In recent years, people have become more aware of the toxic chemicals present in everyday items, including personal care products. Many people are choosing to make the switch to more natural choices.
This is beneficial, not just in getting toxic substances off our skin, but also in removing them from our environment. After all, when we dispose of our mostly-used beauty products, they end up going back into the earth.
Here are seven tips you can use to help make your own beauty routine more natural and show you the advantages of eco-friendly products.
Create Natural, Healthy Toothpaste with Baking Soda and Essential Oil.
Fluoride can be a toxin, and many natural beauty buffs choose to eschew traditional toothpastes in favor of more natural ones. Fortunately, making your own toothpaste is easy — and you may already have the main ingredient you need in your house: baking soda.
To make a simple natural toothpaste, blend together equal parts coconut oil and baking soda. Coconut oil has a host of health benefits, and swallowing some by accident will only help you.
Then, add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil, to taste. If you crave that traditional toothpaste taste, opt for peppermint oil. And, if you suffer from inflammation in your gums, try clove oil or eucalyptus for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Speaking of Dental Care, Throw out That Old Toothbrush!
According to dentists, like those from https://www.sharonalbrightdds.com/ you should replace your toothbrush every three months. So, go ahead and toss that old brush, but choose your replacement brush carefully. Traditional plastic toothbrushes often contain BPA, which is a harmful, toxic chemical.
Instead, opt for natural bristles, which are BPA-free. You can also find charcoal-infused brush heads for additional detoxing properties or brushes made from natural castor bean oil.
Know Where Your Ingredients Come From.
Just because an ingredient sounds natural doesn’t mean it is sustainable for the earth. Palm oil, for example, causes rainforest deforestation. Not only that, but cruel slash-and-burn deforestation practices can be deadly to rare, local wildlife, such as chimpanzees. Likewise, the mass plantation farms that grow bananas and sugar cane often exploit workers.
It can be difficult to find products that are 100 percent cruelty-free. However, do make it a practice to become aware of the journey that the ingredients in your beauty care products go through before ending up on store shelves and in your home.
Invest in Multipurpose Soaps.
One super easy way to cut down on the amount of waste you create is to invest in multipurpose soaps that can be used as both shampoos and body washes. This cuts down on the amount of clutter in your shower, too, as you won’t need to store so many bottles! For the best beauty results, seek out brands that are free of SLS, or sodium laurel sulfate. SLS is a chemical that makes foaming products bubble beautifully, but it can also strip essential oils away from your skin.
Instead, seek out soaps that use natural ingredients such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. These naturally gentle cleansers will leave your skin glowing without stripping away protective oils.
Use a Washcloth.
Instead of using cotton swabs and other disposable one-use products to cleanse your skin, opt for a simple washcloth. A vigorous scrub with a washcloth gently, naturally exfoliates your skin, giving you a healthy glow. Plus, you’ll save money in the long run by trying a reusable product. Just be sure to wash your washcloths at least weekly to avoid the buildup of harmful bacteria buildup, which can lead to breakouts.
Eat Beauty-Friendly Foods.
True beauty starts from the inside, but this doesn’t just mean your soul’s the inner beauty. The foods you choose to eat can really impact your overall look! Choose foods high in natural, healthy fats to keep your skin and hair glowing. Nuts are a good choice, as is seafood, like salmon. Likewise, eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables will ensure that you have the essential vitamins and minerals you need to keep your teeth and nails strong, as well.
Switch to a Non-Toxic Deodorant.
The dangers of aluminum, which lurks in many mainstream deodorants, are fairly well-known. In recent years, studies have suggested a link between aluminum-based deodorants and certain kinds of cancer.
So, instead, switch to a deodorant based on natural waxes, such as coconut oil. It can take a bit of trial and error to find a formula that works for you, but, fortunately, there are tons of choices and scents on the market. For maximum effectiveness, find one or two deodorants you love and switch between them to prevent your body from getting used to one formula.
If you start with a few simple changes, before you know it, you’ll have a hygiene routine that is both clean and green!
Photo by Ali Marel on Unsplash
