Take Inventory of Your Ingredients

"Most of what we put on our skin is absorbed," says Lisa Petty, a holistic wellness consultant and author of "Living Beauty: Feel Great, Look Fabulous and Live Well."

To make sure what your skin is absorbing is safe, start by reading the ingredient labels on everything in your beauty arsenal. If you can't pronounce half the words, you can probably find a healthier choice.

What to avoid? Petty singles out synthetic fragrances, talc, urea, phthalates, DEA, TEA, MEA, and preservatives like ethyl-, methyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben. If you spot a list of botanical ingredients like jojoba oil, calendula extract, and peppermint essential oil, though, you're heading in the right direction.