Why natural?
What would you think if driving to your neighborhood gas station, you saw people running gasoline through their hair and buying miniature bottles to take home to moisturize their hands and feet? Imagine if, when visiting a chemical plant, you witnessed how employees jumped into a huge Jacuzzi whose foam and bubbles were generated by the leftovers of what they had manufactured that day. Regardless of how much or how little you know about natural personal care products, you are probably reluctant to believe the hype about such products, regardless of how they are presented to you.
Unfortunately, many of these ingredients sneak into your shampoo, lipstick, and lotion. To add insult to injury, these synthetic culprits are marketed in bottles that say “all-natural,” “botanical,” and “organic.” Unless you take the time to read and research the ingredients in your personal care products, you may unknowingly be feeding your body’s largest and most permeable organ with minimal but regular doses of carcinogenic and harmful foods. .
Potentially harmful chemical agents that are frequently added to conventional cleansers and emulsions (eg, lotions and creams) include; lauryl and laureth sulfates (surfactants and foaming agents that dry out skin and hair) and various parabens and PEGs (preservatives that are petroleum-based and potential carcinogens). Glycerin, which is a beneficial by-product of the soap-making process, is often removed from bar soap and then sold separately for more profit, further enhancing the drying effects of the chemical agents in the soap. . Conditioners are usually a chemical soup with a small percentage of nutritious ingredients whose effects are rendered useless by damage caused by synthetics and leave a residue that causes the product to build up, requiring switching to a different product every few months. . The most effective healthy conditioning is offered by home pre-wash or hot oil treatments that can be left on or shampooed. A fragrance oil can contain up to 200 individual synthetic components! Essential oils are the only ingredient suitable for scenting a product that is made to be used on human or animal skin. Safe preservatives are neem oil and rosemary and grape seed extracts.
The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar industry where the idea of using only pure, natural ingredients to nourish hair and skin is slowly but surely gaining momentum. However, there are many imposters and half attempts that are taking advantage of the natural buzz. That is why the following information is designed to help those of you looking to make the transition to navigating the waters, regardless of what stage you are in in your search for natural beauty.
Bar and liquid soaps and shampoos
Truly natural soap is made with fats or oils and a strong base such as sodium or potassium hydroxide. The end product is soap and water, and the bleach is used up in the process. When this process occurs at room temperature, the resulting product is called cold process soap. Some natural soaps can also be made with heat. Natural glycerin is left in the soap and many natural soaps add botanical clays, herbs, and essential oils to further enhance the quality of the soap. This results in a superior bar of soap that cleanses and nourishes the skin. Natural liquid soaps can be used interchangeably for both skin and hair. We recommend liquid castile soap for both and stick with brands that do not contain preservatives or colorings. Some soaps have special botanical blends that are especially good for your hair.
Hair conditioners and treatments
Most natural conditioners work best before washing your hair. They can range from a combination base hot oil treatment and essential oils, a mixture of clay and powdered herbs to a fresh food mask that can include ingredients found in your refrigerator like yogurt, lemon, avocado, and olive oil. The hair shaft and scalp are porous and if allowed to sit long enough (the heat opens the pores, allowing the treatment to absorb faster), the nourishing elements of the treatment remain even after shampooing. This way you get all the benefits of conditioning without worrying about product build-up. Aloe Vera Gel is an excellent hair gel / mouse that works on everything from straighter hair to dreadlocks. It gives hold without leaving hair stiff, and can also give body, while enhancing both straight and curly styles. Make sure you only use the kind you can drink as it does not contain oils or preservatives (other than citric acid).
Toners, scrubs and skin treatments
Look for toners that have an alcohol tariff. Floral waters and hydrosols (by-products of the manufacture of essential oils) are the gentlest and most nourishing for the skin. Witch hazel is ideal for oily skin, lavender for dry skin, rose for aging skin and chamomile for sensitive skin. Sugar oil and salt scrubs are excellent body scrubs and moisturizers. Use apricot kernel flour and / or mashed papaya or fresh pineapple to exfoliate your face (or masks containing these enzymes as an alternative to alpha-hydroxy acids). There are numerous clays on the market that can be mixed to suit your skin type, or you can simply purchase premixed clay facials. Clay is excellent for extracting toxins from the skin and cleaning pores.
Body Moisturizers
Most lotions and creams are emulsions of oil and water components. Any emulsion requires a preservative to prevent or eliminate the accumulation of potentially harmful bacteria at the interface of the oil and water molecule. A high-quality natural emulsion will contain unrefined, cold-pressed natural oils or butters, and the water component will also include other nourishing ingredients such as aloe juice or gel, hydrosols, floral and herbal waters, to name a few. You will also use only natural and safe preservatives, for example, grape seed extract, so the shelf life of such a product can be 3-6 months. However, the advantage of the product is its freshness and the assurance that the production is done in small batches and its cream can be customized.
The ingredients should be easy to read and understand. Pay attention to the scientific or botanical names that follow the common name of essential oils and extracts, so that you can easily recognize them in the future. The best time to apply a moisturizer is immediately after a warm bath or shower. At this point, the pores are still enlarged and the skin will absorb the oils more quickly. Another solution is to give your skin a hot oil treatment. Melt 2 tablespoons (3 or 4 if there is a little more of you to love or if you have a partner to share this special treat with) of your favorite unrefined butter (s) (shea, mango or cocoa) in a double boiler. . Add 4-8 drops, depending on the desired concentration, of essential oils if desired. Do not overheat it, as the heat can destroy some of the benefits of the oils. Massage the oils all over the body. The oils are quickly absorbed, leaving the skin soft and supple.
Perfumes
The ancient art and science of perfumery is undergoing a renaissance. After decades of using mass-produced overpriced synthetic fragrances, many holistic consumers are returning to the idea of using custom natural fragrances. Make sure your perfume is scented only with essential oils or natural resins (eg, vanilla oleoresin). Generally, natural perfumes are available as spray, roll-on or wax cones, awash in fragrance, rubbed onto the skin.
Invent
Natural makeup is now available that does not contain talc, dyes, and chemicals. Minerals from the earth are used for color, while natural and botanical oils are used for texture. The final product is flattering and hypoallergenic.
Additional Resources
The following are organizations and books that will guide you to businesses, books, and products that are ideal for your specific needs.
All Natural Beauty, http://www.allnaturalbeauty.us or
Botanical elements, [http://www.botanicalelements.com] gold
Handmade beauty net, [http://www.handmadebeaury.com] gold
Jeanne Rose Kitchen Cosmetics, by Jeanne Rose
Making aromatherapy creams and lotions, by Donna Maria
Natural Beauty at Home, by Janice Cox
