Why natural?
What would you think if you were driving to your neighborhood gas station and 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 jump into a huge jacuzzi whose foam and bubbles were generated with the remains of what they manufactured that day. No matter how little or how much you know about natural personal care products, you’ll probably be reluctant to believe the hype about such products, no matter how they’re presented to you.
Unfortunately, many of these ingredients are making their way into your shampoo, lipstick, and lotion. Adding 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 be unknowingly feeding your body’s largest and most leaky organ tiny but regular doses of harmful and carcinogenic foods. .
Potentially harmful chemical agents that are frequently added to conventional cleansers and emulsions (for example, 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 derivatives and potential carcinogens). Glycerin, which is a beneficial byproduct 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 chemicals in soap. . Conditioners are typically a chemical soup with a small percentage of nourishing ingredients whose effects are rendered useless by the damage caused by synthetics and leave a residue that causes product to build up, requiring switching to a different product every few months. The most effective healthy conditioning is offered by home hot oil and/or pre-wash treatments that can be left on or shampooed off. A fragrance oil can contain up to 200 individual synthetic components! Essential oils are the only ingredient suitable for perfuming a product that is intended for use on human or animal skin. Safe preservatives are neem oil and extracts of rosemary and grape seed.
The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar industry where the idea of using only pure and natural ingredients to nourish hair and skin is slowly but surely gaining momentum. However, there are many imposters and half-hearted 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 no matter what stage you are in your search for natural beauty.
Bar and liquid soaps and shampoos
Truly natural soap is made using fats and/or oils, and a strong base such as sodium or potassium hydroxide. The end product is soap and water, and the lye is used up in the process. When this process occurs at room temperature, the resulting product is called a cold-process soap. Some natural soaps can also be made with heat. The 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 to brands that are free of preservatives and dyes. Some soaps have special botanical blends that are especially good for your hair.
Conditioners and Hair Treatments
Most natural conditioners work best before washing your hair. They can range from a hot oil treatment of blended base and essential oils, a clay mix, and powdered herbs to a fresh food mask that can include ingredients found in your fridge like yogurt, lemon, avocado, and olive oil. The hair shaft and scalp are porous and if left to sit long enough (heat opens the pores allowing the treatment to be absorbed faster), the nourishing elements of the treatment remain even after shampooing. This way, you get all the benefits of conditioning without worrying about product buildup. Aloe vera gel is a great mousse/hair gel, working on everything from the straightest of hair to dreadlocks. It provides hold without leaving hair stiff, and can also add body, enhancing both straight and curly hairstyles. Be sure to only use the kind you can drink, as it is free of oils and preservatives (other than citric acid).
Toners, exfoliants and skin treatments
Look for toners that are alcohol free. Floral waters and hydrosols (by-products of essential oil manufacturing) are the most gentle and 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 and salt oil based scrubs are great exfoliants and moisturizers for the body. Use apricot kernel flour and/or pureed papaya or fresh pineapple to exfoliate the 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 pre-mixed clay facials. Clay is excellent for drawing toxins out of the skin and cleaning the pores.
Body Moisturizers
Most lotions and creams are emulsions of water and oil components. Any emulsion requires a preservative to prevent or eliminate the buildup 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 shortenings, and the water component will also comprise other nourishing ingredients such as aloe juice or gel, hydrosols, floral and herbal waters, to name a few. You will also use 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 security that the production is carried out in small batches and its cream can be customized.
The ingredients must be easy to read and understand. Pay attention to scientific or botanical names that follow the common name of essential oils and extracts, so you can easily recognize them in the future. The best time to apply a moisturizer is immediately after a hot bath or shower. At this point, the pores are still enlarged and the skin will absorb the oils faster. Another solution is to give your skin a hot oil treatment. Melt 2 tablespoons (3 or 4 if there’s 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) Bain-marie . Add 4-8 drops, depending on desired strength, of essential oils if desired. Do not overheat as heat can destroy some of the benefits of the oils. Massage oils all over the body. Oils are quickly absorbed, leaving skin feeling soft and supple.
perfumes
The ancient art and science of perfumery is experiencing a renaissance. After decades of using expensive, mass-produced synthetic fragrances, many holistic consumers are reverting to the idea of custom natural fragrances. Make sure your perfume is scented only with essential oils or natural resins (eg vanilla oleoresin). Natural perfumes are typically available as sprays, roll-ons, or wax cones, drenched in fragrance, to be rubbed onto the skin.
Make up
Natural makeup that does not contain talc, dyes or chemicals is now available. Earth minerals are used for color, while natural oils and botanicals 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
Kitchen cosmetics by Jeanne Rose, by Jeanne Rose
Preparation of aromatherapy creams and lotions, by Donna Maria
Natural beauty at home, by Janice Cox
