Minimalist DIY Natural Skincare Guide

[maddystargaze]

Here is a list I put together with minimal skincare that is way cheaper then buying products at the drug store.. and is a lot better for you and the environment. I believe that the less you do with your skin the better it is!  Please share what diy natural skincare you use at home that you've found to be really effective.

Deodorant- Baking soda (put a pinch under your armpits)- some people react to it but my partner and I have never had problems
                 Coconut oil- some people find just putting coconut oil under your armpits works well
                 Melt one part corn starch, one part baking soda and two parts coconut oil in a jar and apply as needed. Add essential oils of choice but you really don't need any.

Lubricant- Coconut oil (but don't combine with condoms)

Tooth Paste- use clay mixed with essential oils, brush with a pinch of baking soda (though some people are skeptical that this may wear the enamel)

Moisturizer- Coconut oil.

Eye cream- coconut oil mixed with a couple drops of chamomile and lavender essential oil

Face Wash, Exfoliation and Moisturizing- wash your face with coconut oil or jojoba oil  (jojoba oil is expensive but it's my favorite to use on my skin) on a facecloth. 

Toner- Rose or Lavender Hydrosol (hydrosols are the same acidy as your skin. Municiple tap water is usually too alkaline and can accelerate aging. Spritzing with toner after washing your face can help you reset the acidity of your skin). You can purchase hydrosols here- https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/catalog/aromatherapy/hydrosols  .... though this could be considered a luxury item ;)

Exfoliate- Exfoliate with oatmeal powder or a pinch of baking soda

Face masks- make a mask with water and bentonite clay or raw honey,

Black and white head removal strips- heat up 1 tbsp milk and 1 tbsp gelatin. Apply to nose and forehead. Wait to dry and peel off of your skin. Steam your face or wash with a warm towel to open your pores first. I've also heard egg white and lemon work well.

Mouth Wash- Brine of seasalt (with a couple drops of essential oils). Also oil pulling does wonders for preventing cavities, refreshing the breath and reducing gum bleeding)

Lip balm- coconut oil or cacao butter. Make lip balm by mixing beeswax with coconut oil.

Soap- you can get a cheap bar of natural soap from most stores or if you want liquid soap buy a liter of dr bronner's castile soap. It will last you a long time. Using too  much soap dries out your skin. You really just need to use it on your private parts and under your armpits.

Shaving Cream for women- I just use castile soap or natural shampoo and it works fine.

Body Scrup- 1 part coconut oil mix with 1 part sugar or seasalt.

Also if you dry bush your skin you exfoliate it which reduces your need to moisturize. Dry brushing also increase circulation so even though you don't dry brush your face it makes your complexion better.

Shampoo- i buy my own shampoo. I haven't found any diy shampoo recipes compare to the natural one I use from Doterra. 

[Jardeny]

Thanks for this list.

Moisturizer - Coconut oil makes me break out like crazy, so I found another alternative is African Shea butter. I buy off ebay and since a little goes a long way, the jar lasts forever.

Face Wash - I use honey or oatmeal flour made into a paste. Downside to the oatmeal paste is that sometimes it can get a little bit messy in the shower, but it's great for skin that's prone to redness and leaves you with really soft skin when used. I also use a baby hair brush (bought for like $1 at Walmart) 3 times a week as a poor people's Clarisonic.

I've been having success using my coconut oil or other oils, like Jojoba as a pre-shampoo as I have frizz prone curly hair. I'll give jojoba a shot one of these days as a face moisturizer. Thumbs up to bentonite clay as a face mask. It's the only thing that helps a little bit with the black spots on my nose.

Someone in these boards recommended hair conditioner as a men's shaving cream substitute. I had hubby try it and he liked the results.

[jkitiara]

I started shaving with baby oil and will never go back! So soft, and store brand baby oil is like 99 cents a bottle.

I love the tip about oatmeal flour for your face cleanser. I get so red--I'm going to try it tonight! I should be able to grind some rolled oats into flour in my blender.