As I mentioned in my previous post, each New Year, Joe and I like to come up with goals for the year as opposed to resolutions that we know set us up for failure. These goals are not “quick fixes” and usually spread out throughout the entire year, maybe turning into complete lifestyle changes. Our second goal for 2014 is to completely green our home, meaning cleaning products, cookware, beauty products, our own wastefulness, etc. My next few posts will be dedicated to our greening process (we have a lot to do!)
First, let’s start with beauty products. I mentioned in another post that I switched to an all-natural shampoo. It’s been about a month and a half and I’m still experimenting a little. I’ve tried just using Dr. Bronner’s soap, including an apple cider vinegar rinse, using Dr. Bronner’s bar soap and doing the standard “no-poo” method of baking soda/vinegar rinse combo.
I’ve read some interesting information about all of those methods, in that it does not restore your scalp to the natural PH level that it needs to be at. I read an article here that has a recipe for honey shampoo. I just tried it today and already my hair and scalp are feeling better. Not as weighed down and greasy, and not nearly as dandruffy (is that a word??). My hair is still not as soft or clean feeling as I’d like it to be, but I’m hoping the transition period is a little shorter than what I’ve been currently dealing with. I also used an apple cider vinegar rinse (half vinegar, half distilled water) on my ends only and that seemed to help. From what I’ve read, the whole process of finding a natural solution for hair care is so individualized. What works for one person, may be awful for the next. I’m not giving up until I find that right combo! If only Joe could understand my frustration…thankfully he lets me vent and offers support when I truly want to shave my head!
Along with shampoo, I’ve also been trying a few body wash options. At first both Joe and I were using straight castile soap (Dr. Bronner’s in almond scent). It definitely gets you clean, but has been leaving our skin extremely dry. Even when I use my homemade coconut body butter, my skin still feels stripped of any moisture. I just made a honey-based body wash that includes 2/3 cup castile soap, ¼ cup raw unfiltered honey (very important that it’s raw and unfiltered!, organic is good too) and 2 teaspoons of olive oil. So far it seems to be working better, but time will tell.
Lastly, let’s talk facial cleansing! Since switching to all natural products, I’ve been using Dr. Bronner’s bar soap to wash my face. It works, but again super drying. I was still using my regular facial moisturizer that has chemicals until I tried using coconut oil. It worked as far as moisturizing but I think it was making me break out. My skin felt dry and I had way more acne than normal. After reading through more articles on Empowered Sustenance, I found a routine to try:
- Honey wash in the morning (and night if I don’t wear makeup): Rub about ½ teaspoon of raw unfiltered honey between your hands and add a little water. Rub over your entire face and let sit 10-20 minutes if time allows. Wash off with warm water. Lightly pat homemade toner (1/2 cup distilled water, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar) and dab with a little olive oil if extra moisture is needed.
- Oil cleanse at night: It feels counter-intuitive to put oil on my face when I have acne, but after one cleanse, I already feel better. Simply rub olive oil between your hands to warm. Add all over face, massaging in really well. Soak a rag in really warm water and place over your face for 10-20 seconds. Wash off 2-3 times to make sure all oil is removed. This removes makeup really well. Use same toner and add additional oil for moisture if needed.
Additionally, I want to try an acne facial oil and spot treatment. I will keep you posted on how my new routine goes. Fingers crossed it works! Have you used any natural methods for your beauty routine?