Planet Organic fanatic? Spend your Sunday’s cruisin’ and schmozin’ around your local Farmer’s market, Seeded Organic Wholegrain Loaf in hand? That’s all well and good… But have you ever thought about what you put on your skin? Research tells us that we absorb over 60% of what goes onto our skin, and yet most of us don’t think twice about smothering ourselves in a barrage of different chemicals throughout the day.
Of course, it’s true that skincare products have to meet particular safety standards nowadays. But what we often don’t think about is the collective effect of using different products. Whilst your moisturizer alone might get the go-ahead, when you combine it alongside your toner, cleanser, make-up remover and bronzer you’ll find yourself in a chemical cocktail overload no ones wants to find themselves in. When it comes to looking after your skin, the best rule to stand by is this: if you wouldn’t eat it, then it’s probably best not to rub it into your skin.
Fortunately, there are lots of cheap and easy-to-make natural skincare solutions that can help you to look and feel your very best. Here are some DIY skincare tips to help nourish you from the outside in, as well as the inside out.
Makeup remover
COCONUT OIL
Wave goodbye to that dreaded nightly eye scrub with the help of a little coconut oil. Coconut oil makes a great, cheap alternative to irritating makeup wipes as it helps to break up even water-resistant ingredients found in mascaras and eye shadows. Simply rub a little bit of coconut oil onto your hand to warm it up and rub gently across your eye area (making sure not to get any directly into your eyes). Then remove using a cotton bud.
Simply rub a little bit of coconut oil onto your hand to warm it up and rub gently across your eye area (making sure not to get any directly into your eyes). Then remove using a cotton bud.
Toner
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND WATER
Anyone who’s enjoyed that familiar tang of Apple Cider Vinegar might feel a little daunted at the prospect of putting it on their skin. But what many people don’t realize is that the skin is actually naturally acid, with a pH of around 5. It’s acidic to protect us from a whole host of different bacteria, fungus, and toxins. Disrupting this balance (as many store-bought products do) can destroy this natural protective barrier and reap havoc on the skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar makes a great toner as it helps to restore the skin’s natural pH, remove excess oils and tighten up any pores. For best results, mix 1-part Apple Cider Vinegar with 2 parts water and rub gently across the skin.
Moisturizer
AVOCADO OIL OR MASHED UP RIPE AVOCADO
Avocados (or cold-pressed avocado oil) make up one of the richest sources of fatty acids like oleic acid. These healthy fats are great for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. What’s more – they’re even great for oily acne-prone skin too. Either massage in a few drops of cold-pressed avocado oil or go the natural root with the real deal.
Cut open a ripe avocado and mash the meat into an even, creamy consistency using a fork. Rub into your face and leave on for up to 15 minutes while doing a quick, calming meditation before washing off or jumping in the shower. For some an added mineral boost stir in a teaspoon of superfood king Spirulina.
As with most things, when it comes to making the right skincare choices, it’s best to keep it simple. Whilst there’s no need to go drastic and bin the entire contents of your beloved beauty drawer right away, gradually switching up standard beauty products and replacing them with natural, organic ingredients can go a long way towards lowering your daily toxic overload. Not only will your skin thank you for it, but your bank balance might look a little healthier too!
