Let’s break it down and see what these ingredients are actually doing inside your cleansers and moisturizers…

1. Parabens: (ex: Methylparaben and Propylparaben) Used as preservatives to keep your products from going bad. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers.
2. Mineral Oil and Petroleum: Used as an emollient, lubricant and solvent. It is an inexpensive byproduct leftover in the production of gasoline because it locks in moisture against the skins surface it can potentially block pores and cause a breakout since the skin cannot breathe.
3. Glycerin: Used as a solvent and plasticizer. Chemically produced by combining water and fat. It dries your skin from the inside out by drawing moisture from the lower layers of the skin and holds it on the surface; helps create that smooth-like feeling.
4. Sodium Chloride: Used to increase the thickness in some cosmetics. In high concentration it can irritate the skin and eyes. Helps make cheap water down products appear to have a thick and rich consistency.
5. Collagen: Used to provide a coating on the skins surface. Companies state that it will penetrate and increase your own collagen when in fact; the fat molecules are too large to be absorbed by the skin.

Not only are the chemicals in your cosmetics misleading but the labels can be as well. Here are two very common statements that are listed on many products you use on your skin:

Hypoallergenic: Many people perceive this to mean that they will not be allergic to the product.“Hypo” means “under” or “less than,” so “hypoallergenic” means a product is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. There aren’t any federal regulations defining allergens. In which case it’s up to the company to decide what their meaning of the word is and so this statement has little meaning and should not be taken seriously

Natural cosmetics: This claim allows people to perceive the product as “pure” and from “mother earth”. There are actually no regulations for the meaning “natural” and therefore it is up to the company to determine their own definition for the word.

To help detoxify your body, here are some actually natural at home recipes for some alternatives for your everyday products:

Make up remover: Mix equal parts of witch hazel and EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) preferably organic into a small bottle with a pump. Shake before using and squeeze a small amount onto a cotton pad then sweep across lids and under eye to remove all your eye makeup without the chemicals.

Wax: Mix together 2 cups of brown sugar, ¼ cup of water and ¼ of lemon juice. Place in the microwave for about 20 seconds (until it bubbles slightly) and let cool for 10 seconds. Use fabric strips and popsicles strips for accuracy. Wax away!

Scrub: Mix equal parts of organic raw sugar, raw honey, and EVOO to form a paste. Next, use your fingers or a cotton pad to rub in the mixture all over your face. Exfoliating the skin will help to unclog pores and get rid of dead skin cells. Scrub for 2-3 min, twice a week to get an all over glow!

Toothpaste: Combine equal parts of baking soda and vegetable glycerin with 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil to freshen your breath.

Sunscreen: Over a hot-water bath slowly melt together 2 tbs of virgin coconut oil, 1 tbs of Shea butter, ½ tsp of sesame oil, ½ tsp of Aloe Vera gel and 2 tsp of zinc oxide. This recipe makes for a sunscreen of 15 SPF. Once melted pour mixture into a dark glass bottle (All plants oils are light sensitive and will break down and oxidize in the light). This sunscreen has a shelf life of approx 6 months.

Moisturizer: Instead of your regular face moisturizer, try using natural products like Shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil. If its good enough to put in your mouth than its good enough to put on your skin!

Brought to you by your Health Nut,

Nikky