Homemade Beauty Solutions
HOMEMADE BEAUTY SOLUTIONS
To put your best face forward, it’s not only what you put on your plate that matters but also what you put on our skin. When it comes to absorption of the products we place on our skin, up to 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), women use an average of a dozen products every day that have nearly 200 ingredients.
Research shows that personal care products contain huge amounts of natural and synthetic chemicals. Unfortunately, the U.S. government does not require cosmetic companies provide full disclosure of product ingredients leaving consumers unaware of the thousands of chemicals present in products.
Synthetic or unnatural components can be toxic or pose health risks that can lead to cancer, skin and nerve damage, allergies, thyroid and other hormonal effects.
Out skin is our largest organ and a lot of these toxins are absorbed into our blood stream. We especially want to be mindful of the fat-soluble petroleum derived ingredients as these are more difficult for the body to process so they get stored in or fat cells!
AVOID:
PEG: (polyethylene glycol) found in lotions and sun screens this contains high levels of dioxin which can contribute to cancer, reduced immunity, and nerve damage.
Benzoyl Peroxide: used in acne products can act as a mutagen damaging DNA and interfering with healthy cellular processes.
Phthalates: these can reduce female fertility and are most often found in shampoo, conditioner and moisturizers (the label may read vinyl or PVC)
Parabens or anything ending in “-paraben” (methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl)– this mimics estrogen in the body, this can be found in shampoo, conditioner, sunscreens, deodorants, and toothpastes
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) – may mimic estrogen in the body, found mostly in moisturizers
Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFOA, PFO, “fluoro”) – can reduce fertility and cause problems during pregnancy such as low birth weight or fetal organ development – this can be found in nail polish, moisturizers and eye makeup
Triclosan – affects the thyroid hormones and can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells – can be found in antibacterial soaps, face and body washes, toothpaste and deodorant
SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
To minimize your exposure to toxins, choose skincare products that offer 100% natural formulations and the best step to creating a beautiful skin is to nourish it with real food! This will reduce your need for excessive products!
We LOVE BeautyCounter for safer makeup, skin care, hair and body care and more! BeautyCounter publishes their “NEVER list” of ingredients they vow not to use in their products which is awesome to see in an industry often lacking transparency!
LOOK TO THE ROOT CAUSE TO ADDRESS SKIN ISSUES!
Fat Factor: Fat below the surface of the skin becomes thinner so skin ends up looking less plump and more boney.
Color Contrast: Production of melanin slows down leading to pigmentation loss giving way to imperfections dark under-eye circles or broken capillaries.
Degeneration: Synthesis of collagen and elastin (structural proteins that impart skin elasticity) starts to break down thereby causing wrinkles. In addition, gravity pulls weakened skin downward and causes that unwanted sagging around the eyes, neck, and upper arms.
Moisture Loss: Older skin becomes more dry due to loss of sweat and oil glands.
Out of Circulation: Advancing in years naturally weakens blood circulation which causes delivery of less oxygen and nutrients to skin. This, coupled with accumulation of free radicals, makes for a dull complexion.
Falling Estrogen: In menopausal women, decreased estrogen production further exacerbates skin thinning and dryness.
TRY THESE HOMEMADE BEAUTIFYING RECIPES!
Bee-Beautiful
1 Tbsp Lemon juice
2 Tbsp Wild honey
Honey tightens pores and smooths skin. You’ll have everyone buzzing about your glow! The vitamin C in the citrus fights aging and the acidity acts as an astringent fighting oil and acne. After cleansing your face with warm water, rub 2 Tbsp of local raw unfiltered pure/organic honey mixed with 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon all over face (avoid eye area). After 10 minutes, rinse completely.
Go Greek Lightening! Brightening Mask
3 Tbsp Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp Parsley
2 inches Cucumber, mashed into a pulp
Try this exfoliating mask two times a week to banish blotches. Parsley’s naturally whitening essential oils will give you perfectly porcelain skin. Whisk together 3 Tbsp Greek yogurt, 2 Tbsp finely chopped and minced parsley, and cucumber mashed into a pulp. Apply a thick layer. Rinse with lukewarm water after 10-15 minutes.
Note: Avoid using this mask if you’re pregnant. Parsley is estrogenic and can stimulate milk production. If sensitive to dairy, be mindful and patch test first!
Put On A Happy Face Mask
1 Tbsp Coconut oil
1 Egg
1 Tbsp Flaxseed
1/2 Avocado, peeled and pit removed
Your skin will look amazing after treating it with this fusion of protein, vitamins, lecithin and essential fatty acids. Blend together 1 Tbsp coconut oil, 1 egg, 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed and ½ an avocado until creamy. Smooth onto skin and let it sit for up to 10 minutes. Wipe off with a facial tissue and rinse well with warm water.
No Pie in the Face Pumpkin Facial
Why wait for the holidays to enjoy a fall favorite? Pumpkin is packed with beta carotene, an antioxidant that can reduce the effects of sun damage. Ginger and cinnamon are anti-inflammatory and act as astringent for the skin.
Scoop out ½ cup pumpkin and mix with pinch of cinnamon and ginger. Smooth onto face, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Chocolate Decadence
This rich mask, ideal for normal skin, will leave your face smooth, soft, and silky. The yogurt and honey add moisture, and the oatmeal sloughs dead skills, perfect for smelling romantic and deliciously edible.
2 T unsweetened cocoa powder
2 T plain yogurt
2 T rolled oats
1 T honey
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Apply to face and neck, avoiding eye area. Kick back, relax and enjoy the delicious aroma for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Coconut Oil Sugar Cookie Scrub
1/2 cup organic cane sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil, softened
a few drops each vanilla and almond extract
Optional: Replace 1/2 the sugar with coffee grounds for a cellulite-busting scrub!
Mix together sugar, coconut oil and extracts until combined. Store in a ball jar in the shower and use 1-2 times per week for a full body exfoliation!
Simple Coconut Oil Charcoal Toothpaste
Coconut oil’s anti-fungal and antimicrobial activity aid to reduce odors while balancing out drivers of bad bacteria overgrowth. Baking soda aids to purify and whiten teeth while reducing plaque formation. Charcoal reduces impurities and can whiten teeth!
1/4 cup coconut oil
1.5 Tbsp baking soda
10 drops peppermint essential oil
1 capsule activated charcoal
Soften coconut oil by slightly heating and then mix in baking soda until well combined stir for about 1 minute. Then add in essential oil of choice and stir for an additional 30 seconds. Place into a small jar with lid and allow to set in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Once set, you may store at room temperature.
To use: scoop 1/2 tsp on your toothbrush and brush your teeth as you normally would followed with a simple swish and rinse with water.
Not sure what an ingredient is or which brand to choose? Check out the Ali Miller RD Amazon Store for pantry staples, favorite snacks and more!
