After realizing how horrific the ingredients are in most beauty products on the market I have become more conscious about what goes on my skin and hair. The on-going research of long chemical words just became too overwhelming. Many products that claimed they were all natural were not and I was still finding ingredients that could cause cancer and other health issues. Then there was the issue of finally finding the product that looked safe enough to try and I made the splurge, fell in love, but then the outrageous expense of keeping up with an all-natural beauty routine became too much.
When I decided to take the challenge of a zero waste journey I knew that I would have to find an alternative skincare routine that doesn’t come in a bottle with a hefty price tag. So I just started the journey of experimenting with items that I can find at the supermarket for only a few dollars. I have tried some DIY recipes already that I absolutely love and have added them to my weekly routine. My skin and hair have been drinking up these nourishing vitamins and minerals directly from the plant source and I am having a lot of fun making all natural concoctions as a little self-care Sunday routine. These 7 simple zero waste beauty ingredients that I have chosen have a lot of skin health essentials that is not only good for your internal health but can also work miracles for your external health too. You just have to try each one for yourself to find what your skin will fall in love with.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can often be found at Whole Foods, Sprouts, or Natural Grocers in Colorado and is
Aloe vera has a high level of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is also good for hydrating parched skin and hair. One of my favorite ways I use aloe vera is for my scalp when it feels itchy and dry. Aloe Vera helps protect hair and strengthens hair follicles.
It is also good for healing acne and lightening acne scars. It is a really good moisturizer for oily skin as it absorbs fast and smoothes fine lines. Also use it as a makeup remover, cleanser, shampoo, shaving cream, hand sanitizer, mouth wash, anti-frizz gel and so much more.
My favorite recipe featuring this skin-loving ingredient is this hair mask by the magnificent Sophia Roe. She is a fellow curly hair, beauty, and wellness genius that I am always finding a plethora of inspiring tips. She is one of my all-time favorite ladies to follow and the most genuinely good human on the internet. The aloe and coconut milk combo is life changing for unmanageable, lackluster, and dry curls. I try to do this mask on a weekly basis because it delivers instant results.
2. Salt
I am guessing most everyone has experienced an Epson salt bath and its healing benefits. Natural sea salt delivers lots of skin-loving vitamins and minerals. Including magnesium, potassium, calcium,
My personal favorite is that amazing Himalayan pink salt. Not only is it pretty it is also one of the purest forms of salt with a long list of health benefits when swapping it for your typical table salt. It can lower blood pressure, clear toxins
This is an easy ingredient you can find in the bulk food section or bulk spices section at your supermarket. It is very inexpensive and a must to have on hand. There is nothing better than unwinding to a bath with my favorite detoxifying salts and essential oils. Try this DIY salt bath with eucalyptus and rose petals here. It is also an amazing natural exfoliator for your face and body. Even try adding it to your homemade bars of soaps like this recipe here. I am dying to try this recipe featuring pink clay and rose as well. Also check out this recipe for a powerhouse DIY salt scrub that will surely leave your skin looking radiant and ageless.
3. Grapefruit
I love the energizing sensation I get from eating a fresh, juicy grapefruit. Whenever they are in season I am always grabbing one for an afternoon snack and pick me up. The powerful vitamins in grapefruit can have the same effect on your skin too.
With it being loaded with Vitamin C I am already on board with using this ingredient whenever I can for my skin. Vitamin C helps protect skin from UV rays and increases the effectiveness of sunscreen. Vitamin C is a must-have in order for our bodies to produce collagen which ultimately helps reduces fine lines, sagging skin, and wrinkles. Plus it is loaded with fiber and lycopene, which ads up to lots of toxin clearing benefits for both inside and outside wellness.
This grapefruit, cinnamon, and salt scrub is a must as we try to get through the rest of winter. It is important to not skip this crucial nightly skincare step in order to reveal fresh glowing skin underneath all the make-up and dry skin cells.
4. Avocado
Avocados are quite literally life. I don’t know what I would do if they disappeared. I try and eat avocados every day in my smoothie, as a snack, or for a delicious dinner recipe. If I ever have a little leftover I will whip it up in the blender and throw it in my hair for a moisture kick. It is the best one-ingredient hair mask especially when you live in a dry climate. I often feel desperate for moisture and an avocado mask for my skin and hair always does the trick.
Most of the powerful benefits come from carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. These properties attack free radicals and also helps skin build a stronger structure by thickening and brightening skin. The avocado creates a barrier that keeps moisture in and also penetrates its nutrients deep into your skin for added benefits that restore your skin. The flesh where the dark green edge is where the powerful nutrients are most concentrated.
Avocado is rich in omega 3 and 9 fatty acids that help hydrate and soften skin and hair. It is also high in vitamin A, D, and E which are all vitamins that help repair environmental damage. Avocados also contain biotin which helps strengthen hair, skin, and nails. Try this avocado and spirulina face mask to help hydrate and clear redness. Or this simple avocado and oat face mask is good for moisturizing and exfoliating.
5. Lemon
Lemon is a mild astringent that cuts through oil on your skin and scalp. This also helps cure pesky acne. The anti-bacterial benefits of lemons help dry up the acne kill the bacteria at the same time. It is also a natural remedy for blackheads and it will help clear out and tighten your pores. The alpha hydroxy acid exfoliates the skin without scrubbing and irritating the skin which helps to reduce redness and dead skin cells in a gentle way. It also helps reduce the appearance of sun damage and age spots.
Try this lemon and sage exfoliator. Also, use it cut through dandruff and product build up on your scalp. It also may lighten your color for those who want natural highlights, but be careful using it in your hair if you don’t want your color to fade. For an easy face mask to remove dead skin cells just add lemon and full-fat yogurt together. If you want to reduce age spots and skin damage add lemon and witch hazel together for a vitamin C rich toner. Find all the recipes and more here.
6. Oats
Oats can easily be found in the bulk foods section and can be blended or ground up and used as a natural exfoliator. They are packed with fats and antioxidants that hydrate and rejuvenate skin. I use it with my favorite cleanser whenever my face needs a good scrub.
They have a natural soap like property called saponins that does wonders for drawing out toxins and dirt from your pores. They are also anti-inflammatory and help balance skins PH level and is great for sensitive and irritated skin.
Try this soothing oat and lavender bath soak for those winter months to relieve dry and itchy skin. There is also this great detox cleanser that I am dying to try with clay and activated charcoal.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV can easily be zero waste and reduce food scraps if you make your own. Learn how with the Zero Waste Chef blog. ACV is an acetic acid that contains lactic, citric, and malic acids. These properties work together and gently exfoliate by dissolving dead skin cells. For the face, it has beneficial enzymes, proteins, and good bacteria that penetrate deep into the skin. It is antimicrobial and antibacterial and antiseptic which helps balance PH levels and washes away acne. Plus it can relieve rosacea, eczema, or even psoriasis.
I use ACV every day as a conditioner as it softens my hair and gently removes product buildup and dandruff. Check out this hair rinse guide with tips on how to make a rinse that fits your needs and hair type. It also strengthens hair letting it be more resistant to breakage and split ends. It is also great for acne and age spots. Nourish the skin and remove toxins by adding honey, salt, and apple cider vinegar. Also, add it to your bath to emerge with glowing and moisturized skin. It also can be a great ingredient for DIY deodorant.
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