This post was written by monthly contributor, Katie Drumm. To read more posts by Katie, click here.
Last time I told you why natural living matters to me. Hopefully that sparked some of your interests and maybe you desire to know how you can begin to live more naturally. The first area of natural living that I learned about was beauty products-things that go on our bodies. My hope is that this list will help you ease into a world of Natural Living when it comes to your body and your family’s bodies.
1. Learn about the products your currently using.
Visit the site Skin Deep and search for what you are currently using on your body. You may be surprised at the results. You can also use this site to find better store-bought alternatives than what you’re currently using. Make sure to check the products you’re using on your kiddos too!
2. Get rid of the toxic stuff.
Once you research what you’re currently using you may find that some of the items you thought were safe aren’t. Well, get rid of them! If a product is scored 7-10, it’s no good! I know we can find you a better alternative.
3. Switch to coconut oil.![]( "IMG_3772")
Coconut oil is a staple in any natural lifestyle. It can be used for just about anything (including cooking!). Use coconut oil as a natural alternative to lotion, moisturizer, eye make-up remover, shaving gel, hair conditioner, and even hair gel! It’s safe on baby too (use as lotion and diaper rash cream)! I buy our virgin coconut oil online from Mountain Rose Herbs.
*A couple notes on coconut oil: it’s solid under about 76 degrees, never fear, just rub it in your palms and it will turn to liquid quickly! Use Refined Coconut Oil for your body and Unrefined Coconut Oil for cooking.
4. Find an alternative body wash.
The soap you use goes all over your body-if you don’t think that is such a big deal, rub some garlic on the bottom of your feet and notice how quickly you can taste it! The products we put on our body matter. The best soap I’ve found is Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap. We use Baby Mild so we can all use the same soap. We dilute it 1:1 with water and use loofahs to suds it up.
5. Stop washing your face.
I know it sounds crazy. I know. Just stay with me. First, a good reason to stop washing your face is because there are probably nasty chemicals in your face wash. Check it out on Skin Deep if you don’t believe me. Second, that adult acne that you just can’t explain? Yea, it’s probably hanging out on your face because you’re stripping your face of its natural chemicals. Your face is overproducing oil in an attempt to combat the synthetic chemicals you use to scrub away the natural chemicals every morning and evening! It’s not good for you! I suggest that you stop washing your face. Let me tell you where I started with this whole idea and then I’ll tell you about my current facial routine.
The Oil Cleaning Method
Basically, you mix Castor Oil (in the laxative section of the drug store-usually the bottom shelf) and some other kind of oil. Sunflower oil is the recommended type of oil to use (I get mine from organicdirect.com), but initially I used Extra Virgin Olive Oil and it worked just fine. I mixed 15% Caster Oil to 85% EVOO (1 1/2 tsp Caster Oil to 2 5/6 Tbs EVOO), which works for my skin type, but if you have super dry skin, you’ll want less Caster Oil. If you have really oily skin you’ll want more Caster Oil. You’ll just have to experiment with the mixture. After mixing the two oils together you can store them in a glass bottle.
Go to The Oil Cleansing Method website and scroll to the bottom for the step-by-step directions. It really is a great and relaxing thing to do. I cleansed my face this way for about five months and had really great results. After two initial weeks of my face rebalancing its chemicals, my face was super soft and super clear. I’d really encourage you to try this.
Water
Then I got really sick during my pregnancy and just gave up. I started simply rinsing my face with water every morning and every evening. Lo and behold my face was clear throughout my entire pregnancy. Now, it could have been the hormones, but if you already have fairly clear skin, you may want to try just water.
The Oil Cleansing Method Remix
Recently my face has been much drier than I would like. So I’ve gone back to using the same oil mixture that I used when I did the Oil Cleansing Method, but I’ve simplified the process and it works for me! What I do now is rinse my face with water after a shower and then pour a small line of the oil mixture onto my middle finger about as long as 2/3 of it. I gently rub the oil onto my finger tips and then rub and pat the mixture onto my face (as you would a moisturizer). I let the oils seep into my skin (as long as it takes me to brush my teeth) and then I put my make-up on over the oil. At night I just rinse my face with water. If I’m feeling like my face is too dry, I might put some oil on my face again at night like I do in the mornng. It’s working great and I love my skin right now! Plus, it’s really easy and simple and cheap!
Click here for part 2!
As Katie has studied and learned more and more about what it means to be a godly woman, she has become passionate about cultivating her home, the health of her family, and her heart for the Lord. Through these pursuits, she has begun to learn about living a more natural life. Her husband, her son, and she live north of Houston where they attempt a modern-day natural lifestyle, joyfully serve at their church, run a photography business, and enjoy just spending time with each other. You can find more tips for living a natural lifestyle while loving Jesus every step of the way at homehealthheart.wordpress.com.
