Natural Homemade Alternatives for Beauty Products
Whether your goal is to go green or be frugal, your kitchen holds the keys to creating natural alternatives to common beauty products. Trying simple homemade remedies will not only save you cash, but they'll protect you from the chemicals and additives found in commercially made beauty products. Additionally, natural ingredients not only address your beauty concerns, but can nourish your skin and make you healthier inside and out. Does this Spark an idea?
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Organic Coconut Oil
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Organic coconut oil is an excellent substitute for moisturizer and body lotion because it penetrates the skin easily and contains fatty acids that are healing for wrinkles, dry skin and other skin problems. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so warm the oil in your hands to melt it, then slather it on your skin. Coconut oil can also be used as a hair conditioner by warming it until it melts, then applying it generously throughout your hair. Rinse your strands well in warm water.
Baking Soda
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Baking soda is a tried-and-true alternative to toothpaste, and it's also a natural tooth whitener. Dampen your toothbrush with water and sprinkle it with baking soda, then brush. You can also use baking soda as a deodorant, either by dusting it on alone or mixing it with a bit of coconut oil. Try mixing baking soda with water until it forms a loose paste for a homemade shampoo, then rinse with white or apple cider vinegar before rinsing with water. If you have an acne breakout, a baking soda and water paste can be used as a facial mask and left on for 30 minutes to one hour to help clear pimples.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar, when mixed with equal parts water, makes a refreshing facial toner that cleans out pores. Also, mix 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp lemon juice for a natural shampoo that increases shine and fights dandruff flakes.
Olive Oil
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Olive oil can be used straight on a cotton pad as an eye make-up remover while also moisturizing the delicate eye area. Rinsing is not necessary. It can also be used as a hot oil treatment for very dry hair by warming up 2 tbsp oil and applying to damp hair. Leave the oil on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse well with warm water. A dab of olive oil on a fingertip is a quick and easy lip balm, and it's a very effective cuticle oil.
Dry Oatmeal
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Mix 3 tbsp dry oatmeal with either 1 tbsp warm honey or 1 1/2 tbsp warm milk for a healing facial mask. In the tub, add 1 cup dry oatmeal to your bath water; it's especially healing for dry skin and skin rashes.
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References
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