Toxic vs. Natural Personal Care

 

Many "organic" and "natural" skin care products are in fact mixed with base (or carrier) ingredients that are not organic nor natural, but rather synthetic and toxic chemicals.

Synthetic fragrances are less expensive and common in conventional cosmetics, and are responsible for most of the skin reactions that occur from cosmetics.

Common Toxins in Personal Care Products

The biggest organ of a human body is the skin. It's meant to be a natural barrier that protects the body from external germs and harm, while allowing for elimination of waste and penetration of hydrating and nutritive agents.

Since we absorb over 60% of what we put on our skin, any chemicals and toxins found in our lotions can and will find their way into our bodies. Women use a medium of 12 different skin care products, which can include over 170 chemicals and toxic agents not regulated by the FDA. Studies show that such products are connected to many health problems (e.g. birth defects and developmental disabilities in children, breast cancer, endometriosis, hormone problems, skin irritations and eczemas, reproductive disorders, etc.).

Scientific debates on the topic of chemical toxins in our food and in personal care or cleaning products are considered more or less ethical, some being denounced as sacrificing our safety for the sake of protecting commercial profits. Click on the following links to see an example of banned scientific research or watch video: Story of Stuff).

Until scientists and authorities get it all straightened out, take a look of some possible harmful effects on your own and your family's health.

Possible Harmful Effects

Toxic Chemicals	Product Containing Such Chemicals:	Possible Effects on Humans:
Benzene	Lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides, cigarette smoke, etc.	Causes cells not to work correctly, e.g. it can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells (anemia). Or it can damage the immune system by changing the levels of antibodies in the blood and causing the loss of white blood cells.
Formaldehyde	Antiperspirant, astringent, cosmetics,mascara, medicated creams, shampoo, tanning agents, wart remedies, etc. Automobile exhaust, building products, cigarette smoke, contraceptives, coolants, cutting fluids, dental plastics, disinfectants, dry cleaning materials, embalming solutions, fabric finishes, fertilizers, fiberboard, glue, home cleansers, insulation, leather tanning, linens, metal working fluids, mouthwash, nail polish, over the counter medications, paint, pathology fixatives, plastics and resins, paper, pesticides, photographic chemicals, plywood, rubber products, shoes, smoke from wood, charcoal and coal fires, textiles, varnishes, wood composites, etc.	The immune system reacts to Formaldehyde with each exposure, and individuals may develop allergic sensitivities. I Known to be connected to skin eczema. Avoid: permanent press and wrinkle free clothing, dry-cleaning, mixes of cotton, polyester and nylon (100% has less formaldehyde), skin to skin transfer (from spouse/children using toxic products), use of products with allergenic agents.
Lead	Lipstick, including some products of brand names such as L'Oreal & Christian Dior.	Lead builds up in the body over time, and no levels of lead are safe.
Parabens	Moisturizers and lipsticks. Parabens are preservatives found in many pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic products.	Is connected to breast and testicular cancer. In January 2004 researchers found parabens in 20 human breast tumors. Parabens have been found to mimic the activity of estrogen, which promotes the growth of breast cancer cells.
Petroleum or mineral oil-based products	Body lotion, lubricant lotion	Blocks the action of the body's natural oils as well as any Essential oils in products, and inhibits healing and skin moisture self-regulation.
Phthalates	Nail polish	Can act as hormone disrupters and may affect fertility
Propylene Glycol	Soaps	Can damage the central nervous system

 

Nutrition for Beautiful Skin

The greatest secret of beautiful skin is nutrition. Your skin can only be as healthy as the food you eat. Scientific studies show that phenol content of common herbs and spices and their ability to inhibit glycation is correlated to the formation of AGE compounds in our bodies. Nutrition based on high phenol content prevents premature aging and heart disease.

