Non-toxic Personal Care
Natural Alternatives to Commercial Body Care Products:
- Make Your Own: After Shave ... Astringent ... Body Power ... Body Lotion .... Conditioners ... Dental Care ... Deodorant ... Facial Creams ... Facial Toners ... Facial Mask ... Foot Powder ... Lip Balm ... Perfrumes ... Skin Cleanser ... Shampoo ... Soap & Cleansing Agents ... Tanning Oil ... Tooth Care (includes everything, from mouth wash to toothpaste)
- If you are not "into" mixing your own potions, but would like to use non-toxic, natural body care products, please visit this website for a good selection, or visit the below website for a great selection of organic products (click on link / banner)::
Alternative Solutions for Common Body Care Challenges:
Toss those expensive creams and see how inexpensive it can be to treat these little problems yourself: Acne Treatment ... Age Spots ... Broken Capillaries ... Burns ... Cellulite ... Foot Odor ... Mature Skin ... Oily & Acne Prone Skin ... Stretch Marks ... Sun-burned Skin ... Swollen Ankles / Tired Feet ... Bad Teeth and Unhealthy Gums ... Thinning, Damaged, Greying Hair .... Tired Eyes & Under-eye Circles ... Wrinkles
Holistic Health:
Organic Oils to Lower Cholesterol, lower blood-pressure and overall good health ... Herbal Anti-Inflammatories (addresses skin problems, bacterial / viral diseases, joint problems and arthritis) ... Risks Associates with Commercially Available Personal Care Products
To learn more, or to order, please follow the below link (banner):
The "Green" Home:
Instructions for Preparing Safe Cleaning Products Yourself ... Available Cleaning / Household Products
Did you know the risk associated with commerically available personal care products:
- Petroleum - or mineral oil-based products - block the action of the body's natural oils as well as any Essential oils in products, and inhibit healing and skin moisture self-regulation (The Truth about Beauty, Beyond Words Publishing, 2003).
- Synthetic fragrances are less expensive and common in conventional cosmetics, and are responsible for most of the skin reactions that occur from cosmetics.
- Parabens are preservatives found in many pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic products. In January 2004 research published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found parabens in 20 human breast tumors. Although this study did not show a direct cause-and-effect relationship, parabens have been found to mimic the activity of estrogen, which promotes the growth of breast cancer cells.
The following items are natural skin or hair care products:
- ULTIMATE SKIN CARE: Cod liver oil mixed with zinc oxide is better for the skin than any of the prescription medications, and safer." (Ref.: Newmediaexplorer)
- Coconut oil (organic, virgin) - one of my favorite skin moisturizers, egg yolk, milk, yogurt, safflower oil (for light moisturizing), olive oil (for dry skin or hair), oatmeal, jojoba oil
- Green Tea: Green tea is valued as a wrinkle reverser, inhibiting inflammation and sun damage. An article published in the Archives of Dermatology concurs that green tea may, indeed, ward off skin cancer and signs of aging. Researchers at Case Western University in Cleveland maintain that the secret to green tea's skin-protective properties are its high levels of its high levels of polyphenols and catechins - powerful antioxidants shown to function as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents.
- Tip: After making a cup of tea, save the tea bags in a closed glass container in your refrigerator and use them as cleansing pads for your face the next morning. They are perfect for exfoliating the skin and green tea has anti-inflammatory properties.
- If you really want to reap the
- Available at your stores -- please make sure that you get the organic, higher-quality variety.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C topical preparations can deliver even higher dosages of the skin-strenghening vitamin. This stimulates production of collagen, the connective tissue that keeps skin firm and taut. Lotions and serums enriched with vitamin C may also repair and minimize fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun exposure and aging, and protect the skin against environmental oxidative pollutants and other free radicals.
- Vitamin C cream applied daily to healthy female volunteers with sun-damaged skin over a six-month period resulted in a significant decrease in lines and wrinkles, according to a study published in Experimental Dermatology. Skin biopsies revealed improved collagen structure and reappearance of elastic fibers in the vitamin C-treated skin.
- For an at-home vitamin C treatment, Back recommends rubbing a slice of fresh orange in circular motions on the face before going to sleep, three nights a week. "The vitamin C in the orange will help with cellular renewal, naturally exfoliating hyperpigmentation scars," says Back. "Your epidermis will look like a whole new skin."
- Body oils work by mimicking the skin's own oils and forming a barrier that traps moisture next to the skin. As we get older our oil glands atrophy increasing the need to replace the skin's oil with something external. The body oils MUST be cold-pressed, or pressed without heat, to keep the natural characteristics. Natural body oils also have another advantage. When the ingredient label reads "100 percent oil," you don't have to worry about harmful additives.
- Lotions usually contain preservatives and stabilizers.
- Body oils can be used by themselves or mixed with essential oils which have their own healing properties.
- Body oils are most effective when applied immediately after a shower or bath so they can trap the moisture left on the skin.
- Carrier Oils & Essential Oils:
- Jojoba: Mimics the skin's own oils and can even remove excess sebum.
- Grapeseed oil: An astringent. I use it for my face as I have combination skin that breaks out easily. It's lighter than the coconut oil that I am using for the rest of my body. My sister, who has finer / dryer skin as myself is using coconut oil for both face and body. Please see below for more information on our experience.
- St. John's Wort Oil: Usually mixed with olive oil. Calms the skin.
- Black Cumin Seed Oil & Cranberry Seed Oil: Are especially great for acne because they are both powerfully anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Even though they can be directly applied to the body or face, they are usually blended with a carrier oil.
- Personal Care: Simple cosmetic preparations - such as eggs, organic oils (very important: cold pressed!), clay, vinegar, and herbs, keep your hair lustrous and skin smooth.
- Carrier Oils: Carrier oils, also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils, are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. They “carry” the essential oil onto the skin. Different carrier oils offer different properties and the choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought. Here is a list of commonly used carrier oils.
- Arnica - to relieve soreness and swelling following an injury or surgery.
To learn more, or to order, please follow the below link (banner):
Please Refer to Legal Disclaimer
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
Photo contributions are welcome!
