Whether out of concern for the environment or out of concern for your health, you may be considering switching your regular cosmetics and health products to organic and natural ones. You have to be careful because some products may seem natural or organic, but, in fact, contain preservatives and other chemicals you may want to avoid. When shopping for beauty products, always read the labels carefully. You can also make some products at home or make other adjustments to your lifestyle to look your best naturally.
Inspect the Ingredient List
Many cosmetic products contain parabens, which are preservatives that help prevent makeup from spoiling quickly. The problem with parabens is that they may mimic hormones in the body and may lead to certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, although the evidence is inconclusive, according to a report from the National Cancer Institute. Before purchasing makeup, lotion or any body product, read the ingredient label. If the product does not list its ingredients on the package, put it back on the shelf and look for something that does list its ingredients. If you are interested in the first product, call the manufacturer or look online for ingredient information. The Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic database provides information on how much of a health and environmental risk products are, based on their ingredients.
Make Your Own All-Natural Products
You probably won’t be able to make your own natural mascara or lipstick, but you can make a face mask and pamper your skin naturally. Puree fruits, such as strawberries, avocado or bananas, and smooth on your face. Slough off dead skin by grinding nuts, such as almonds, or seeds, such as flax, mixing in with the fruit and scrubbing your face. You can also make a toner to cleanse gently and refresh your skin. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water. Use a cotton ball to apply this to your skin.
Improve Your Appearance from the Inside Out
You don’t necessarily need a jars of face creams, cosmetics or perfume to look your best. One way to improve your appearance is to switch your diet from one full of processed, preservative-laden food to one full of organic fruits and vegetables. According to the Mayo Clinic, fruits, such as cherries and apples, vegetables, such as spinach and nuts, help to improve your skin’s appearance. Flavoring your food with some spices, including turmeric and cinnamon, can improve blood flow and the look of your skin as well.
Look for Natural Scents
Some people avoid using regular antiperspirants because they contain aluminum and phthalates. Some types of phthalates are known to cause reproductive problems, according to testimony by Dr. John Bucher before the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the U.S. House of Representatives. Replacing conventional antiperspirants with a natural deodorant can be tricky, since deodorants only mask odor, and don’t block sweat. According to a test conducted by Kate Sheppard, a writer for Grist, an environmental news website, the natural crystal deodorant stick performed best at blocking odor. Add more scent to your body by using perfumes made from scented oils and not synthetic fragrances.
Photo Credit
- spices image by BlueMiniu from Fotolia.com