Here are a few smart nutrition tips on how to keep your skin healthy and beautiful:

Herbs & Spices that help your skin: Apple pie spice (mixture) Cinnamon (ground) (could play the role of an insulin substitute in the treatment of type 2 diabetes) Cloves (ground) Gourmet Italian spice Jamaican allspice (ground) Marjoram Oregano (ground) Pumpkin pie spice (mixture) Sage Thyme

Vitamin C: Is essential for the building of collagen, produces in the vitamin C-treated skin. The most abundant protein built in our bodies and the major component of connective tissue. Promotes a youthful skin, reappearance of elastic fibers. Reduces wrinkles, thinness and drying. Increases strength and resiliency against free radicals. Vitamin C is used as application in cancer treatments. Vitamin C is used for topical preparations. Choose produce that are high in Vitamin C At-home vitamin C treatment, rub a slice of fresh orange in circular motions on the face before going to sleep, three nights a week. Promotes cellular renewal, natural exfoliation of hyperpigmentation scars. Your epidermis will look like a whole new skin.

Vitamin A: the mother of all skin vitamins. This vitamin helps the skin defend against skin damage. Experts say that the health of our skin cells is dependent on dietary vitamin A. For diabetes or thyroid patients, it helps convert beta carotene to vitamin A. Foods rich in Vitamin A: Vitamin A occurs in orange-colored produce: apricots, cantaloupes, carrots, red peppers, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and dairy products (true A, not beta carotene). Low-fat Yogurt is not only high in vitamin A, but also contains acidophilus, the "live" bacteria that is good for intestinal health - which also has an impact on our skin.

B Vitamins: important for the regeneration of skin cells. Are found in whole grains.

Magnesium: important for the regeneration of skin cells, found in whole grains.

Selenium: plays a key role in the health of skin cells. Even skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high. Oral doses of selenium, along with copper, vitamin E and vitamin A could prevent sunburn cell formation in human skin. Found in: Whole-wheat bread, muffins, and cereals; as well as in turkey, tuna and brazil nuts.

Essential Fatty Acids (omega 3 & omega 6) Diets high in linoleic acid, found in both omega-3 and omega-6 promote younger looking skin by reducing dryness and thinning. Essential Fatty Acids " are responsible for healthy cell membranes, which is not only what act as barriers to harmful things but also as the passageway for nutrients to cross in and out and for waste products to get in and out of the cell." She further states: "Because it is the cell membrane that also holds water in, the stronger that barrier is the better your cells can hold moisture. And that means plumper, younger looking skin. " Heller also points out that the same inflammatory process that can harm our arteries and cause heart disease can harm skin cells. Essential fatty acids can offer protection to both. The following food items are rich in essential fatty acids. Cold-water Fish: Without the omega-3 fatty acids found in cod, mackerel, salmon and tuna, the skin appears dull, dry and scaly. It is best to eat small wild fish (e.g. Pacific wild salmon, tilapia, sardines) which is lab tested, rather than big fish (e.g. tuna eats a lot more poluted sea creatures and ends up storing more Mercury). Walnuts, and Flax Seed are also excellent sources for essential fatty acids, and thus are key foods for healthy skin.A couple of teaspoons (or tablespoons) of a fish oil blend or flax seed oil, every day, helps keep your skin flexible and moist, and can diminish fine lines. Cod liver oil, applied topically, contributes to faster wound healing and improvement in skin quality. Taken orally, it helps maintain soft skin and minimize wrinkles. Healthy Oils must be cold pressed, expeller processed, or extra virgin. Avoid commercially processed oils (may contain harmful solvents, and important nutrients are lost due to high temperatures during processing).

Antioxidants: Free radicals damage the membrane of skin cells. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in antioxidant-rich produce can protect the cell, thus reducing the chance for damage. Highly antioxidant fruit include: blackberries, strawberries, plums, and prunes. Blueberries: Blueberries have an oxygen radical absorption capacity value of 2,400 per 100 grams of antioxidant power and they are rich in anthocyanins, ellagic acid and phenolic acids. They help fight bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections, and blueberry extract may combat pain. Fresh and frozen (without added sugar) are comparable from a nutritional standpoint, but dried blueberries contain lower amounts of antioxidant anthocyanins. Goji Berries -protecting the skin from the effects of aging; Goji extract reduces levels of a skin enzyme linked to skin sagging while also promoting the survival of fibroblast - cells that create collagen, the main skin protein - under what the study authors called "suboptimal conditions." Goji berries can also help enhance immunity, improve circulation and stave off age-related eye problems (i.e., macular degeneration). (Phytomedicine Volume 12) NOTE: Unprocessed natural Goji berries are best, but Goji juices / extracts are also available at health food stores. Veggies: Artichokes; black, red and pinto beans Nuts: Pecans Leafy Greens: Chard, beet tops, kale, mustard greens, parsley and spinach make excellent detoxifying juices. Always buy the freshest produce possible, rejecting anything that shows signs of age. Buy organic whenever possible. Prepare a healthy juice every day for a healthy glow.

