Life isn’t always really glamorous and fabulous. It’s about encouraging people to go back to natural beauty.
-Zoe Foster Blake
Would you believe me if I said you didn’t have to buy expensive beauty products to have healthy skin, hair, and nails? Beautiful glowing skin with less wrinkles, strong nails, and shiny flowing hair are all possible with some common, inexpensive household items. When I was on my journey to get rid of some frizz, I found myself buying more and more expensive things loaded with toxic chemicals. I was so desperate I was going against my values to have manageable hair. Today, I’ve learned there cheaper, healthier alternatives that work just as well or better!
Coconut Oil
I’m sure at some point you’ve heard of coconut oil and all it’s amazing benefits from the food industry. This oil contains fatty acids that are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, & an effective moisturizer. This makes it a great tool for skin issues.
When your kids have a weird rash pop up, applying some coconut oil can help. We cloth diaper and I find it a safe, effective rash cream. Before the full blown rash pops up I will even put it on to help settle it down. If you’re suffering from acne, it may also help decrease redness and protect the skin from acne causing bacteria. You can apply it by itself or add it to your daily moisturizer.
Coconut oil can also be used as a cuticle cream. When you’re battling dry, cracked cuticles or thin, brittle nails, this oil can help strengthen and shine them up.
Flax Seed
Flax seed is also great for your hair and skin. The same omega-3 fatty acids that keep your heart strong can strengthen your hair and nails. I use to make a gel with water and flax seed that worked wonders on my frizzy hair. It helps hair grow strong and prevent breakage. You can also use flaxseed oil to keep your scalp nourished and moisturized, keeping dandruff at bay.
Flax seed also minimizes wrinkles, rashes, and inflammation. If you’re out in the sun often, flaxseed has been linked to protecting the skin from free radical damage too.
Apple Cider Vinegar
I feel vinegar gets a bad rep because of it’s smell. This smelly liquid is packed full of health benefits! It’s natural astringent properties help to soothe sunburns & makes a great mask when mixed with bentonite clay. I find I prefer to mix ACV with my clay versus mixing filtered water with it. It’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties make it great for smelly feet. The ACV keeps the bacteria that make your feet smell at bay, resulting in less smelly tootsies. Just mix ACV with water and soak your feet for a quick foot soak.
Arrowroot Powder
I wish I had found this sooner! It is a talc-free option that can be used in most places you would use baby powder. It’s beneficial for you skin because it’s soft, lightweight, and absorbent. This means it keeps your skin dry without feeling heavy while also helping your skin absorb moisture. This is great for drying out blemishes or relieving itchiness. I first bought arrowroot to put into in DIY deodorant recipe, but it is also a rockstar if you use it as a dry shampoo. If you have darker hair, you can add some cocoa powder to help to darken it.
Argan Oil
These next two may not necessarily be in your kitchen, but they are great to have in the home. It reduces wrinkles and dark bags under the eyes, it’s great for all skin types, and helps with skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. Some people also use it as a makeup remover, putting it on a cotton round and wiping away make up as they normally would. Have razor burn? Put it there too! In the winter, when I have dry lips, I also find it helps my lips retain moisture.
People with dry or frizzy hair can use argan oil to help moisturize and tame the frizz. I will put a drop or two in my gel when my hair is being particularly unmanageable.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is what I’ve used postpartum for all three kiddos. It helps to soothe inflammed skin and has a cooling effect. Anyone who has had a baby knows the amazing relief you can feel post baby with a soothing spray or gel. It is also thought to ease hemorrhoids, giving you one more reason to use it post baby!
I used mine as a spray and a padsicle. To make the padsicles, buy the largest pads you can find, put aleo gel and witch hazel on them, then fold and wrap the pads up and place in the freezer. Pull them out as needed.
Witch hazel is also a great toner! You can put it to a cotton swab and apply to your face. After you wash your face and before you apply your moisturizer, apply this. It helps remove dirt, oil, and make up, while helping to balance the pH of your skin.
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