Five Toxins To Avoid In Skincare & Hair Products
Our skin is the largest organ and absorbs what we put on it. We can have the cleanest diet in the world, but still be affected internally by the harsh chemicals in our beauty products. There are numerous studies that show the link between certain chemicals and cancers. If you have the option to avoid that risk, why wouldn’t you make the switch? You don’t have to transition every single product at once, but start with one and go from there. Maybe it’s switching to an aluminum free deodorant or shampoo without parabens; everything counts! The first thing to do is familiarize yourself with some of the chemicals you should be avoiding.
Parabens
Chemical compounds that help preserve the shelf-life of products. Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting hormonal balance. They’ve been linked to breast cancer and fertility issues.
Sulfates
These compounds make soap foam and cause all sorts of skin irritations. They can wreak havoc on our central nervous system.
Phthalates
Chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastics in cosmetics, so they stick to your skin. They can disrupt the endocrine system and are linked to birth defects.
Synthetic Dyes, Colors, and Fragrances
Companies aren’t required to disclose what ingredients make up these ingredients. Often, they include tons of chemicals that can cause allergies, hormone disruption and lead to bigger health problems
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
Synthetic antioxidants used to extend the shelf life of products. They are carcinogens and hormone disruptors that may cause liver damage.
Sometimes it’s hard to find products that live up to your healthy living standards. Often times, products on the shelves are loaded with these chemicals and dyes that can be harmful to our health. Luckily, there are more and more brands emerging focused on using only natural, organic ingredients. However, if you’re struggling to hunt them down, you can always make your own right at home! Enjoy these simple and easy to make homemade toiletries.
Body Wash
Experiment with different essential oils for varying scents and benefits.
Ingredients
⅔ cup liquid castile soap
¼ cup raw honey
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp vitamin E oil
50 drops essential oil
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a squirt bottle and shake to mix. (If the honey is too thick, warm it up a bit before mixing.)
To use, squirt onto a washcloth or directly to your skin.
Coconut Oil Lotion Bar
This lotion bar recipe is great for those with dry or cracked skin.
Ingredients
1 part coconut oil
1 part beeswax
Essential Oils
Directions
Heat the coconut oil and beeswax together in a saucepan over low heat.
Once melted, add in 3-5 drops of your choice of essential oils. Some great scent combinations would be:
Lavender & vanilla
Orange & lemon
Eucalyptus & peppermint
Pour melted mixture into lotion bar molds (you can also use muffin tins)
Let them sit until cool. Pop-out and enjoy!
Tea Tree Oil Face Wash
This face wash is perfect for those with acne-prone or oily skin.
Ingredients
¼ cup liquid castile soap
¼ cup brewed organic chamomile tea
¾ tsp olive oil
8 drops tea tree oil
Directions
Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea and set aside ¼ cup to cool.
Combine the remaining ingredients and add the cooled tea.
Mix well and pour into a small squirt or pump bottle.
To use, squirt the face wash into your hands and gently wash face. Rinse well.
Homemade Roll-On Deodorant
This is not an antiperspirant but will help with odor.
Ingredients
¼ cup witch hazel
⅛ cup arrowroot powder
⅛ cup aloe vera gel
¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup distilled water
8 grams of magnesium hydroxide
15 drops lavender essential oil
1 roll-on bottle
Directions
Mix the magnesium hydroxide with water.
Whisk the rest of the ingredients together in a separate bowl.
Add the magnesium water to the bowl and whisk well.
Once combined, pour into roll-on bottles and secure the top.
To use, shake the bottle and roll onto underarms.