Au Naturel!

Your skin is the largest organ of your body (16% of overall body mass) and deserves care for all it does for you, such as:

• Protect you from the environment

• Regulate your body temperature

• Store water, fat and Vitamin D

• Receive sensory data

What better way to take care this beautiful external organ than to treat it with natural skin care, that doesn’t contain toxic ingredients and chemicals that are now linked to hormonal issues, irregular periods, infertility, allergies and even cancer.

Using natural skin care products not only enhance your skin but can also help absorb antioxidants, build up the skin’s UV resistance and support your immune system. All the more reason to try products that are more natural, and there are more of them available on the market every day.

You can also use products which are whole, unprocessed and often times, found right in your kitchen.

Let’s look at 13 of these common ingredients and their benefits for your skin:

Coconut Oil:

You use it to cook with, but did you know you can also use on both your skin and your hair? It is usually in a solid state, but just hold in your palm for a few moments and it quickly liquefies into a makeup remover, moisturizer, hair conditioner, helps heal scars, and prevent razor burn. Consumption of coconut oil helps internally too, as it is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which helps maintain digestive health.

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca):

Another one of my personal favorites, it is always on hand in the bathroom, for its antibacterial and antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties. It is also an effective treatment for acne. Tea tree oil originates from Australia and is one of the most versatile essential oils there is.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Another inexpensive and versatile skin care product which kills pathogens. It is also antibacterial and antifungal and works both externally and internally. Who hasn’t tried a couple of tablespoons of ACV in water in the morning to jumpstart their digestion?

Raw honey:

Unprocessed, unheated, it retains all of its nutrients, which can help with acne, psoriasis, dandruff, dermatitis and bacterial infections.

Sea salt:

Loaded with minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium, sea salt helps balance, protect and restore skin. Use in a simple scrub to reduce clogged pores and encourage cell turnover.

Avocado:

I love to eat avocados, but now that I know they can treat age spots, increase collagen and soothe sunburn, I am going to try an avocado mask!

Lemon oil:

Another versatile essential oil, lemon can be used for acne, skin brightening, exfoliating and tightening, as well as a tooth polisher and remove residue from hair, making it shine. Wow!

Argan oil:

Who hasn’t tried Moroccan argan oil to moisturize dry hair? Now use it to treat bug bites and ezcema.

Aloe Vera:

Here is another one that is most commonly used as a skin soother after getting sunburned. However, it also can soothe itching, redness and inflammation. Taken orally it soothes the digestive system, including the liver and spleen.

Jojoba Oil:

Another common carrier oil, which is really a wax, jojoba oil is a great skin moisturizer and protectant. Wonderful on both the skin and hair.

Almond oil:

I have been using almond oil for years as a moisturizer on my wet skin right after a shower. I never suffer from dry skin and love the feel of this oil, which absorbs quickly. It also has antibactieral antifungal and antiseptic properties.

Shea butter:

Shea butter has been used in Africa for hundreds of years as an effective, yet inexpensive moisturizer, which prevents redness, flaking or peeling.

Castor Oil:

This oil is a “drying oil” used to cleanse the skin, when mixed with almond or coconut oil. You only need a little.

You may already have many of these products in your kitchen or bathroom. You may want to try them out on your skin and hair to see the benefits of these simple, less toxic, more natural products for yourself. I would be curious to know how you use any or all of these common household ingredients on your skin. Share your comments here.