My Top 3 Natural Body Care Products
DIY or Seek Natural Alternatives
I want to begin by saying that the products on this list are literally the only branded products that I use. Unlike most women, I do not have a ton of fancy lotions, serums, toners, etc. What I use otherwise are simply things that you would find in your pantry - coconut oil, turmeric, sugar, etc. I have found that simplicity is truly the best way to go. Oftentimes, creating your own product using whole ingredients is much better than purchasing something branded from the store - with certain exceptions of course.
I used to buy all kinds of expensive products to help my terribly oily and acne prone skin - Boscia, Murad, Dermalogica, even Aveda! But once I started washing my face with coconut oil, my skin looked better than ever. So I ditched a lot of my other products, found alternatives, and have never looked back.
If you'd like to try making one of your very own products right at home, I've linked an article I've written about my favorite face mask of all time. Give it a try and see what you think!
My Favorite Homemade Turmeric Face Mask
- 4-Ingredient Healing Turmeric Face Mask for Rosacea, Eczema, Acne, and Dry/Oily Skin
This turmeric mask is especially beneficial for those suffering from rosacea, eczema, acne, and dry or oily skin. With only four ingredients, it is a cinch to make and is easy on your wallet.
1. Crystal Deodorant
I have tried tons of natural deodorants to no avail. They make claims that they just can't deliver on, especially Tom's (major boo). When I was just about to give up my search and go back to the mainstream chemical nastiness, I tried Crystal deodorant. This brand has absolutely changed my life and I cannot even begin to describe how incredible it is. I love that there are multiple application options (stick, spray, roll-on), and the scents available are really quite lovely and fresh. They smell very real and not like the fake chemically produced smells you find in other deodorants. Plus, it doesn't leave any white streaks on your clothing (woo woo).
The only thing with this particular deodorant is that it MUST be applied to clean skin, fresh skin right out of the shower, or it will not work. Trust me, I've found out the hard way (gross). In the event that I need to quick throw something on after having forgotten to apply it properly, I simply dab some coconut oil in my pits, then apply a little baking soda - done. I don't do this frequently because it irritates my sensitive skin, but in a pinch, it is the perfect solution.
Have you tried Crystal Deodorant, and if so do you like it?
Crystal Deodorant Unscented Roll-On
2. Art Naturals
I love Art Naturals products so much! I have been using this brand for the past 3 years and am so grateful to have discovered it. The price is really decent for what you get, and it's also vegan, cruelty-free, and organic. What more can a girl ask for?! My hair is long, fine, and curly and I usually wash my hair every 2-3 days. When I do wash my hair, it's imperative that the conditioner I use is softening and detangling enough that I can run my hands through my hair. I do not use a brush or comb AT ALL, so if I can't comb through my hair with my hands in the shower, I'll have a major snarl and frizz problem. It surprises me how many conditioners have actually failed this test for me, but Art Naturals came to my rescue. The conditioner makes my hair so silky smooth and I am able to detangle my hair in no time without damaging it. What is equally as awesome is that a little bit goes a long way, and that goes for all of their products.
In addition to the shampoo and conditioner, I also use their leave-in-conditioner and the thermal shield for when I decide to straighten my hair. I only need one full pump of the leave-in-conditioner after a shampoo session, and on other days when I just need a little moisture, I do about a half of a pump. A little bonus that I like to do is to add about 2 drops of rosemary essential oil to a full pump in order to keep my hair shiny, healthy, and wonderfully scented. This product is absolutely incredible and it just makes me feel so fresh and so clean afterwards.
Art Naturals Argan Oil Shampoo
3. Mountain Rose Herbs
I first discovered Mountain Rose Herbs a few years ago when I was just looking for some reputable essential oil companies. This company stood out amongst all the rest because of how ethical their practices are in every way. I love that even if one of their products is not "certified organic" that I can still trust it to be a pure, unadulterated product. Typically I order from them in bulk because shipping is not free, so I tend to wait until my supply is dwindling until I place an order. Products I have been enjoying are their essential oils, resins, herbal incense, spices, seaweeds, and miscellaneous items such as charcoal rounds or vegan capsules. Everything they carry is of exceptional quality and their customer service is outstanding. I only order from their direct website. Amazon carries their products, but only in large quantities, so I don't recommend that route.
https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/
I would like to specify that I do not use any herbal incense for the purpose of "smudging" or "cleansing" my home. I simply enjoy the natural fragrance instead of using the traditional "stick incense". Using herbal incense to "smudge" or "cleanse" your home is a new age practice and you would be wise to stay far from it. The Bible tells us that witchcraft is an abomination (Gal 5:19-21, Deut 18:10-14, Lev 20:6) and it is not to be taken lightly. If this is something you've struggled with, past or present, I urge you not to use it as incense so that you may not open any demonic doors unknowingly. Better safe than sorry! Please read this article if you are not familiar with what I'm talking about, or are unsure if this is something that you should be partaking in.
Bonus: Traditional Medicinals
I know that tea is not typically what we think of as being "body care" but it truly is. Herbal teas provide the body with incredible benefits. When we care for our insides it reflects on the outside, so of course I have to throw in the fact that living a plant-based lifestyle is key, especially when it comes to skin care. I have tried nearly every tea from Traditional Medicinals and have my cupboard stocked with them at all times (as you can see). My top favorites are Peppermint, Reishi Mushroom with Orange Peel, Turmeric, and Roasted Dandelion Root. If you haven't tried any of these, I highly recommend it. If you have tried them, let me know your favorite flavor below!
What is your favorite tea from Traditional Medicinals?
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2020 Melanie