I have been a licensed facialist for over a decade now. I took a break from that part of my career once I had my first daughter. Since I got pregnant with her, my whole outlook on health has dramatically changed. I had a home birth with both my children in order to avoid synthetic drugs for me and my babies. I have switched out many of my processed food favorites for a more healthy and preferably organic alternative.
Upon finding food alternatives, I started researching the skin care industry. I was shocked to learn that the industry is not regulated by any association. In fact, a huge percentage of skin care products contain at least one ingredient that is harmful and it isn’t even listed on the bottle! Not to mention all the info. that is readily available about the dangers of synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives.
Propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, petroleum, parabens, and antibacterial compounds are all common to body products and all cause alarming side effects such as hormonal disruptions, infertility, dermatitis, premature aging and cancer to just name a few. So, it became clear that part of my “green” journey was to include making skin care products for my family and friends.
I also found out that Europe has banned thousands and thousands of harmful ingredients while the U.S. has only banned 11.
The skin is the bodies largest organ. It absorbs a huge percentage of what we put on it. I realized that if I wouldn’t eat it then why would I lather it on my skin? At least when we eat something we have enzymes in our saliva and stomach that help break it down and flush it out of the body! What goes on our skin goes directly into the blood stream which bypasses this filtration system. Essential oils, organic oils (olive, sweet almond, jojoba, etc.) infused distilled waters and beeswax are just some of the ingredients I’ve become familiar with. All of them are safe to eat and very nourishing to the skin.
I started out making body balms, lip balms, cleansers and toners. I’ve recently been experimenting with adding water to oils to make creams. In the near future my goal is to find a shampoo recipe, deodorant recipe, and laundry detergent recipe! This has been such an exciting venture for me. I hope to share many recipes and tips and inspire you to take a good look at what you are putting on your skin and in your body!
Remember, your DIY projects are only as effective and clean as your ingredients are pure. I link only ingredients that I have experience with and trust that they are high quality.
xx, Jenni
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Excellent post I’m doing the same thing out of being forced to. I’m finding my body inside and outside just doesn’t like this toxic soup stuff anymore. Everything I used prior to making my products breaks me out now or some kind of bad reaction so I’ve been forced to learn differently. I rather take the time to learn and know just what I’m putting into my body. Its amazing how well I feel with just these small changes. Plus it gives me a creative outlet, its my hobby. I love all kinds of glass jars and label makers, LOL
Hey jenni, I love your site! I have a question. I’m turning 50 this year and I’m just getting into DIY skin care and primal diet. (Really excited). You have so many great recipes, I don’t know where to start. I want the works! My skin is normal, but maturing as I speak. I also have a few broken capillaries and some sun spots. What would you recommend. Thanks in advance! Vicki. P.S. Do you have a cream foundation?
Vicki-Hi! Thank you!! I would suggest oil cleansing-here’s a recipe for a cleanser. Also a toner and moisturizer. Serums are great too, especially for sun spots and broken capillaries!
Hope this helps!!
I will look into a cream foundation. I use a mineral foundation but would really prefer to make it into a cream-stay tuned!
I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to
be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs?
I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write in relation to here.
Again, awesome web site!
Ava-Thank you! I don’t do guest posts at this time. Thank you though!
I think its great that you mention sources for pure, fresh, high quality coconut oil and olive oil in this post. I went to Mountain Rose Herbs’ website and found that the vast majority of their carrier oils are imported. For example, Mountain Rose Herbs is selling avocado and almond oil from Kenya. What are the chances that Kenyan almond and avocado oils are fresh and high quality compared to buying these oils directly from any of a number of small family run companies that produce these oils right here in the States.
Bob-For sure buy local if you have a source. That would be awesome to get oils fresh, local and be able to support small businesses! I don’t have any known sources of anything natural besides beeswax where I live. If you have any companies you suggest that ship, I’d love to find out!