Natural Personal Care

We already know that the beauty industry moves millions of dollars every year but, what we do not know is that most cosmetics and skin care products contain lost of additives, preservatives and even genetically modified ingredients.  Many of these ingredients could be absorbed by our skin, accumulated in our body tissue and even, in worst cases, absorbed into the bloodstream.  This is the reason why Natural skin care products are a growing segment of the beauty market because people is getting aware of consequences of chemicals products, also are involved with animals rights (since they are used to test most of beauty products) and are aware of the environmental impact most of chemicals cause.

My sister is an Environmental Engineer and she awared me of this products, on her free time she also sells a well known brazilian natural cosmetics brand.  Many of my cosmetics are natural and chemical free products, also my kids skin care products and solar lotions are chemical free.  Some of this alternatives could be more expensive but actually worth it.

Terms to understand

While reading the label we have to understand some terms just to be sure we are buying natural skin care products:

• Natural does not necessary mean is a 100% natural, a product needs to contain just 1% of a natural ingredient  to be consider natural.
• Organic is the only definition that means chemical free.
• Hypoallergenic is a mean less term because all allergies are individual. This term actually means that most common allergens (such as lanolin, fragrances, citric, cocoa butter and more) are removed from the product

Chemicals we must avoid:

• Pethrochemical based products: mineral oils, petrolatum, paraffin and many others are used to hydrate skin but with time, they block the skin,s respiration causing premature aging of the skin and some mayor irritations.
• Formaldehyde: Is a chemical found in cosmetics preservatives widely used in shampoos, handwashes and nail hardeners.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate  (SLS): this is a detergent and foaming agent used in bath and shower gels, shampoos, cleansers and toothpastes.  it causes skin rashes, hair loss ans eye damage.
• DEA, TEA, MEA:  these are amonia derivates found in body lotions, shower gels and facial cleansers.  They are known allergens.
• PPD: used to produce the black color in hair dyes can cause some allergic reactions and is even linked to certain cancers.
• Parabens: used to extend the life of water based products and inhibit bacterial growth.  They have been linked to breast and testicular cancer, prostat disorders and sperm abnormalities.
• Persulfate salts: used in hair bleaches are been vinculated to asthma among hairdressers.

This chemicals, along with many others can cause severe damage when used for long periods of time.

Many products we can find in or refrigerator and pantry could be used to make our own beauty and skin care products. Believe me I´ve used many natural exfoliating masks, natural oils such as almond oil, even made my own homemade hair treatment. Here are some ideas you could use:

• Use plain natural organic yogurt as daily cleanser and then rinse with warm water.
• Use almond oil or even olive oil (this is my friend´s tip) to soften your hands.
• Cornstarch is great to absorb moisture, use it instead of talc.
• Use essential oils to create natural fragrances. Use 10 drops of your favorite oil ( such as sandalwood, jasmine, rose, lavender, lemon, rosemary and more) with a base oil (like almond or jojoba) then risk on your neck and wrists.
• Essential oils also help to relax, calm, relieve anxiety and even boost your energy.
• Baking soda is a natural deodorant, put a little with your fingertips after showering while your skin is still damp.
• A cold black coffee or tea rinse works good on dark hairs.
• A cold Chamomile tea rinse is great for light hair (my mom used to rinse my sister´s hair and mine with this)
• A cider vinegar rinse helps to remove lices.
• Rub baking soda into wet hair after shampooing, then rinse. Baking soda is a great conditioner.
• Avocado is also a great hear conditioner.
• Make your own facial with avocado, honey and a little bit of vinegar. This with soften your skin.
• Cut a capsule of vitamin E (sold on pharmacies over the counter) and apply to the skin under your eyes. This also helps to soften and eliminate scars.

There are lost of natural homemade skin treatments you can use, they are not expensive and you have all the products on hand.