By now, we all know the importance of eating whole foods to minimize the possibility of unwanted toxins entering our bodies. To maintain health we need to monitor what we eat closely, but did you know that the same can apply to the topical products we use? Have you ever thought about what exactly is in our lotions and beauty products? We apply the rule “If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it”; however, we don’t think twice when buying things like toothpaste or shampoo despite being packed with unpronounceable, unidentifiable chemicals.
As a matter of fact, something as common and everyday as shampoo commonly contains “phthalates”, a chemical used to make products more pliable. Sounds simple enough, however, studies have suggested that exposure to such chemicals specifically during pregnancy may lead to abnormal child development and other health risks.
In addition, parabens, frequently found in moisturizers, make up, and hair care products, have also been found inside breast tumors. While the researchers cannot yet claim and/or prove that the parabens caused the tumor, would you be willing to take that risk?
To avoid exposure you can simply opt to purchase products that are free of the above, but what if we told you that you could easily make these beauty and hygiene products in the comfort of your own home? Not only that, but also that it was super easy and required 5 ingredients or less per recipe?
Well, it’s true. We created 5 DIY beauty recipes – face mask, shampoo, moisturizer, lip balm, and toothpaste – using ingredients you probably have laying around your home. Not only will you minimize the risk of exposing yourself to those unwanted toxins but you might also have some DIY fun!
The 4 ingredient homemade face mask, is perfect for all skin types, oily or dry, and can be made customizable. Opt for the yogurt if you have more oily skin or olive oil if your skin tends to get dry. In addition to tending to your skin type, the turmeric in this mask is a guaranteed skin brightener. All you need to do is mix these ingredients together, spread on your face, and wash off 10 minutes later!
While you would think making shampoo would be much more complicated we’re here to show you that it’s really not! All you need is coconut milk, vitamin E oil, liquid castille soap, and your choice of essential oil. If you have dry hair that is in desperate need of repair, feel free to add that 1/2 tsp of olive oil for ultra-hydrating power.
We tend to think that moisturizers and lotions are simply topical and do not affect the chemical composition of our bodies, forgetting that our skin is actually the largest organ of the human body. Our skin is a very porous surface, absorbing all that it is exposed to while simultaneous attempting to release waste. It’s only smart to want to lather ourselves up with the most natural products. By simple mixing the aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and essential oil drops into the melted beeswax and almond oil you have created a hydrating lotion made with real ingredients that our skin can process.
We don’t know about you, but when we were younger we loved to create our own lip glosses with weird kits we bought at toy stores and craft shops. This is kind of the same concept except much more grown up – and without those crazy colors! All you need is petroleum jelly, coconut oil (yum), beeswax, vitamin E oil, and a smidge of Crystal Light powder for a slight lip stain, if desired. Again, mix all the ingredients with the melted beeswax and store. The balm is hydrating and will smell good – coconut oil is the best beauty product we know of!
Again we have found another use for coconut oil, but this time it’s for our homemade toothpaste. It took a while to make sure our proposed toothpaste wouldn’t taste like hydrogen peroxide which would surely be icky. So, we came up with this concoction. Baking soda, peppermint oil, coconut oil, and hydrogen peroxide is then combined with stevia leaf extract for a a slightly sweet punch. That being said, despire the sweetness, the ingredients will be sure to keep your mouth – and senses – clean.
We hope you get to try out these “recipes” and can reap the rewards of all natural skin, hair, and body care!
Featured photo credit: whl.travel via photopin cc
Hmmm, I’ve used straight up baking soda to wash my hair before but your combo looks like it would be even better! Nice:)
I read about beauty recipes all the time and I really must try! I read about eggwhites yesterday, how they just SUCK the black heads out of your face!! That’s on my to-do list. Now to just remember when I am exhausted at night and just want to pass out! lol
I have used baking soda to exfoliate my face. It works, but it is a bit harsh!
[…] post was originally published on Bite Size Wellness and is republished here with […]