FACT: According to a survey conducted by the Environmental Working Group, 25% of women use more than 15 products each day that contain over 126 different ingredients, with as many as one in five being carcinogenic.
I have never been much for self pampering but I do like to keep my skin clean and fresh and must say, I enjoy the odd pedicure when time avails. Because I know that many so called “health” and beauty products contain dangerous chemicals, I have slowly done away with commercial products and worked to develop my own homemade replacements.
In the course of doing so, not only have I saved money, but I have also gained a much greater respect for the concept of “feeding your skin.” If I would not eat it, I generally do not put in on my body.
Here are a few inexpensive home beauty treatments that anyone can make – they also make excellent gifts!
Coffee and Cinnamon Face Scrub: I love the smell of coffee and cinnamon and have found that it makes an excellent facial scrub. I use this twice a week to keep my face clean and fresh.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup organic ground coffee
- 1/2 cup coconut crystals
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 Tbsp nutmeg
Mix all of the dry ingredients together and add the oil and mix. Spoon into glass jars or airtight container. Use as needed.
Avocado Honey Mask: I buy avocados when they go on sale and treat myself to this delicious mask.
Ingredients
- organic avocado
- 1/4 cup raw honey
Mash the avocado in a bowl and stir in 1/4 cup of raw honey. Apply to your skin and leave on for about 10 minutes. Wash the mask off with a cool washcloth. Repeat weekly for a smooth and supple finish.
Mint Foot Soak: There is nothing that refreshes tired feet more than this soothing mint foot soak.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- 3 lemon slices
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 8 drops of essential lemon oil
Mix all ingredients together and pour into a warm basin of water. I like to rub a little warm coconut oil into my feet after this soak and put on a pair of cozy socks. Aren’t cozy socks the best?
– Susan Patterson
Susan is the Content Director at The Alternative Daily, a Certified Health Coach, Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor and Master Gardener. With an extensive knowledge of whole foods and wellness, Susan enjoys educating others on how to live healthy and sustainable lives. She presently lives off grid in the middle of the New Mexican high desert with her three children and numerous animals.