Organic food: listing of the most and the least contaminated food items, as well as handling tips.

Green Tea: has anti-inflammatory properties and protects the cell membranes. A study published in the Archives of Dermatology shows that green tea (either taken orally or applied to the skin) can reduce the risk of damage from ultraviolet light (such as sun damage) - thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer. The secret to green tea's skin-protective properties are its high levels of polyphenols and catechins - powerful antioxidants shown to function as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents. Tip: After making a cup of tea, save the tea bags in a closed glass container in your refrigerator and use them as cleansing pads for your face the next morning. They are perfect for exfoliating the skin and green tea has anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is available at grocery stores -- make sure you get the organic, higher-quality variety.

Water: Good hydration plays an important role in keeping skin looking healthy and young. For most people eight glasses of pure, clean water (not sodas) a day are recommended to hydrate your skin, clarify your complexion, and to move nutrients in and toxins out of your cells.

 

You Can Make Your Own Cosmetics

You will find that many manufacturers will also offer "skin care grade" as opposed to "food-grade" oil. You should only choose food-grade oils. Don't put anything on your skin that isn't safe to eat. Your skin is a sponge that will effectively absorb anything that you put on it, including any chemicals. Breast cancer tissue has found to contain chemicals used in commercially available body lotions. Whether it actually caused the cancer, simply contributed or didn't contribute at all is not proven at this time. But why chance it?

After Shave or Astringent Agents use witch hazel & diluted isopropyl alcohol.

Body & Foot Powder: Baking soda: deodorizer, soothes the skin. Tea tree oil: natural antiseptic, germicide, antibacterial, fungicide. (can be severe allergen to humans, toxic to birds) Peppermint oil: soothes the feet and swollen ankles. Body Powder:Mix cornstarch and baking soda with your favorite essential oil. Foot powder: mix cornstarch, baking soda and tea tree* or peppermint oil.

Body Scrub: Stir together 1 cup of salt or sugar with 1/2 cup of olive, canola, or jojoba oil and 50 drops of your favorite essential oil blend. Experiment with different kinds of salt or sugar. Coarser grinds of both will provide a rougher scrub for hands and feet. Finer grinds are perfect for the body. Scoop the mixture into glass jars or PET plastic containers. Make sure you have a tight seal without any sugar or salt on the rim, as this will result in leaking.

Body Lotion: Non-toxic Body Lotion: 6 oz Barley Milk, 4 oz Water, 2 oz Aloe gel, 2 oz Primrose oil, 2 oz Brier Rose water, 2 drops Alfalfa leaf, Barley grass, Carrot, Soybean and Sunflower seed extracts, 2 drops Brier Rose hip, Lavender, Lemongrass and Peppermint essential oils. Combine ingredients and blend well with a fork or hand beaters; bottle and store.

Mature Body Lotion: mix Shea Butter, Walnut Oil, Avocado Oil, Borage Seed Oil and Jojoba -- carrier oils that are very effective in moisturizing the skin. I add the following essential oils: Carrot Seed, Frankencise, Parsley Seed, Lavender and Patchouli (the latter of which is a natural insect repellant and aids against cellulite). The other essentials oils basically are restorative (reducing sun damage) and moisturizing. i use a handheld food blender. NOTE: Avocado is toxic to birds and if there is a chance that your bird might ingest any of it off your skin, do not use this oil.

Face Lotion: Grape Seed Oil, Walnut Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil (best anti-aging oil there is in skin care), Jojoba and Frankincense (ideal for mature, wrinkled skin in need of a lift), as well as Carrot Seed Essential Oil. (Essential Oils).

Conditioners: The richness and highly moisturizing properties of coconut oil are said to promote shine, keep hair from turning gray and, believe it or not, are said to help sparse hair grow thicker and fuller - especially if a few drops of Rosemary Essential Oil are added, which increased blood flow in the scalp.. The oil also helps repair damaged hair, offering essential proteins to strengthen and nourish it. A hot coconut oil scalp massage once a week is rumored to be the secret of the luxurious hair of Indian women. Follow these steps to do your own treatment at home: Heat coconut oil in a pan on the stove. DO NOT MICROWAVE. Massage scalp. Distribute oil throughout hair. Place a clean towel over your pillow and leave oil on over night. Rinse out in the morning. Enjoy your lustrous look.

