More and more of us are staying away from commercial beauty and health-care products full of harsh chemicals and toxins. But many alternative organic and natural products are pricey. If you’re watching your budget (and who isn’t these days?), there are plenty of natural ingredients that are just as good, perhaps even better, than what you’d buy at a beauty counter. Here are some products that you’d find in your kitchen’s pantry that are good for your health and great for your looks.
Pink (Himalayan) Salt
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Not only is pink salt stunning, with its delicate pink, rose-like color, but it is rich in 80-plus nourishing minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, traces of boron, zinc and copper, all of which are necessary for good health. This purest form of sea salt is used for cooking, in place of other table salt, and balances electrolytes, eliminates toxins and supports proper nutrient absorption.
Pink salt is also great for cleansing and detoxifying the skin and is often used as a treatment for dry skin, acne, and even psoriasis. Dissolve a handful in the tub for a soothing bath that will stimulate circulation and soothe sore muscles.
Apple Cider Vinegar
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Although it may sound strange, apple cider vinegar is a great treatment for hair. It prevents split ends, removes residue from conditioners, highly alkaline shampoos and styling products, and leaves your mane smoother and shinier. Try mixing one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into one cup of warm filtered tap water. Apply the rinse after shampooing, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out fully with water. You may notice a slight vinegar smell, but it will disappear as your hair dries.
Apple cider vinegar, which has a pH similar to skin, is also great for your complexion. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water (or more water if you have sensitive skin) to make a refreshing astringent toner that helps reduce blemishes, red marks and softens skin. Lightly dab or spray it on your face after cleansing. The vinegar smell will dissipate quickly.
Baking Soda
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You probably have a bright-orange Arm & Hammer box of baking soda in your refrigerator to eliminate odors, and maybe in your cupboard for baking. But this kitchen staple, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can be used as an alternative to many expensive beauty treatments. For a reinvigorating facial scrub, make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub gently onto your face with circular strokes, then rinse with warm water.
Baking soda can also be used to remove stains from tooth enamel, giving you whiter teeth. Simply pour some baking soda into a small dish, dip in your damp toothbrush into it so the bristles are covered, brush for about one minute then rinse with water. Alternatively, you can combine baking soda with your toothpaste. Add toothpaste to your brush, then sprinkle baking soda onto it.
Cinnamon
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This flavorful spice is not just for baking. Its been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to remedy a host of health issues including indigestion and the flu. But did you know it can also work as an inexpensive and effective lip plumper? Here’s what to do: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your lips, then gently pat a pinch of cinnamon on top. Rub it around the surface of your lips for a few seconds and then let it sit for a minute. The mixture will sting your lips slightly. Wipe it off with a tissue, then add a little more Vaseline to soothe your lips.
Coconut Oil
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You may be using coconut oil for stir-frying, sautéing and baking, but this healthy food item also offers a host of beauty benefits. Celebrities like actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Emma Stone cite it as one of their favorite beauty ingredients. Coconut oil can be used in a variety of ways from moisturizing dry skin to removing even the most resistant waterproof mascara. It’s also used as an under-eye and eyelid cream, a lip balm, a body moisturizer.
And for a wonderful body scrub, melt about a half cup of coconut oil at very low heat (if it’s solid), pour over one cup of brown sugar and stir well. Massage the body scrub over damp skin in circular motions and then rinse. If you want it to smell extra-delicious, put a few drops of an essential oil into the mixture.
Honey
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Honey is often considered a healthier sweetener, but you may be surprised to learn that it’s great for your face and nails. Honey gently removes dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of natural oils, balances oily skin, and moisturizes dry skin. Indeed, the sweetener reportedly has excellent antibacterial and healing properties and calms sensitive and acne-prone skin. Next time you’re at the grocer’s, look for raw honey. Make sure the label says “raw” or “unpasteurized” or “unfiltered.” To use it, take about a half teaspoon, warm it between your fingers, add a few drops of water for a spreadable consistency, and smooth it gently on your face. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. To moisturize nail cuticles, mix one teaspoon honey with one teaspoon apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon coconut oil. Rub into cuticles, let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, rinse.
By using ingredients that you have at home, you not only avoid splurging on a store-bought beauty product, but you have the satisfaction of knowing your ingredients are totally natural.
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