In my pursuit of an organic lifestyle, I often think of the mantra associated with cosmetics multi-millionaire Helena Rubinstein – “Don’t put anything on your face that you wouldn’t put in your mouth”. In fact, it really does form the cornerstone of my personal care routine – not least because up to seventy percent of what you put onto your skin can find its way into your body!
Reduce Toxins
One way you can reduce exposure to any potentially harmful chemicals is to raid your kitchen cupboards and see what food products you can find there to reuse in your personal care regime. In this way you can be confident that you’ll be reducing your exposure to toxins, primarily because there are different laws governing the testing and approval of food products as compared to cosmetics and food testing and labeling is much stricter than that of cosmetics.
Save Money
Making sure you use best quality organic ingredients for your skincare can also save you money, as by using these ingredients for multiple applications, you won’t have to spend money on some of the ten to twelve cosmetic products that the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database site suggests we might use on a daily basis.
Eco Friendly
The news just keeps getting better! You’ll also be doing your bit for the environment, by saving on the energy used manufacturing and transporting all of the many varieties of cosmetics, whilst reducing waste by producing and using less packaging.
Here are my top 5 edible ingredients which you can put to alternative use on your skin.
Sesame Oil : Sesame oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and I’ve found its many healing properties invaluable to my organic personal care regime. Just make sure you buy the unrefined, cold pressed version and not the toasted variety! Two of the more unusual applications for sesame oil in my bathroom are for nasal rubs to help reduce cold symptoms and blocked sinuses and as a mouthwash and gum massage to help prevent gum disease.
Baking Soda : So as well as baking cakes, you’re probably already using your baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) to clean your kitchen and bathrooms. Have you thought about using it as a tooth whitener as well? Just dip a damp toothbrush into some bicarb and brush to see sparkling white (and squeaky clean) teeth.
Coconut Oil : This natural vegan product is doing the rounds as a health food but I’m more likely to be found with a jar of coconut oil in the bathroom. It’s one of the central ingredients for my monthly spa, where I liquefy a couple of tablespoons (it’s solid at room temperature) and take some time to give myself a luxurious scalp and hair massage. I also use it as a summer pre-shower massage, replacing the sesame oil I use in winter, to take advantage of its wonderfully cooling properties.
Lemons : Another well-known household cleaning ingredient, I find lemons invaluable in my facial care routine. After I’ve added a slice to my morning hot water drink, I squeeze about a teaspoon into some boiling water for a toning facial steam, or add to some rosewater, honey and oatmeal for a natural toning face mask (I do have to resist licking this one off before I’m ready to wash it off – it tastes so good!)
Apple Cider Vinegar : Another kitchen cupboard essential, organic apple cider vinegar
Organic and natural labels can still carry unpronounceable ingredients in the bottle no matter how well intended. Reverting to unprocessed, high-quality organic edibles for you and your family’s self-care is the closest you can come to avoiding the build up of potentially unsafe synthetic ingredients in your body.
Photo by CocteauBoy
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