Dental Care: discontinue using commercial toothpaste. Fluoride is a severe biological poison. Being intensely negative, it unlatches positive hydrogen bonds in enzymes and proteins. Fluoride makes your body absorb extra aluminum and aluminum is the metal that show up alarmingly in the brains of Alzheimer's victims. If you look at your tube of toothpaste, you will see a warning similar to this:e. If more than [sic] used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away." The warning on toothpaste tubes is due to lawsuits in which children were poisoned by fluoride-containing toothpaste. For instance, Keith Cantor, a little boy from Oregon died in the dentist’s chair from ingesting 1/2 teaspoon of fluoride, and 3 kidney dialysis patients were killed in 1998 at the University of Chicago Medical School, when nurses used unpurified Chicago tap water for dialysis. To add to the problem, most states add at least 1 ppm of sodium fluoride or fluorosilic acid (radioactive toxic waste that contains fluoride) to the water supply, even though it has been proven that at least 113 medical side effects from cancer to headaches are caused by fluoride in the water. Toothpaste Prevents Tooth Re-enamelization Toothpaste contains viscous, sticky glycerin, the main ingredient in toothpaste, which coats the teeth and prevents re-enamelization from nutrients in the diet. Glycerin takes over 20 rinses to be removed and leaves your teeth coated! Skeptical? Try this simple test. Start with a clean sink and smear some of your toothpaste on the sink. Rinse it off and watch how the water beads up because of the sticky glycerin. You will have to keep rinsing and rinsing to remove it! Your teeth are similar to a porcelain sink, and your teeth are being coated every time you use toothpaste. Coated teeth cannot re-enamelize from nutrients in the diet! Toothpaste Contains Silica, which is sand,ad can harm gums and abrades (wears away) tooth enamel. Instead of toothpaste, mix baking soda with salt, or even better with either Aloe Vera Gel or 3% hydrogen peroxide (H202) to make a paste. If you like a mint taste -- just add peppermint essential oil . Or, just dip your brush in 3% H202 and brush. Use as you would use common toothpaste. Baking soda is less abrasive than normal toothpaste, which protects your tooth enamel from wearing off. TIP: Only use the hydrogen peroxide paste once a day (my dentist recommended the evenings) and use the Aloe Vera gel in the morning. Herbal Toothpaste: Powder sea salt and dried horsetail stems in a coffee grinder; mix dry and wet ingredients separately; then slowly mix all ingredients into a paste. My dentist recommended not to brush more than twice a day - it wears your enamel down! Mouthwash: After painful gum surgery, I learned something pretty significant. Rinsing your mouth throughout the day, and most certainly after ever meal / snack, will keep your mouth fresh and clean, and teeth and gums healthy. I use Hydrogen Peroxide in the evening and a herbal mouth wash in the morning and after meals. For about 15 minutes each (usually during my shower and while getting dressed) I use Coconut Oil, which has antibacterial / antifungal properties. This will keep your mouth and teeth fresh and healthy. Hydrogen Peroxide: Use 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. Add a dash of liquid chlorophyll for flavoring if desired. I use this in the evening and take a herbal mouth wash in the morning and throughout the day. I found the hydrogen peroxide whitens my teeth. I used to buy various inconvenient products to whiten my teeth (those uncomfortable trays) and was amazed that using hydrogen peroxide as a mouth wash works better - and is so much less expensive! Live and learn ... Herbal Mouth Wash: 2 Cups Water, 2 Tbsp Organic Sea salt, 5 drops Peppermint extract, 4 drops Horsetail extract, 1 drop Sage extract ... Combine ingredients and store in a tightly sealed bottle; shake before use. Tips for Healthier Teeth and Gums: Research has established that fluoride makes the teeth WORSE and not better. Dr. Gerard F. Judd, Professor, Chemist and Researcher, in his book, "Good Teeth Birth to Death" offers the below tips to obtain perfect teeth: Rinse acids off the teeth during eating. Take calcium pills with vitamin D daily Take freshly made sodium ascorbate daily for gum connections to the teeth Avoid all fluoride products. They destroy teeth, unravel enzymes and cause 113 ailments

