For better, lasting skin health and beauty, switch from synthetic skin care to natural, chemical free products.
Skin is not only your largest organ, covering and protecting all your other organs, it also reflects the state of your health.
When it comes to skin care products, what goes on the skin quickly ends up inside the body. And, chemicals and artificial ingredients in synthetic skin care products can cause serious health problems in the long run.
Not only is natural skin care a safer and often less expensive alternative to synthetic products, plant based ingredients
put your body in touch with the rhythms of earth, aligning your energy with nature's energy.
Our skin acts more like a sponge than a barrier, absorbing chemicals and pollutants from our environment on a daily basis. Impurities and congestion in your system can show up on our skin as blemishes, dry skin, fungal infections, itchy rashes, eczema and various other skin disorders.
While most cosmetics and skin care formulas are rigorously tested for safety, and usually contain only miniscule quantities of potentially harmful chemicals, a little bit a day adds up to big toxic loads over the years.
When switching to natural skin care, look for products that are 100% organic and plant based, with no artificial coloring, fragrance or additives.
Some of the most common chemicals found in synthetic skin care products—parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, FD&C or D&C used for synthetic coloring and toluene used for artificial fragrances—are known to cause endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, liver disease, breast cancer and other hormone related cancers, among other serious health issues.
Chemical ingredients to avoid include: phthalates, most often used as preservatives and binders, are endocrine disruptors; methyl-, propyl-, buthyl- and ethyl-parabens, used for fragrance, are hormone disruptors and collect in fatty tissue such as breasts; polyethylene glycol (PEGs), used as emulsifiers and skin conditioners, increase risk of cancer and often are contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as lead and cadmium; sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate (SLS), used as foaming and thickening agents, can cause skin irritation and allergic reaction; triclosan, an antibacterial agent, is carcinogenic and can create bacteria resistant to viruses; methanol, used for fragrance and as a solvent, is a neurotoxin and turns into formaldehyde when it oxidizes; petroleum, used as an emollient, clogs pores and prevents skin from naturally eliminating toxins through perspiration; and benzyl alcohol, used as a preservative, is a neurotoxin and skin irritant.
Here are eight natural skin care products you can make with ingredients right from your kitchen cupboard, garden or medicine chest. Start using them today to nurture and preserve your skin the way nature intended.
Natural Citrus Exfoliant - A squeeze of lemon, tangerine or grapefruit in a spray bottle of springwater is all you need to make a refreshing, exfoliating facial spritzer. Citrus oils are antiseptic, astringent and help remove skin dulling dead cells to reveal clear, glowing skin.
Green or White Clay Mud Mask - Give yourself a detoxifying facial with mineral rich clay. Known for its drawing and drying properties, a good thick layer of clay mud helps clear up blemishes, soaks up excess oil and cleans pores of debris. Just mix a tablespoon of Bentonite, French Green or other pure mineral clay with enough water to make a thick paste and apply it to your face, neck and chest for smooth, baby soft skin. Let it dry completely for best results.
Grape Skin Elixir - For glowing, younger looking skin, eat fresh grapes or drink pure grape juice daily. Grapes are rich in minerals and vitamins that help skin remain youthful such as calcium, potassium, and Vitamins A, C and D. Grape skins are also high in
resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and other foods that research has shown to increase longevity and cellular health.
Chamomile Oil and Honey Bodywash - Chamomile flower has been used for its curative and cosmetic properties since ancient times. Raw, organic honey is a natural antibiotic and has antibacterial qualities. Mix liquid castile soap with a few tablespoons of chamomile oil and raw honey for a soothing, rich and hydrating bodywash. Rub chamomile oil itself onto the skin to soften calluses, relieve sunburn, heal broken capillaries, and as on overall moisturizer. Chamomile tea with honey also helps improve digestion and promotes better sleep, both which improve the look and feel of your skin.
Cucumber Facial - High in ascorbic and caffeic acids, water content, antioxidants, and the minerals magnesium, potassium, and silica, cucumber is an essential ingredient in many skin care products. Fresh cucumber can be used to clean and moisturize the skin, as a facial mask for tightening skin or to reduce under eye swelling and puffiness. Just relax with two slices of cucumber over your eyes to make unsightly bags disappear. You can also rub cucumber skin on yourself to relieve sunburn and windburn.
Apple Cider Vinegar Toner - Raw apple cider vinegar is rich in enzymes that exfoliates, tones and brightens the skin. Dilute a tablespoon of vinegar with spring water and use on a cotton pad for a refreshing antibacterial facial cleanser and toner. Apple cider vinegar mixed with baking soda also makes an energizing foot soak to soften calluses, inhibit toenail fungus and Athlete's foot and eliminate foot odor.
Aloe Vera Anti-Aging Cell Regenerator - Rich in polysaccharides, the sticky gel from the aloe plant helps skin retain its moisture, stimulates collagen production to restore your skin's elasticity and is an overall cooling agent to calm inflamed or irritated skin. Just cut a leaf from a live aloe plant and squeeze the gel directly onto skin for a soothing, healthful lotion. Aloe vera is especially beneficial for healing sunburned skin.
Green Tea Hydrator - Green tea is rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, natural polyphenols and minerals that help your body fend off free radicals. Green tea also improves digestion for more effective elimination of metabolic waste that can cause premature aging of the skin. Use green tea topically or drink as a tea regularly to nourish and hydrate skin for a glowing, youthful appearance.
Start enjoying natural alternatives today for better health, and to feel happier in your own skin!
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions about your medical condition.