By Carol Nelson
Have you looked at the ingredients in your skin care products? You might want to change what’s in your personal care collection.
The cosmetic industry is plowing ahead with ingredients that are toxic. Here is a list of ingredients to watch for and keep out of your bathroom: coal tar, DEA/TEA/ MEA, fragrance, hydroquinone, lead, mercury, oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates, polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium lauryl sulfate, toluene and triclosan.
The easiest way to avoid these harmful additives is to make your own beauty products. Crafting cleansers, lotions and facial masks at home is easier than you might you think, and you can be sure what goes into each product.
Here are some simple beauty treatment recipes that include green, organic and wildcrafted products:
HONEY AND CINNAMON MASK
Raw honey is a fabulous product for your skin. It’s quite healing and may help your skin look smoother.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tsp. raw honey
- 1/4 tsp. myrrh (myrtus communis) powder
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon powder
DIRECTIONS:
- Mix ingredients in your hands. Gently rub on your face and allow to dry for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water. Your face should feel fabulous! After using this two or three times weekly, your skin should be noticeably smoother and softer.
LAVENDER AND ROSE CLEANSER/MASK
The benefits of a mask while you cleanse! A jar of this can last on your shelf for up to six months.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup white or green (bentonite) clay. Please use bamboo or plastic (no metal) to measure and stir.
- 1/3 cup oatmeal, finely ground
- 1 Tbsp. powdered (culinary) lavender buds
- 1 Tbsp. powdered pink rose petals
- 5 drops lavender (lavendula angustifolia) essential oil
- 3 drops elemi (canarium luzonicum) essential oil
- 2 drops rose (rosa damascena) essential oil
DIRECTIONS:
- Place dry ingredients in a jar. Close jar, shake. Add essential oils. Close jar and shake again.
- Store in a cool, dark place. For best results, use within six months.
TO USE:
- Remember to use no metal with this cleanser/mask. Place 2 teaspoons of the mixture in a small bowl or the palm of your hand. Add 2 teaspoons of water. Stir to blend into a paste. Allow the paste to thicken for 30 seconds to one minute. If you need to add more water, add a drop or two at a time.
- Use your damp fingers or a damp facial sponge to gently apply. Cover all areas of your face, throat and décolleté. Avoid the eye area. Massage in circular motions. Rinse. Please be cautious if you are in the shower as you rinse this cleanser/mask; the clay can make surfaces quite slippery.
Carol Nelson is owner of Restored Health. She is a Master Aromatherapist and an Herbalist. She’s been working with essential oils for nine years and herbs for five years.
Beauty – For more articles about beauty visit greenlivingaz.com/beauty
