Natural skin and hair care
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 hands and feet? Imagine if when visiting a chemical plant you witnessed how the employees jump into a huge Jacuzzi whose foam and bubbles were generated with the remains of what they manufactured that day. Regardless of how much or how little you know about natural personal care products, you’re probably reluctant to believe the hype about such products, no matter how they’re presented to you.
Unfortunately, too many of these ingredients are making their way 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 be unknowingly feeding your body’s largest, most leaky organ with tiny but regular doses of harmful, 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 added benefit, further enhancing the drying effects of the chemicals in the soap. . Conditioners are typically a chemical soup with a small percentage of nourishing ingredients whose effects are rendered useless by the damage done by synthetics and leave behind 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 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 suitable ingredient to perfume a product that is made for use 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-hearted attempts that are taking advantage of the natural buzz. That’s why the following information is designed to help those of you looking to transition to navigating the waters no matter what stage you are in in your quest for natural beauty.
Bar and liquid soaps and shampoos
Truly natural soap is made using fats and/or oils, and a strong base like 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 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 improve 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 preservative- and dye-free. Some soaps have special botanical blends that are especially good for your hair.
Conditioners and Hair Treatments
Most natural conditioners work best before you wash your hair. They can range from a blended 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 fridge like yogurt, lemon, avocado and olive oil. The hair shaft and scalp are porous and if allowed to sit long enough (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 a great hair mousse/gel, which works on everything from the straightest 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 contains no oils or preservatives (other than citric acid).
Toners, scrubs and skin treatments
Look for toners that are alcohol free. Floral waters and hydrosols (by-products of the manufacture of essential oils) 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 excellent body scrubs and moisturizers. Use apricot kernel flour and/or mashed 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 premixed clay facials. Clay is excellent for drawing out toxins from the skin and cleaning out 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 build-up 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 comprise other nourishing ingredients such as aloe juice or gel, hydrosols, floral and herbal waters, to name a few. It 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 certainty 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 the scientific or botanical names that follow the common name of extracts and essential oils, so you can easily recognize them in the future. The best time to apply a moisturizer is right 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 raw 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 throughout the body. The oils absorb quickly, leaving skin feeling soft and supple.
perfume
The ancient art and science of perfumery is experiencing a renaissance. After decades of using expensive, mass-produced 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). Natural perfumes are generally available as sprays, roll-ons, or wax cones, infused with fragrance, that are 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] Prayed
handmade beauty net, [http://www.handmadebeaury.com] Prayed
Jeanne Rose Kitchen Cosmetics, by Jeanne Rose
Making aromatherapy creams and lotions, by Donna Maria
Natural Beauty in the Home, by Janice Cox
