10 All Natural, Inexpensive, Skin & Hair Products
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For years, I had been struggling to find alternatives to the effective but extremely expensive beauty, skin care, and hair care products. A rainy afternoon spent with my grandmother in our ancestral home changed my entire life. In this article, I will share with you the wealth of knowledge I received from one of the most ageless and beautiful women I know.
1. Shampoo: Baking Soda
Packaged shampoos contain so many chemicals ranging from sulfates and parabens to all types of toxins. We don’t even pay attention to the fact that all of these chemicals get absorbed into our skin through our scalp. The most effective alternative is to use a homemade paste of baking soda and water. It is strong enough to get rid of all dirt from your hair, yet is soft and gentle on your hair. Even though the baking soda paste doesn’t lather, it is as good as an A-grade shampoo.
2. Conditioner: Apple Cider Vinegar
A baking soda hair wash should be followed by apple cider vinegar hair conditioning. A quarter cup of the vinegar is more than enough for application on the scalp and the rest of the hair. Once you rinse the cider, make sure all of it is washed away so that the smell doesn’t stay. The result is soft and silky hair.
3. Deep Conditioner: Coconut Oil
The oldest trick in the book, coconut oil is the answer to all problems related to dry hair. Not only does coconut oil condition your hair within minutes, but it also smells great with tropical essence. For best results, massage coconut oil overnight into your scalp, and wash it off next morning. Heat coconut oil for a few minutes before application for a relaxing massage.
4. Face Wash: Honey
Getting irritated with fancy and commercial face washes that promise you the moon, but leave you with pimples the size of one? Switch over to natural honey. A great natural replacement for chemically-enhanced face washes, not only does honey brighten up the skin, but it also clears all pores and avoids the eruption of pimples and rashes.
5. Mask: Manuka Honey
If your skin is very sensitive and needs an extra dose of healing power, you should stock up on Manuka honey. It has supreme exfoliating powers because of its texture. A 20-minute leave-in mask after a short massage is good enough to have great results on your skin. This mask is best recommended in winters for dry and sensitive skin.
6. Toner: Witch Hazel
Cleansing is very easy using natural products that don’t harm your skin. It is, however, very difficult to find a natural astringent. Witch hazel is the best solution, and can simply be stored in a spray bottle. Spray one or two applications of regular witch hazel or mix it with rose petals. The best thing about witch hazel is that it is easily available at your local drug store.
7. Moisturizer: Coconut Oil
Moisturizing is the final step in a simple skin care routine. While there are multiple fancy oils out there, coconut oil is and will remain the most unadulterated and inexpensive option. Before you apply coconut oil on your face, try out a small amount on your hands to ensure there is no reaction to the oil. Once that is cleared, apply warm oil on your face in small quantities only to avoid any rashes. Cold coconut oil also helps, and it depends completely on your choice of temperature.
8. Eye Make Up Remover: Coconut Oil
Do you look like a raccoon every time you try to take your mascara off? That is because no packaged product can be as effective as the natural solution that will change your life. No guesses. It is coconut oil again. Not only does it remove your mascara without leaving any black marks behind, but it is also very gentle on the skin around your eyes, moisturizing it in the process. Apply a small amount of coconut oil onto a wad of cotton, and hold it on your eyes for not more than five seconds. Just be careful to not let the oil enter your eyes as it can cause itching.
9. Lip Balm: Bag Balm And Honey
Lip balm can easily be replaced by bag balm. I simply add honey to add a little flavor and some sweetness, so I can feel it on my lips. You can make your own homemade bag balm and honey solution in tiny sample containers. This will never go bad as honey is antibacterial and can be used for years without any trouble. One part of honey can be mixed with three to four parts of bag balm to give you a consistent mix. This mixture can be heated in a pan or the microwave so that it becomes a smooth liquid. Avoid using too much honey, or you will become very sticky.
10. Teeth Whitening: Hydrogen Peroxide
Your bathroom cabinet should be stocked with this wonder chemical that is absolutely natural and safe for your teeth. Once you are done brushing, flossing, and mouth washing, dab your teeth with hydrogen peroxide. While peroxide is contained largely in all dental products, the raw chemical bought from drug stores is much more lighter and gentle on your teeth. Make sure you spit it out followed by a rinse. It whitens your teeth within seconds, but must be used scarcely, not more than twice a week.
Once I started using the above products, my skin felt fresher and younger, my hair was softer and didn’t fall out as much as it used to, and my lips were no longer dry. Be brave enough to let go of the chemical-laden products and go all organic for happier skin and hair.
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