Y
ou might think that after a long day, by slathering your face in that Neutrogena cleanser, you’re improving your
skin.
Maybe not. Maybe you’re even damaging it. Take the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser. Among the ingredients listed are copolymers, PEGs, caprylyl glycol, and fragrance. Fragrance alone is linked to depression, hyperactivity, asthma, migraines, rashes, and seizures. PEGs contain 1,4 Dioxane, which is labeled a probable carcinogenic and has proven tumor promoting activity. Copolymer is essentially plastic. Need I say more? But yes, there is more. Sodium laureth sulfate, ceteareth, polyethylene glycol, and more abound in about every skin care product that exists—all of them being versions of the carcinogen 1, 4 Dioxane. Thankfully, synthetic cleansers aren’t the only option we have. Listed below are natural alternatives for cleansers, moisturizers, toners, exfoliators, masks, and more. Choose one from the list of possibilities for each and create your custom skin routine from that. The best thing about going natural? It’s cheaper, too! *Note: Always spot test any of these products on a small patch of skin, particularly if you have sensitive skin.*
Possible Cleansers 1. Coconut Oil, rich in fats, naturally antibacterial and antifungal, and contains collagen and other beneficial properties. Got oily skin? Don’t shy away from oils. Coconut oil is valuable for those with oily skin as well. 2. Olive oil is used for cleansing as well, with great moisturizing and antibacterial ingredients. 3. Full Fat Organic Milk is definitely something those with sensitive skin will want to look into. Simply wet a cloth with milk, wipe over skin, and you’re done—no wiping off needed! Toner Options 1. Witch Hazel, while popular for those with oily skin, can also be used by dry skinned people. Witch hazel is an anti-inflammatory astringent and deep cleanser. 2. Chamomile Tea can be applied directly to the skin. It too helps soothe inflammation and clear pores. However, it is known to cause allergic reactions in some, so be sure to spot test. 3. Green Tea—the bag can be steeped in hot water, cooled, and poured into a spray bottle to be misted on the face. Natural Exfoliators: 1. Oatmeal is a wonderfully gentle exfoliator. Mix it with some hot water to cook it. Once cooled, scrub it on your face.
In all of this, you may be wondering about what to do if you’re a makeup enthusiast. If you wear makeup every day, it’s probably important to switch to natural. The most important thing to get would be a mineral foundation. One good thing about switching to natural makeup is that, besides removing potentially harmful chemicals from your skin, the high price of natural makeup will probably deter you from piling on the products—yes; going makeup free is much more beneficial than wearing even natural makeup. But if you’re like me and like makeup for the artistic effects, I would say it’s fine to keep nonnatural products around as long as you use them infrequently and for shorter periods of time.
2. Brown Sugar, mixed with a bit of cleanser, is another exfoliating option. 3. Baking Soda is a known gentle exfoliator for those with oilier skin. Combine a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of water for an exfoliator on oily days. 4. Yogurt works well as an exfoliator for those with sensitive skin, due to its lactic acid. Moisturizing Possibilities: 1. Olive Oil is mentioned as a cleansing idea, while I find that it makes an ideal moisturizer. 2. Avacado has moisturizing properties as well. Mash until smooth and apply to face; rinse off after 15 minutes for a moisturizing mask. 3. Jojoba Oil is the closest oil we know to mimic the skin’s natural oil, sebum. After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops to the skin and moisturize with it. Mask Choices: 1. Honey can be applied to the face, let alone for 10-15 minutes, and then rinsed off. 2. Greek Yogurt is a stronger version of regular yogurt; a good exfoliator mask. 3. Bentonite Clay, appraised for its benefits to oily skin, is another mask idea to look into.
Other Natural Products: 1. Flax Seed Oil is a pollution protectant and moisturizer for skin. 2. Cucumbers do wonders in curing dark circles and tired eyes—it does have bleaching properties, so proceed with caution. 3. Argan Oil is a non-greasy, non-irritating moisturizer. In all of this, we must remember that outward beauty should merely reflect inside beauty. This sounds cliché, I know, but it’s still true. Every time you look in a mirror, look in your heart. -Priscilla Doran
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