Natural Beauty
We put a lot of "stuff" on our bodies. Sure, we can be super conscientious about what we eat, but what about the stuff absorbing into our skin, nails, and hair? Spend one day documenting all of the stuff you put on your body. I would imagine, for most women and some men, the list looks like the following:
Face lotion
body lotion
makeup (which can be between 5-10 different products)
deodorant
shampoo
conditioner
body wash
face wash
shaving cream
hairspray
eye cream
zit cream
lip balms
sunscreen
nail polish
perfume/cologne
You might be surprised at the amount of crap you pile on your body. I know I was. I am a PRODUCTS girl. I love Sephora and used to try any and all new products I could get my hands on - umm free samples anyone? But in the last few years, especially moving from Virginia to Colorado, my hair/skin/nails went through a bit of a shock and I had to reevaluate what I was using on a daily basis.
I challenged you, in the next few days, try to cut that number from your list in half. I'm not saying don't bathe....just use less. And make sure what you are using is natural, safe, and is actually working WITH your skin and hair type. Have you looked at the ingredients of these products you routinely slather on your face/body/hair/nails? Some of them can do more harm than good, especially when absorbed into our system.
Here are a few natural products that I have substituted into my daily routine:
Coconut Oil: A product like coconut oil is safe, effective, CHEAP, and can cut out a lot of the above mentioned products. I currently use it as a hair mask once a week for an hour before I shampoo and condition, as a daily moisturizer for my face and body, and as an eye cream before bed. And if the smell makes you hungry (or thirsty for a pina colada), add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. I like lavender or peppermint.
Taspen's Organics Restore and Revive Remedy: I call this my miracle balm. I use it on scraps and cuts and notice a substantially shorter healing time, and I also use it as a moisturizer on my lips and hands when they are feeling particularly dry (thank you, Colorado). Unfortunately, this stuff is expensive, but I bought a 1.7 oz tub in October 2012 and am about half way through it, so a little goes a long way and I believe it's worth the money.
Origin's Facial Toner: If you're a little leery of using products on your body that you could also eat, and trust a dermatologist produced product, I recommend Origin's Facial Toner. I use this after my shower before moisturizing, as well as right before bed. It leave my skin cleaner and pores tighter, without that tight and dry feeling. This stuff is alcohol free, which is important for Colorado skin which already faces massive dry-out.
Deodorant: I have sweaty pits. And rather than go with my 'natural musk' which is tempting since many of my fellow Coloradans have embraced a no-deodorant lifestyle, I opt for Lavanila deodorant. I have avoided aluminum in my deodorants for years, but have struggled with finding something 'natural' that actually works. This stuff is great, and it comes in many scents, my favorite being Lavender since it also doubles as a soothing agent for newly shaved pits.
Body Wash: Another item I have struggled with for years. My issue is pH balance, leaving me only the option of unscented body washes. Boring, right? After getting over that fact, I found Everyday Shea, Unscented and it's amazing. This body wash leaves me feeling super clean without compromising my pH levels. And the company is socially responsible, so that's always a plus.
In addition, here is a list of things I have either reduced or cut out completely:
Makeup: most days none, occasionally a little mascara and lip gloss.
Nail polish: I used to be a fiend, changing colors twice a week. I have reduced this habit, and when I do paint I use Zoya, a brand without toluene, formaldehyde, DBP and camphor (WTF are those things anyway?).
Perfume: while I occasionally like to mist, perfume contains alcohol and dries out the skin so I have started substituting with roll on incense oils or essential oil blends. And if I do use regular perfume, I only spray it on my clothing, not directly on my skin.
The difference: While we all know that on the inside, the more natural products are safer since your skin, an organ, absorbs everything you put on it, I also have notice improvements on the outside. WAY less breakouts, cuts and scraps that heal fast and leave little to no scarring, and overall increase in my skin's moisture.
I haven't eliminated most of the aforementioned products. I still shower daily and wash my hair. I still moisturize, use deodorant, and paint my face and nails on occasion. But I encourage others to really take a critical eye to their current beauty routine, check ingredients, ask yourself if what you're putting on is actually doing what you want it to do. I assure you that a little change in your beauty routine can go a long way.