Deodorant: Please keep in mind that deodorants or antiperspirants that contains any form of aluminum are very dangerous and a cause of cancer (i.e. breast cancer). Perspiration is one way the body expels toxins and it's best not to inhibit that. The below natural substances will stop bacteria from growing, thus reducing / eliminating smell. Baking Soda: Sprinkle some baking soda on a damp wash cloth and apply it on your underarms; it should neutralize the smell and keep you cool throughout the day Basic: White clay, or deodorant crystals Vinegar: If you can recycle an old roll on deodorant with a removable ball that would be great. Just refill the container, pop the ball back on and use after your shower. Do allow to dry before dressing to avoid any "salad" smell. A Fragrant Herbal Deodorant: Mix: 4 oz Aloe gel, 4 oz Cornstarch, 1 oz Primrose oil, 5 drops Sage essential oil and 5 drops Brier Rose essential oil. Blend together aloe gel, primrose oil and essential oils (with a fork or hand beaters); then mix in corn or potato starch, and store.

Facial Toners: Mix green tea, chamomile or ginseng tea (made with mineral water or distilled water) with lavender or lemon oil. Green tea is rich in antioxidants which fight free radicals that damage and age the skin. Green tea is said to diminish fine lines. Lavender oil is a good toner and lemon oil is a good rejuvenator and toner. Add Vitamin C crystals as a preservative and antioxidant. MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is a natural vegetarian source of organic sulfur good for the skin. Add MSM crystals to your toner, or eat high sulfur foods such as kale or watercress. Prick a vegetarian capsule of Vitamin A, E, or wheat germ oil and smooth directly onto your skin; add to coconut, almond, or apricot oil, or to your toner. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant and Vitamin E is said to slow down the aging process. Almond oil soothes and lubricates the skin. Apricot oil protects and softens the skin. Wheat germ oil promotes skin elasticity.

Facial Mask: Honey, oatmeal, bananas or slices of cucumbers make great homemade facial treatments! Mix avocado with shredded cucumber. Avocados are rich in protein and Vitamin A. Cucumbers are cooling and cleansing. Use a mashed banana for a skin firming mask. (Avocado is toxic to birds - make sure your bird does not have access to this!)

Lip Balm: In a double boiler or a microwave, melt 1 ounce of crushed or grated beeswax in 3 ounces of extra-virgin olive oil until the wax softens. Stir together. Remove from heat and mix in 12 to 25 drops of essential oils. Always start with a little and work your way up. Pour the mixture into a 1/4 ounce plastic lip balm tube, carried in some natural food and herb shops. Let tubes sit, uncapped, until the mixture solidifies. For a lip balm, use coconut butter on its own, or add peppermint or spearmint oil (organic essential oils) Dottie provided the following formulation: "1/3 Oil (i.e., Almond), 1/3 Beeswax, 1/3 Butter or Coconut Oil. You can dissolve Stevia in the Coconut Oil for a "sweet taste". Do make sure that the Stevia is dissolved before adding it though, or you will get a 'grainy feeling'." My own tip: add a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil for a nice taste. Super-moisturizing gloss to soothe chapped lips(recommended by National Honey Board). Start with: 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 drop of vitamin E oil, add 10 fresh cranberries to provide a tint. Mix the honey and oil together in a pot on low heat until it reaches the brink of boiling (but don't allow it to boil). Remove from heat and stir the berries into the mixture, greatly crushing and mixing the berries until they are lukewarm. Strain through a fine sieve to remove all the fruit pieces and then pour the mixture into a small container or empty lip balm tube before it cools.

