With so many body care products on the market, it can be hard to find what works for you. We are often drawn to phrases and marketing tactics that make us believe these products are going to give us the perfect skin of a baby yet, that is rarely the case. Yes, the scents can be appealing and often irresistible, but with a little forethought and education, you may find the side effects of purchasing some of these products can be downright scary.
Rather than falling for yet another marketing strategy geared toward making you spend more money for little to no result, why not try making your own products!
In reality, many of these products are hiding ingredients that are extremely drying, damaging and can be causing hormone disruption, perpetuating the need for even more product while silently harming our health. Some of the ingredients used in body care are even known to cause cancer. The body care industry is not well regulated and using natural products is one way to ensure you are doing your best to keep your body healthy.
My bathroom cabinet looks a lot like my kitchen cabinets, and is full of edible ingredients. I feel that if I cannot ingest it, I probably shouldn't put it on my skin. This helps me reduce my toxic load, create healthy skin, keep costs down and is an overall healthier choice.
My routine has been the same for many years, and I often change which moisturizer I'm using seasonally. In the summer, something lighter and in the dry winter, something more moisturizing.
Cleansing:
I love oil cleansing for my own skin. I am prone to dry skin and this technique works beautifully for me. In the winter, I use organic olive or jojoba oil with a drop of lavender, rose or frankincense essential oil. In the summer, organic coconut or jojoba oils work well.
Using oils to cleanse helps keep your pores clean and clear, as the oil binds to debris and the massaging and heat help to remove it. This also works for most skin types, even if you are prone to oily skin. When we use a stripping cleanser, it actually signals the body to produce even more oil which leads to more oily skin, more breakouts and the cycle will continue until you stop stripping the body's natural oils. When we cleanse with oil, the body actually balances oil production!A second awesome benefit to this technique, is you are actually getting a mild exfoliation as you massage (friction helps exfoliate) and wipe with the cloth!
Simply apply a small amount of oil to your face, gently massaging and focusing on problem areas. Wet a washcloth with hot water, and place on the face to act as a quick steam, and gently wipe the excess oils off. You may repeat this process a few times until you have removed the oils. Any leftover oil will be removed during the next step.
I love jojoba oil for oil cleansing as well as light moisturizing, and olive for deeper moisture. Often, it is helpful to mix the two to create a custom blend that works best for you. For some, coconut oil is also a great choice.
Toning:
Thayer's rose petal witch hazel has been my personal favorite toner for years. It is alcohol free and can be used as a mild cleanser and toner. Apply a little to a cotton round and gently wipe the face gently. Rose is known to benefit sensitive skin, and is an herb associated with love and is soothing to the nervous system.
Moisturizing:
Using oils to moisturize the skin can help soften, reduce the signs of aging and keep your skin from breakouts. Some of my favorite oils for skin health are rosehip seed oil which is excellent for sun damaged skin, hazelnut oil, and apricot kernel oil.
Finally, I finish with a little mist of rosewater to help the oils absorb. I have been using this Rosewater since childhood and love it. I also use it as a quick midday refresher, and in the summer, it is wonderful when chilled and misted on the face.
Each of these products are high quality, organic and have only one or two recognizable ingredients. The same as what we eat, what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies and we can benefit from making the best quality choices we can with the least ingredients.
Of course all of this is in addition to eating a balanced, whole foods diet, drinking plenty of water, getting good quality sleep, and reducing sun time.
For more info on natural body care, how to make your own products at home, or upgrade your diet, book your free wellness consultation by visiting the contact page!
