Have you ever glanced at the ingredients on your beauty products? If so, you may have noticed the never ending list of unpronounceable ingredients such as Ethanolamines, Hydroquinone, (or even Formaldehyde, an ingredient that has evidence suggesting it can lead to cancer). What about Butylated Hydroxytoluene? (A preserving compound often found in lipsticks, deodorant, creams and sunscreen that has been linked to endocrine disruption and organ-system toxicity.)
This is just to name few of the many toxic chemicals most of us are absorbing into our body each day. Luckily, there is a simple solution to avoid these toxins altogether. With just a few natural ingredients found in your own home you can get the same results at a much cheaper cost! Here are examples of 10 DIY beauty products that are not only safe and 100% natural, and can be whipped up in minutes.
This is one of the ultimate DIY beauty products to remove the buildup of harsh chemicals from your makeup while leaving your skin soft, moisturized, and glowing. Witch Hazel derives from the leaves of a witch hazel shrub and contains pore shrinking and anti-aging properties that refresh and rejuvenate your skin. It is also an anti-inflammatory, thus helping to reduce redness and puffiness around the eye area. Olive oil contains a multitude of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that help fight bacteria and build-up which cause blackheads and pimples. Even though it is an “oil,” it actually acts to absorb and reduce excess oils on the face.
Not only does this blend taste yummy, but it does wonders for dry and flaky chapped lips. The brown sugar in this concoction breaks down and removes dead skin, allowing the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey to work their magic in repairing and healing. Finally, the almond oil soothes and restores necessary moisture leaving lips soft, supple, and ever so kissable!
Want gorgeous and lustrous locks? Apply this treatment to your hair for 10-15 minutes 2-3x a week for dramatically improved voluminous hair. Another one of our favorite DIY beauty products, this mask contains coconut oil, the most potent oil moisturizer around. It also has a high content of lauric acid, capric acid, and Vitamin E, leaving your hair luscious and vibrant. Egg whites are high in zinc, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and most importantly, protein. All of these nutrients play a part in facilitating new hair growth, while also helping to repair and seal pre-existing damaged or brittle hair.
Whether it’s from our menstrual cycle, sweat, or the stress of “just because,” we all get those pesky pimples now and then. For one of the best DIY beauty products out there, simply apply tea tree oil, mixed with a little bit of water, with a Q-tip to be left on overnight while you catch your Z’s and let it get to work! Tea Tree oil, an extremely powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral oil, is one of the most unsurpassed natural remedies for acne to date. You can also look for a tea tree water daily moisturizer for an all over coverage.
Store bought shampoos are comprised of numerous harsh chemicals that strip your hair of its natural properties, leaving it weak and fragile. That’s why prefer to use DIY beauty products instead! By making your own shampoo, you can get squeaky clean hair while also improving the health of your locks. Coconut milk, (different than coconut water) is full of vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6. Be sure to massage it into your scalp because its abundance of vitamins and minerals works wonders on balding and regrowth! Apple cider vinegar works by breaking up product build-up as well as returning your hair to its natural ph balance. Castile soap, which is derived from olive oil and lye is a must-have house staple. Gently and chemical free, castile soap can be used for all household cleaning needs and other DIY beauty products. Although it is a great household cleaner, it can delicately clean hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
The best way to keep that hard earned bronzed skin is to moisturize, moisturize moisturize! By keeping your skin hydrated and radiant with the nutritional properties of both Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, you will prevent shedding and flaking of dry skin, locking in that sun-kissed glow. On top of that, lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties work to reverse, ease and sooth burns, reducing long-term skin damage.
Raw honey, an antibacterial and skin-saving anti-inflammatory powerhouse, opens the pores to clean out bacteria and build up while also reducing redness and swelling. Avocado, considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet, has a never-ending list of benefits for your skin. One of the most important benefit is that it contains Vitamin A, considered a retinol, which stimulates your skin to produce new cells. This production of collagen diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin tightened and youthful. Greek yogurt, the probiotic notorious for its abilities to heal the stomach payable to its “live cultures,” also does a pretty number on your skin. Thanks to its lactic acid content, (considered alpha hydroxyl acid), Greek yogurt gently removes dead skin cells that cause the appearance of age, as well as sun and dark spots.
Also known as “oil pulling,” this is one of the easiest DIY beauty products…because, well, you just use it as is! Whitening kits at the store cost upwards of $50 and make only the slightest difference, but by oil pulling, it not only whitens your teeth, strengthens your gums, cures bad breath, but it also detoxifies your mouth! It’s as easy as taking one 1 tbsp of coconut oil and swishing it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. DO NOT SWALLOW IT! This is because it has collected all the toxin build up in your mouth, so you want to make certain to rid your body of these germs in the trash. When you are finished, floss, brush, and admire your pearly whites! (This can be repeated as often as necessary.)
Puffiness and dark bags under the eyes are due to oxygenated blood accumulation while you sleep…which is why it is essential to give this area of your face a little extra lovin’ (yes you guessed it, with yet another one of our fav. DIY beauty products)! The area under the eyes is the most sensitive and delicate skin on your body, so be sure to be very gentle when dealing with this area. The most important ingredient in this combination is coffee. The caffeine presence works to trigger circulation and constrict blood vessels, thus reducing puffiness. Boosting your skin of Vitamin C, lemons help lighten and tone the skin under your eyes. Finally, nourishing the skin under your eyes is always a must to help prevent future aging and wrinkles. Jojoba oil replenishes moisture and reverses existing fine lines. To really do a number under the eyes, place the combination in the freezer for 5 minutes prior to use in order to intensify the calming properties to the eye area.
Another one of our favorite DIY beauty products is one that encourages us to take a bath, because let’s face it, there is no better way to release stress and tension than enjoying a soothing warm bath. Not only is this incredibly relaxing but it is also works wonders for your skin and releases toxins from the body. Epsom salt, which is a pure mineral of sulfate and magnesium, eases achy muscles and prompts a process called reverse osmosis that draws toxins from the body. Peppermint oil, the world’s oldest medicine, not only gives off a pleasant minty aroma that clears your sinuses but also rejuvenates life back into tired and dull skin. Lastly, oat flour- which seems to have a never ending list of skin benefiting properties – will leave your skin thankful because of these elements. A few prominent benefits of oatmeal include evening out skin tone, correcting skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis), fighting acne, restoring moisture, and creating a barrier type of function that protects your skin from harsh outside chemicals. Grab a glass of wine, light a few candles, and enjoy some much needed time to yourself.
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