Hair Care Products: Hair Lightening: Hydrogen Peroxide is a bleaching agent and is used for lightened hair. Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water (50 / 50) and spray the solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change. Hair Spray: You can easily make your own "hair spray" that gives hold without the sticky, coarse feel of commercial hairsprays, while the oil from the peel adds sheen. Cut three oranges into quarters and place them in a pot. Add enough water to cover and let simmer for an hour, adding water as needed. Strain the liquid into a spray bottle and store in the fridge. It should keep for a week or more. Also very effective hair treatments are vinegar and beer! Mix vinegar with filtered water, rinse your hair with it AFTER washing your hair and see the difference! Alternatively, pour on old left-over beer straight on your hair. Your hair will have a wonderful sheen to it. Don't worry about the smell. That will dissipate quickly. Rinsing your hair with COLD water after your shower will result in shiny hair. Aging Hair or Hair Damaged by Coloring or Perms: Recommendations: weekly hot oil treatments. Warm half a cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Apply oil to dry hair, wrap in towel, and let penetrate for an hour before showering and rinsing. Dandruff Treatment: steer clear of traditional shampoos and conditioners, which can contain dandruff-causing chemicals, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens. Start a regime that will help balance your hair's oils, since the most common cause of dandruff is the overproduction of a yeast-like fungus called malassezia, which lives off the oil produced by your hair follicles:br> " To bring balance to your scalp Supplement with daily EFA, like fish oil, to balance oils secreted by your skin. Eat more healthy fatty cold water fish, Also refer to health benefits of Cod Liver Oil (don't worry - some lemon-flavored products taste fine!) Clarify with a fungus-killing apple cider vinegar rinse once or twice a week after shampooing. This will also remove excess oil. Heal by mixing several drops of organic tea tree oil, a natural antimicrobial agent, into a small amount of organic jojoba oil (carrier oil), which replenishes moisture. "

Make-up: Conventional makeup is composed of 10% or less pigments - the rest tend to be fillers, preservatives and other ingredients that sensitize the skin. Mineral makeup has grown in popularity among those seeking healthier alternatives. In addition to color, mineral make-up's main ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide - create a natural sunscreen for the skin. However, while most mineral makeup lines emphasize their sun protection properties, it's best not to rely on makeup alone to protect your skin.

Massage Oil: Mix 4 ounces of either apricot, sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed or avocado oils with up to 50 drops of either the Relaxation Blend (20 drops of lavender, 3 drops of ylang ylang, 2 drops of frankincense or sandalwood essential oils) or Sensual Blend (10 drops of orange, 10 drops of sandalwood or cedarwood, 5 drops of ylang ylang essential oils). Rich, moisturizing avocado oil is helpful for dry wintertime skin. Jojoba or grapeseed oils make a lighter, quicker absorbing oil. Pour into glass or PET plastic bottles with flip or pump tops.

Perfumes: Essential oils provide nontoxic fragrances that can be used to scent shampoo, bath soaks, or even, in the case of peppermint, to flavor toothpaste. In addition to which they have amazing health benefits. I would really recommend checking out the Essential Oils page.

Skin Cleanser: Mix 2 Cups of Filtered Water with 2 oz Aloe gel, 2 oz Cup Barley Milk, 2 tsp rose water, 1 tsp primrose oil, 2 tsp dried, powdered soapwort (roots, leaves and stems), 4 drops alfalfa, carrot and rosehip extracts, 4 drops lavender and lemongrass essential oils Bring water to a boil; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from heat, add soapwort and mix; let cool, then mix in remaining ingredients. Bottle and store.

Shampoo: Mix 2 Cups of Filtered Water with 2 oz Aloe gel, 2 oz Cup Barley Milk, 2 tsp rose water, 1 tsp primrose oil, 2 tsp dried, powdered soapwort (roots, leaves and stems), 4 drops alfalfa, carrot and rosehip extracts, 4 drops lavender and lemongrass essential oils Bring water to a boil; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from heat, add soapwort and mix; let cool, then mix in remaining ingredients. Bottle and store.

Soap & Cleansing: Castille soap, olive-oil based soap. (Please refer to article on the negative effects of anti-bacterial soaps)

Tanning Oil: When choosing sun protection or daily moisturizers, look for natural vitamin E, or d-alpha tocopherol. Other natural ingredients would be aloe extract, green tea extract, caprylic acid, comfrey, pycnogenol and squalene. Choose a product that contains zinc oxide to block the sun, as well as the antioxidant vitamins C and E and selenium, since sunscreens that contain antioxidants are more helpful in preventing skin damage. Use products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and that offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid chemicals and fragrances. Coconut Oil applied regularly to your skin (not before sun exposure, but daily) will provide natural sun protection.

 

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