Our skin is the biggest organ on our body, so it is time we started thinking about the type of products we put on it. While it is true that our body is quite capable of protecting itself from foreign elements, some elements are absorbed and can end up in our bloodstream as this document from the World Health Organisation indicates.
With this is mind, it’s worth us checking what ingredients have been included to make our scrubs, moisturisers and deodorants; to name a few. Here at Preloved we’ve taken the natural route, and have looked into what alternatives we could make at home to satisfy our needs. Of course, if you have a particular allergy or skin condition, we advise you check with your doctor as what you are currently using might contain a specific element that is key aiding with your case.
Face wash
There are many recipes out there to try your hand at, so why not start with a simple Honey Face Wash? Honey is known for its antibacterial properties and is hygroscopic; it attracts water. You will also need vegetable glycerine and castile soap. Mix 55ml of honey with 170ml of vegetable glycerine and 35ml of liquid castile soap. Once poured into a container, simply apply to face and massage in circular motions before rinsing with warm water.
Beard balm
Beards need special attention, who knew! For a soft swish beard you just need to combine some ingredients that are known for their conditioning properties. Mix 5ml of coconut oil with 2.5ml shea butter and 17ml beeswax. Heat some water in a small pot and place the bowl inside so the ingredients melt together. Stir occasionally with low to medium heat. Once the solution has melted, pour into a container and add 10 drops of the essential oils of your choice. Let it cool, pop the lid on and store in a dark place. To use the balm, simply rub a small amount into the beard with your fingers.
Sugar scrub
While exfoliating is good to get rid of dead skin cells, we need to watch out what we use to do so. We already know that microbeads are to be avoided because they cannot be filtered out by water treatment plants. Why not use coarse salt or sugar instead? For this particular scrub you will need to mix 3 parts coarse sugar with 1 part olive oil. You can then add 15 to 20 drops of your favourite essential oil mix.
Cuticle cream
It may be one of the most understated products in your cabinet, but one of the things to go out the window when stress kicks in is neat nails and the skin around them. Mix a generous 20ml honey, 20g beeswax, 45g of a carrier oil (i.e. coconut oil) and a couple of drops of essential oil to give it a scent. This last ingredient is optional. Pour the mixture in a container and allow the cream to harden before use.
Face mask
Avocados have an array of vitamins as well as oleic acid and potassium; bananas contain vitamin B6, vitamin C and manganese. Mash half an avocado with half of a very ripe banana and at about 20ml of olive oil. Of course you can simply eat both the avocado and banana, but face masks are fun, admit it. It is said this mask helps prevent wrinkles; let us know how you get on.
What other homemade beauty products do you use at home? Let us know in the comments!
