We often lean towards beauty products that contain harmful ingredients that have many long-term side effects and can be damaging to our health. But no worries — there are many household ingredients that can substitute many of these harmful beauty products. Following are some natural beauty alternatives to help you kick start your journey into a healthier and more natural you.
Shampoo
Many of the shampoos on the market have ingredients that can be damaging and drying to your hair due to the fact that it can strip your hair of its natural oils, depending on your hair type. That’s why many companies have started making their shampoos sulfate-free! What many people also don’t know is that there are many natural ingredients that you can use in place of the harmful shampoos.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
This clarifies the scalp of product build up, balances your hair’s pH and moisturizes.
- Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle
- Shake and spray the vinegar on the scalp and hair
- Follow with your favorite conditioner
2. Lemon and Tea Tree Oil
Both of these ingredients are antibacterial and helps with dryness.
- Mix lemon and 4 drops of tea tree oil and massage into hair
- Rinse and follow with a conditioner
Deodorant
There have been many studies showing deodorant is linked to cancer. This is partially due the fact that deodorant clogs your pores and acts as a barrier not allowing the sweat from your sweat glands to secrete and remove toxins. In turn, these toxins go elsewhere in the body.
Facial Cleansers
Are you one of the many people that has spent so much money on everything from Proactive to prescriptions to the latest Clean and Clear products? In some cases, facial cleansers also have ingredients that lead to dryness and sometimes even more breakouts…such as sulfate, fragrance, petroleum and parabens. To avoid these issues, here are some natural ways to get clean skin.
1. Oil Cleansing Method
- Using your favorite oil (it could be olive, coconut-castor oil, etc.), rub it into your skin gently massaging your skin in a circular motion
- Use a warm wash cloth to wipe the excess oil off of your face, allowing the cloth to sit on the face for a while
2. Honey
Honey is has anti-bacterial properties so it helps fight acne. It also helps reduce redness and moisturizes the skin.
- Rub the honey on your skin and allow it to still at the least 5 minutes, then wash it off with hot water
3. Cleansing Grains
- Milk, cream or yogurt for dry skin
- Lemon juice or water for oily skin
- Water, honey, peppermint tea or glycerin for normal skin
- Simply use it as you would you normal face wash
Hair Gel
Excessive use of hair gel is drying due the fact that it has alcohol in it. Here’s a recipe to a organic hair gel. Aloe vera gel is also a great alternative.
Teeth Whitener
Skip the bleach and other whitening strips that damage your teeth enamel and go for a more natural alternative.
1. Strawberries and Baking Soda
- Mix the two ingredients and allow it to coat your teeth for at least 15 minutes, then rinse your mouth
2. Oil Pulling Method
This rids the mouth of toxins and bacteria allow for fresher breath, whiter teeth and a great smile.
- Take a capful of the oil of your choice (olive oil, sesame oil, castor oil, etc.) put it in your mouth and swish as you would mouth wash for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse with warm water or salt water
3. Baking Soda and Peroxide
- Mix the two ingredients into a paste and apply to teeth for 15 to 20 minutes
4. Baking Soda
- Sprinkle baking soda onto your tooth brush before you apply your tooth paste and brush as normal
Sunscreen
There are natural ingredients, some may be found in our kitchens, that work to protect us from overexposure to the sun. Many are oils that contain SPF properties such as:
1. Raspberry Seed Oil. The highest of all natural ingredients, contains an estimated SPF of 30-50.
2. Shea Butter. An excellent skin protectant with an SPF of approximately 6-10.This is due to the fact that it is rich in vitamin E & F.
3. Carrot Seed Oil. Carrot seed oil is an essential oil and has been estimated to contain SPF levels of 30.
4. Wheat Germ Oil. While super nourishing for the skin, it too possesses a natural SPF of 20.
5. Sesame oil, Coconut Oil, Hemp oil, Avocado oil, Soybean, and Peanut Oil. All contain SPF levels between 4-10.
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Don’t know where to go to get natural ingredients in Richmond? Here are some great local options!
- Ellwood Thompson’s (4 N. Thompson Street)
- The Fresh Market (10 N. Nansemond Street)
- Farm Fresh (2320 E. Main Street)
- Farmer’s Market (100 N. 17th Street) Thursdays, fresh market (growers and bakers), 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays, bohemian market (growers and handmade products), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays, vintage market (antiques, collectibles, crafts), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Whole Foods Market (11173 W. Broad Street)
- Trader Joe’s (11331 W. Broad Street)