Are Your Skin Care Products Hurting You?
Americans spend over twenty billion dollars each year on beauty aids and personal care products
. But many of the products that we use every day are harmful to us and to the planet. Studies show that soaps, creams, lotions, and even baby care products are loaded with toxic chemicals that can cause a variety of illnesses ranging from allergic reactions to cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin, accumulate in the organs of the body, and can interfere with the immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems. When washed down the drain or tossed into a landfill, the chemicals in these products contaminate the soil and water sources, harming fish, animals, and plant life. Making a few simple changes in the products you use every day is not only healthier for you, but also healthier for the environment.
Conventional soaps contain harmful chemicals and harsh detergents that age your skin and dry it out. Instead, look for castile soaps that are made from olive oil rather than animal fat. Pure castile soaps contain no synthetic or chemical additives. Castile soaps clean by gently dissolving oils and dirt on the skin. They won't clog the pores of your skin as conventional soaps do, and they leave no oily residue. You can buy castile soaps in liquid or bar form, and although some are expensive they are a much healthier option, especially for those with chemical sensitivities. Castile soaps produce lather, but not the big, frothy lather you may be used to, and because they don't contain the waxes and animal fats found in conventional soaps, your skin may feel drier than normal at first. But within a day or two your skin's pH level will adjust and the oils in the soap will form a protective barrier that holds in moisture.
Instead of buying products loaded with harmful chemicals, consider making your own skin care products. You can save up to 80% by making your own skin care productssome cost just pennies. It takes very little time and there is no better way of knowing exactly what is in your lotion or facial cleanser. You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen, and others can be found in health food and vitamin stores. Some of the ingredients used in homemade personal care products are aloe vera gel, oils (olive, jojoba, or coconut), lemon juice, witch hazel, and vitamin C or E, which are both natural preservatives.
Make your own citrus facial cleanser with yogurt, lemon juice, and oil. Mix cup of plain yogurt with 1 teaspoons of lemon juice; slowly mix in 1 tablespoon of jojoba, olive or coconut oil, pour into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator. To use, massage a small amount into the skin, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Yogurt firms and moistens the skin, and the lactic acid exfoliates dead skin cells.
To exfoliate dry, scaly skin on your face or body, make your own sugar scrub for just pennies. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp. white sugar with just enough olive, almond, or jojoba oil to form a thick paste. If you like, you can add a drop of vanilla or almond extract. Lightly massage the mixture over face and neck, or anywhere your skin is dry, for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water and a washcloth. There are no preservatives in this scrub so it should be prepared fresh for each use.
Honey has antibacterial properties and you can make a natural blemish treatment by mixing 1 tablespoon of honey, 10 drops of tea tree oil, the liquid from one 400-IU vitamin E softgel, and 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice. Blend the ingredients until smooth, pour into a small jar and use on blemishes or minor cuts. You can find aloe vera juice in health food stores, or just squeeze the juice out of a piece of aloe vera plant.
To make a non-drying antiseptic astringent, mix together 1 cup of witch hazel (alcohol-free or containing very little alcohol) with 20 drops of tea tree oil. Add cup of brewed chamomile tea and pour into a clean bottle. If you are allergic to chamomile tea or have a family history of ragweed allergy or allergy to plants in the daisy family, substitute green or white tea for the chamomile.
You can make a natural and inexpensive, face, hand, and body lotion by mixing two tablespoons of olive, jojoba, or almond oil with 5 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel. Put the mixture in a small jar or clean, re-purposed lotion bottle. Always label your homemade products, and remember that even natural products should never be taken internally.
There are some very good organic skin care products on the market, but they can be expensive. Making your own skin care products is the cheapest and easiest way to know exactly what you are putting on your skin. It also helps to reduce the number of harmful chemicals that are released every day into our environment and water systems.
Are Your Skin Care Products Hurting You?
By: Louann Vertrees
Facial Lines Are Not Attractive Ways Of Proposing With A Beautiful Engagement Ring Natural Beauty Makeup And Final Phase The Argues About The Media Play In Shaping And Our Perceptions Of Beauty And Normalcy Appreciation Of The Beautiful And Special Crystal Discover And Enhance Your Beauty With Hairdressers In Adelaide, South Australia 5 Things To Know About Anti Ageing Skin Care Products How To Choose The Best Facial Skin Care Products Natural Skin Care For Seasonal Changes During The Summer Know How One Can Look Beautiful By Wearing Prom Gowns How To Regain Confidence Through Plastic Surgery Beautiful Jewelry Gifts Facial Massage: Ease Pain More Effectively