Less Crap, More *Glow* — Very Simple & Successful DIY Skincare Tips
About a year ago I began exploring the idea of simplifying my skincare “routine” (I can barely call it that because it was never quite a routine at all) as well as reducing my beauty / bathroom related waste. I’ve never been fond of using too many products on my skin — especially considering that the US federal government doesn’t require any health studies or pre-market testing of said products.
I also cringe at the idea of animal testing and wanted to start becoming much more conscious of the products I was buying and businesses I was supporting in regard to if they took part in this practice. Cruelty Free Kitty is an awesome reference to use when keeping an eye on what brands you are supporting. You can search specific companies right on their home page to see if they are cruelty-free, or not. They even provide specific lists of companies that do not test on animals and companies that do.
Below are a few recipes / alternatives I now so happily use — I’ll be sure to update this post and edit / add to the list as time goes on!
1) Moisturizer — this one is easy! OIL!!! Okay, I know that sounds crazy. Especially coming from someone who HAD combination / oily skin… but I swear by this! Your face produces extra oils when it is dehydrated and dry and therefore you get oily skin, breakouts, etc. There might be a brief adjustment period (for me it was just a couple days) where your skin is getting used to the oil intake — wait it out.
I personally use Cold Pressed Organic Rosehip Seed Oil. This works well with controlling breakouts / acne. Explore other options too! I have used coconut oil and olive oil in the past and those also worked well! Argan Oil and Frankincense are said to have anti-aging effects. A drop of tea tree oil helps further clarify. The list goes on!
2) Make Up Remover — refer to moisturizer, grease cuts through make up! But, to be ~fancy~ I do something slightly different for my make-up remover. I use olive oil mixed with Castor Oil, because Castor Oil is said to support hair growth and I live in fear of thinning lashes and eyebrows (lol). I also add a couple drops of Lavender and Frankincense essential oil — Frankincense can also help with uneven coloring, dark spots, and as I mentioned signs of aging!
3) Cleanser — … oil. I promise this is the last one. No need to use a cleanser that is going to put you at square one and strip your face of the natural oils it needs! I keep a bottle of Rosehip Seed Oil in my shower, wet my face with warm water, put a few drops in the palm of my hand, and lather up my face. When I do this I seldom moisturize with oil afterwards — other than times in the fall / winter where my face feels dry minutes later and needs the extra love!
4) Toner — a personal favorite toner of mine is Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel. It is gentle, but absolutely gets the job done. Not to mention, I really love smelling like roses. I may or may not have stock piled this stuff when I caught a good sale one time… BUT when I do run out I’m looking forward to making my own toner in efforts to reduce my waste! I’ve heard of people having great success using kombucha vinegar or apple cider vinegar with a couple drops of tea tree. I’ll keep you posted on this one.
5) Rose Water — simply because it’s refreshing and yummy. Although it does help tighten pores, smooth fine lines, and balance skin’s pH on top of just being great. I keep Rose Water from Heritage Products for on-the-go use. It is so refreshing to have when traveling and to quickly use in the middle of a busy day — I have also made my own! This is how I make it and it works out great for me! All you need are roses and water! I have used both dried and fresh and had equal success.
6) Dry Brushing — dry brushing is a traditional Ayurvedic method of cleansing the body of toxins. It stimulates the lymphatic system and unclogs skin pores — allowing your skin to better breathe. I am just starting this practice, after reading that is is especially beneficial for those who are predominantly Kapha dosha. @MindBodyGreen has a great post on the benefits of dry brushing, as well as how to do it. This article, from Banyan Botanicals, further explains the Ayurvedic details of this practice.
I think that just about wraps it up for now! Would love feedback on how any / all of this works out for you!
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