From the time of adolescence through adulthood, each person develops some sort of skin care routine. Some seem to have clear skin with a minimal regimen, while others buy an assortment of masks, cleansers, moisturizers, and more to keep the skin looking healthy. Have you ever looked at the ingredients in these products, though? What are you putting on your skin and could it be doing more harm than good?
Certain cosmetic products that claim to “turn back time” or be “the fountain of youth” are convincing advertising campaigns, but the chemical ingredients in the majority of these cosmetics can be harmful to the skin. Just like processed foods, cosmetic companies also use chemical preservatives to make their products shelf-stable. All of these parabens and other chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream by way of application on the skin. This happens the same way a nicotine patch delivers nicotine into the bloodstream, for example.
It can be taxing to analyze every single ingredient of every skin product you purchase, but it doesn’t mean you should ignore these ingredients either. A 2005 study screened for over 400 chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies. The findings indicated that there were 287 toxins in the blood, 208 of which are known to cause birth defects, and 217 of which are known neurotoxins. While some of these toxins came from dietary sources, others were linked to the use of skin care products.
Despite knowing the harm that these chemicals can cause, some people continue to expose themselves to them. The use of lotions, sunscreens, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, face washes, and more increases your exposure to chemicals. Now, we aren’t expecting you to become a hermit and make your own soaps and lotions from tree sap, but you can take the time to choose skin care products that are chemical-free and made more responsibly. You can also purchase ingredients to make DIY skin care products, like the following moisturizers.
DIY Face Moisturizer
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon cold-pressed coconut oil
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 1 tablespoon organic Shea butter
Instructions:
- Make a double boiler by filling a saucepan halfway with water and placing it over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat to a simmer and top with a heat-safe glass bowl.
- Pour all of the ingredients into the bowl and stir until everything is melted and mixed. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool before pouring it into a small airtight container.
- Store the container in a cool dry place and use a dime-size amount to moisturize your face after you wash and dry it.
Lemon Butter Moisturizer
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cold-pressed coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons organic Shea butter
- juice of 2 lemons
- ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Make a double boiler by filling a saucepan halfway with water and placing it over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat to a simmer and top with a heat-safe glass bowl.
- Add all of the ingredients into the bowl and stir until you get a smooth consistency that is thoroughly mixed.
- Remove from the heat and pour into glass jar for storage. Store in your medicine cabinet and use a dime-size amount to moisturize after washing and drying your face.
Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons coconut butter
- 1/3 cup cold-pressed coconut oil
- 5 teaspoons sweet almond oil
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- 7 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
Instructions:
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until you get a smooth consistency.
- Pour into a glass jar and store in the bathroom. Use this a couple times a week after washing and drying your face to help slow the signs of aging.
