyConfidential's associate editor.
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