Skincare Secrets: How you can remove chemicals from everyday products by making your own

Natural and homemade can also be simple.

Many of us are attracted to the idea of making our own skincare products, but where do you start? Like any good researcher, online. You’d be surprised at the number of ideas out there.

The best way to chose a recipe is to consider the source. Be sure you know who tried it—if someone puts their name on the recipe, they’re also risking their reputation. If one doesn’t work, try, try again. Don’t give up; what works for one person may not for another for whatever reason.

Online resource Wellness Mama, for instance, does her due diligence. Katie tries every recipe herself and offers organic alternatives on the market.

The Nerdy Farm Wife not only posts recipes, but also an extensive list of things to know before making herbal shampoo. How many times have we tried a recipe and were left scratching our head, wondering why it didn’t work out? This list aims to prevent that, which is incredibly helpful.

When in doubt, ask Martha. She’s published thousands of recipes and has shown us how to make them on her TV show. Martha Stewart is the guru of the handmade and has a recipe for just about everything.

 

Shampoo.
There’s shampoo just for dark hair, light hair. Shampoo for dry hair, oily hair. Shampoo for thinning hair, to grow your hair. You can find a shampoo to fit any need. Luckily, there are oodles of recipes to make your own.

Many handmade shampoos call for dried herbs. Rosemary and sage are a good choice for dark hair, while calendula and chamomile work best for blonde and red hair. Lavender and nettle can be used for any hair type.

For fragrance, try essential oils. Lavender is a good choice for normal to dry hair, lemon for dry hair and rosemary for oily hair.

 

Body Scrubs.
Exfoliating removes dry skin and keeps the blood circulating. Skin looks refreshed and clear and feels smoother. Pores are smaller and age spots become lighter.

By incorporating nutrient-rich ingredients such as grapefruit, grapeseed oil and bananas, you can actually reduce wrinkles and tighten skin, according to some DIY sources.

Skincare experts recommend exfoliating both the face and body two to four times a week with a product that best fits your skin type. Just remember to moisturize after so your skin doesn’t dry out.

 

Shaving Cream.
Here’s an idea you can share with your spouse. Most recipes call for shea butter or coconut oil, which leave skin super soft long after the shave. Homemade doesn’t lather up as much as store bought, but then again, it also doesn’t contain the chemicals.

Simply add essential oils to customize the scent.

 

Foaming Hand Soap.
Antibacterial ingredients kill germs. In September, the FDA banned triclosan along with 18 other anti-bacterial chemicals from soaps, saying manufacturers had failed to show they were safe or more effective at killing germs than plain soap and water, according to The Associated Press.

So why take a chance? Make your own.

FOAMING HAND SOAP RECIPE

What You’ll Need:

Empty foaming soap container

2 Tbs. unscented castile soap

1-2 tsp. fractionated coconut oil

10-15 drops essential oil

Water

What You’ll Do:

1. Pour castile soap and coconut oil into bottle.

2. Add essential oil. Shake to thoroughly mix.

3. Fill rest of container with water, leaving room for the foaming pump.

4. Screw on the pump top and shake gently.