You could be surrounded by millions of products in the supermarkets which claim to be natural and herbal. Cosmetic and cleansing products which promote active ingredients, natural extracts and biochemical formulation. Very few of these products are 100% natural and many still have high chemical content for the formulation, foam, and preservation.
Why Routine Skin Care is Required?
Your skin is already exposed to pollution, atmospheric chemicals, harsh soaps and cosmetics, artificial contents in processed food and harmful chemicals found in natural product from fertilizers and pesticides. Knowingly and unknowingly, Individuals (especially urban settlers) are exposed to an array of harmful chemicals in their day-do-lives and this has a long-term impact on their health and well-being. This also has immediate and visible effects on the skin and hair.
Since the overall nutrition content in fast food and processed food is lower than fresh vegetables and fruits – the skin and hair are already deprived of vital vitamins and minerals. Smoke, dust and particulate matter settle on the hair to cause dry and damaged hair. The skin also is affected by higher UV exposure, dust and pollution also reduce the glow and vitality of the skin. Continued exposure can cause wrinkle, aging, and dehydration in the skin.
In order to combat the damage from the harsh outdoor environment, we sometimes end up exposing our skin to harsh chemicals in the shower. To reduce the overall chemical exposure and maintain the long-term health of the hair and skin, here are some tried and tested natural alternatives to chemicals and artificial products. We have prepared a herbal routine for skin care that is easy and effective – and also easy on the pocket.
Exfoliation
Replace artificial and harsh face scrubs with natural and gentle exfoliants for all skin types. Instead of removing excess skin layers – these natural remedies help in mild exfoliation and keep the skin hydrated. You can use various natural combinations and see what suits your skin type and gives the best results.
A pumpkin and sugar scrub (with Jojoba oil and vitamin E capsules) is ideal for combination skin for the face and body.
You can also use coffee grounds mixed with yogurt for oily skin type.
For dry skin, try blended oats with olive oil and honey scrub.
Remember, gentle and rotational movement is ideal for cell regeneration and improved circulation
Toning
Toning your skin with Aloe Vera is the simplest and most effective way to keep the skin hydrated while reducing oil content on the face. You can also choose a combination of vinegar + rose water or mint leaves + mineral water. If you are looking for a refreshed look and rejuvenated the skin, try a cooled down cup of natural green tea with cotton swabs on the face.
Moisturizing
Putting aside the misconception that oily skin does not require moisturizing – let us embrace that all skin types need different contents and frequency of moisturizing. Olive oil and raw coconut oil are known to have benefits for the long-term well-being of the skin. You can also use fresh cream for dry skin treatment and regular moisturizing routine.
Lip Balm
Chapped and darkened lips do not recover easily from the dryness and discoloration. Using a natural healing lip balm can replenish the natural nutrition and hydration to give you soft and supple lips.
Melted Beeswax mixed with peppermint oil and cocoa powder is an instant cocoa lip balm for hydrated lips. You can also place coconut oil, Shea butter, beeswax in the oven and add essential oils when they start cooling. Coconut helps heal and soften damaged lips.
Face Mask
Your face deserves gentle and effective care. Discard your store-bought face products with these miraculous home-made face masks!
For treating uneven skin, mix natural yogurt with honey and turmeric powder. This mask restores moisture in the skin and gently removes dead skin cells.
For hydration and shine, mix avocado with honey and grounded oats. Massaging over the face not only hydrates (honey) but also repairs skin tissue.
For pore management and skin tightening, mix egg whites with honey and lemon juice. The astringent-rich mask will tighten the skin and reveal a younger face.
Night Cream
Why sleep with chemicals on your face when you can make your own herbal and healing night cream? For all skin types, blend an apple with rose oil into a paste and mix it with rose water in a double boiler, apply every night for younger, radiant skin.
Some people prefer rubbing an Aloe Vera plant directly on the face before sleeping but you can add primrose and lavender oil to it for soft and pimple-free skin.
Hair oil
You can protect your hair from dryness and damage by simply replacing some hair products with natural remedies. For hair loss prevention, use Gooseberry (Indian Amla) dried and boiled with coconut oil (till it becomes black). Wash hair after 20 minutes of massaging to enrich your skin with the Vitamin C from Amla. You can also choose castor oil for hair growth (on the scalp and eyebrows) because of it’s protein-rich, anti-bacterial properties.
Hair Mask
For instantly soft and nourished hair, apply a mashed avocado mixed with peppermint oil and yogurt. Wash after 15 minutes to see the protein magic of this moisturizing mask. A mashed pumpkin with honey pack for 15 minutes can instantly charge your hair with vitamins A and C, carotene and zinc. Best part? This mask works well for the face too!
For controlling dry and frizzy hair, apply Apple Cider Vinegar (1 spoon) mixed with water (1 cup) and leave it for five minutes. Rinse for shiny, set hair!
Natural Shampoo
Yes! You can make your own shampoo at home to suit the needs of your hair and prevent the heavy chemicals found in commercial shampoos. For dandruff treatment blend 1 spoon Apple-cider-vinegar with 3 spoons apple juice, 1/4th spoon distilled water, 1/4th spoon castile soap, ½ spoon jojoba oil, and 4 grounded cloves. Refrigerate and use for 2 days before discarding. For Dry hair, mix 1/4th cup coconut oil with castile soap, essential oils, and ½ tsp almond oil.
