Have you ever read the ingredient list on the back of your shampoo? Your lotion? Yikes…what are all those ingredients? Did you know that many of those chemicals can get absorbed right through your skin and enter into your body? Your body has to work hard to detoxify and eliminate many of those very unnatural chemicals. We found seven easy recipes you can make at home for natural hair and skincare products.
Trust us, it’s important! In fact, a recent news article (MotherJones) indicated that many lipsticks are contaminated with lead (neurotoxin). Some body lotion products contain hormones such as progesterone, which will influence your delicate hormone balance. Parabens negatively impact your hormones by mimicking estrogen. An excellent resource for toxic compounds in our body products in from the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. Our skin is an excellent barrier, but unfortunately absorbs these harmful chemicals.
Baking Soda is the Secret Ingredient in This Natural Shampoo Recipe
The How To: Mix a tablespoon of baking with water. Pour slurry over your head and lather for a few minutes. A slimy sensation will occur as the bakingsoda dissolves the oil in your hair. Baking soda can be drying so you will only need to wash your hair every few days, and try the hair moisturizer below.
Apple Cider Vinegar Makes a Great Detangler
The How To: Pour about 2-3 TBS of apple cider vinegar on your freshly washed and well rinsed hair. Lather into hair and let sit for at least a minute. Rinse hair thoroughly. ACV will sting your eyes. Hair will be remarkably detangled and also when dry will have a nice shine. (use caution on dyed hair).
Moisturize Your Hair with this All-Natural Conditioner
The How To: Puree ½ banana (strengthening) or ½ avocado (softening), 1 egg, 1 TBS Coconut oil, 1 TBS olive oil and 1TBS honey and 1 cup of water. Comb through damp hair. Clip up hair, cover with a shower cap and then wash after 15 minutes. (Cosmopolitian, April 2013)
Coconut Oil Makes a Delicious Natural Lotion
The How To: Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to skin. Other oils that work well are sheabutter, olive oil based creams. Calendula oil is also great for skin, check out these calendula products.
When it comes to skincare recipes, this one’s a gem!
Who Knew You Could Use Honey, Nuts, & Oil as a Face Wash?
The How To: Simply clean face with honey daily. You an also grind oats and add to honey or oil to make a gentle exfoliant. Try these recipes.
Consider Using Citrus as a Natural Deodorant
The How To: Cut a wedge of lime (or lemon). After your shower judiciously rub the lime in your arm pit. Allow the juice to dry. The acid neutralizes the bacterial secretions that lead to bad odor. Viola- citrus fresh all day (maybe even a few days). Can cause stinging if recently shaved skin. Oils in lime can also cause photosensitivity if exposed to sunlight. Plant Powered Living has detailed instructions.
Myrrh Makes a Mean Sunscreen!
The How To: Slather therapeutic grade essential oil of Myrrh over the body to help protect your skin from burns. Myrrh can be mixed with olive oil as a base. Be sure to test on your own skin and reapply frequently. Sunscreen degradation productions actually can be just as damaging to the skin as excessive sun exposure.
Have you tried one of these natural hair or skincare recipes or have you heard of others? Let us know in the comments below!