From my observation, it seems like more and more people are seeking natural skin and hair care products. Additionally people are looking for products that are inexpensive, do what they claim, and are eco-friendly.
Well here is my favorite skin care and hair care recipes that are eco-friendly, inexpensive, work, and there is absolutely no animal testing involved!
Skin Lightening - We have all heard of Cleopatra's infamous milk baths and her beautiful skin. Here is today's version: add a pint to one quart of buttermilk to your bath! The buttermilk will soften and lighten dark patches. For an aromatherapy treatment too, add your favorite essential oil, such as lavender for relaxation.
Dry skin - try this exfoliate to scrub away dry patches. 2 cups of Epsom salt with olive oil. Rub completely over the body in the shower and rinse. Be careful though, olive oil can be slippery!
Cellulite - There is a lot of products that claim they can reduce cellulite - are they working for you? How about coffee grounds? Apply the grounds directly to affected area then wrap with cellophone or strips of cloth or an ace bandage, much like a body wrap. Leave the wrap on 30 minutes and rinse. Repeat regularly until cellulite is gone. I think it is the caffeine in the grounds that stimulate and break up the fat cells under the skin that makes this recipe work.
Dull hair - To add shine to your hair, rub a nickel size amount of olive oil into your hands and work the olive oil through shampooed hair, then comb to distribute evenly. Allow oil to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water, dry and style as usual. This is as good as any hot oil treatment to add shine to your hair. Hair Product Buildup and overload - Vinegar is a natural choice to remove hair product buildup. Hairspray, mousse, gel, etc. leave behind residue in hair. Mix equal parts vinegar with water and after shampooing and conditioning, work the vinegar solution through hair and rinse. Vinegar also detangles.
Anti-Aging Mask -to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Mix together 2 tsp. plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp. honey, 1/2 tsp. lemon juice and 3 capsules vitamin E (equivalent of 300 units). Throughly mix all ingredients except Vitamin E. Open the Vitamin E capsule and fold contents into the mix. Gently apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a toner and moisturizer.
Lavender Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup of jojoba oil
3/4 cup of white cane sugar
1 teaspoon Vitamin E
1/4 cup almond oil
6 drops of lavender essential oil
Directions: Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Mix until
combined, and then pour into desired container.What a wonderful
scrub, and also a great gift!
Blackhead remover - Much like the strips you can buy in the store but less expensive and eco-friendly. Mix 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin and 1 1/2 tablespoons milk. Warm the mixture in microwave. Warm nose and/or chin with warm cloth to open pores, apply mixtures to nose and chin area. Do not use around eyes or other delicate areas. Allow mixture to dry on nose and chin for 15-20 minutes, or until a stiff film appears. Peel off the film and there you go, all the debris in your pores has surfaced to the top. Follow with cleanser, a cool toner to close pores and restore pH balance, and moisturizer. Note: this does not smell the best when taking it out of the microwave, but this recipe actually removes blackheads!
Dry or damaged hair - avocado has wonderful nourishing properties. Cut up an avocado and blend, mix with 1/2 cup mayonnaise or a few tablespoons olive oil. Wash and towel dry hair. Appply treatment by thoroughly working down the shafts of the hair to the ends. Wrap hair in shower cap and allow nourishing for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse and style as usual.
These are just a few ways you can use common kitchen ingredients and essential oils in your skin care and hair care products. For more skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy
