How Cleaning Your Environment Can Save Your Life, Pt. 4
PERSONAL CARE
When it comes to personal care, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest fads. Every week a new product is overhyped by influencers across the internet. Between makeup, skincare, sunscreen, shampoo, and deodorant, there’s a lot of options for what you can put on your body.
Most personal care supplies on the market contain chemicals unless they’re explicitly organic. A lot of these unsuspected additives are the very same carcinogenic, bio-disrupting compounds we’ve discussed throughout our How Cleaning Your Environment Can Save Your Life series.
In this final installment, we’ll look at ingredients to avoid in personal care, what to buy instead, and offer you some DIY recipes!
DEODORANT
There are four main chemicals to watch out for in deodorant: aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and triclosan.
Aluminum is a heavy metal linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It is easily absorbed through the skin and accumulates in our system over time. Our entire lymphatic system will be taxed if we use deodorant with aluminum, because it is applied directly to the lymph under our arms.
Parabens, usually used as preservatives, are known to change our natural production of hormones. Any hormone differences have an effect on our endocrine and reproductive systems- something to consider when there’s a reproductive health crisis happening across the globe.
Phthalates are typically included to add fragrance to the formula. They have to same hormonal effects as parabens, and studies link them with developmental disorders as well.
Triclosan is antibacterial. However, its benefits are outweighed by the hormonal disruption is causes, not to mention its status as a “forever chemical”. Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are not easily broken down and linger in the environment.
Many deodorant brands (which we shall not name) advertise themselves as aluminum-free, leading consumers to believe the product is body-safe. Even if something is aluminum free, it may still contain preservatives and other additives that harm the body. Always read the label to find out!
It is possible to make your own deodorant. Here’s a simple recipe:
DIY DEODORANT
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of organic cornstarch
- 5 tablespoons of organic coconut oil
- 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the baking soda and cornstarch.
- Add the coconut oil and stir until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
- If desired, add 5-10 drops of essential oil to the mixture and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a small container with a lid.
- To use, scoop a small amount of the deodorant with your fingers and apply it to your underarms.
If you have sensitive skin, use half the amount of baking soda. Test this formula on your wrist before using it!
SHAMPOO
Regular shampoo and conditioner may contain parabens, just like deodorant. They also commonly use sulfates and silicones.
Sulfates are used as foaming agents to create lather. Silicones leave a waxy deposit on the hair follicle, giving it a “shiny” appearance. Both of these compounds are harsh on the scalp. Using them can cause hair loss and dandruff from autoimmune stress.
There are brands with great shampoo and conditioner options, such as Andalou Naturals and Acure. You can also make your own!
DIY SHAMPOO
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
- 1 teaspoon of organic jojoba oil
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the castile soap and distilled water.
- Add in the jojoba oil and essential oil (if using), and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a shampoo bottle or any container of your choice.
- To use, wet your hair and apply a small amount of the shampoo to your scalp.
- Massage your scalp for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Homemade shampoo will not lather as much as commercial versions because of the absence of harsh surfactants, but it is just as cleansing!
DIY HYDRATING HAIR MASK
To give your locks some love, mix half a cup of castor oil and 5 drops of rosemary essential oil and apply to to your roots and ends. The oils hydrate your hair and lock in moisture even after you wash the mask out. Rosemary especially stimulates new hair growth.
MOISTURIZER AND MAKEUP
Non-organic skincare and makeup contains all kinds of sneaky chemicals! Parabens and phthalates are often used, along with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS causes irritation and dryness and confuses the immune system. Synthetic fragrance is a typical addition to formulas to make them smell more appealing, and we’ve discussed the negative effect it has on the body’s endocrine system.
The Human Garage team doesn’t use much moisturizer because it makes the skin too slippery and then we can’t do the fascial maneuvers! As the layers of fascia open through maneuvers, and you properly supplement yourself with silica, your skin won’t need to be externally hydrated.
But, if you currently need to give your skin some TLC, simple ingredients are best. You can apply organic coconut oil, shea butter, or beeswax to your face and dry areas of skin to moisturize naturally.
For those who deal with dullness or acne, here’s a simple face mask you can whip up in the kitchen:
Mix one tablespoon of raw honey with a pinch of organic cinnamon. Apply to your face (avoiding the eyes), and anywhere your skin could use a glow-up- maybe the chest or back. Leave on for 10 minutes and then wash off in a circular motion for increased skin cell turnover.
If you choose to wear makeup, pick ethical and organic brands. Burt’s Bees is one example.
Making your own makeup can be a fun undertaking if you’re up to the task!
DIY LIP AND CHEEK COLOR
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of beetroot powder
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
- 1/2 teaspoon of organic vegetable glycerin
- 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
Instructions:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the beetroot powder and aloe vera gel.
- Add the vegetable glycerin and vitamin E oil and mix well until it forms a smooth paste.
- Transfer the mixture to a small container with a lid.
- To use as a lip stain, apply a small amount to your lips.
- To use as a cheek stain, apply a small amount to your cheeks and blend it in with your fingers.
Note: The beetroot powder will give a pinkish-red color to the stain. You can adjust the amount of powder to make the color lighter or darker. Aloe vera gel and vegetable glycerin will help to moisturize your skin, while vitamin E oil acts as a natural preservative. Store the stain in a cool, dry place.
SUNSCREEN
Pretty much all non-organic sunscreens could be considered biological weapons. They have ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, retinyl palmitate, and homosalate.
Oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate absorb UV rays, but they throw off our hormones and can cause allergic reactions.
Retinyl palmitate, one form of Vitamin A, isn’t necessarily toxic- but it does increase the risk of skin cancer when exposed to sunlight. Pretty ironic, right?
If you choose to wear sunscreen, always buy organic or make it at home.
DIY SUNSCREEN
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 2 tablespoons organic zinc oxide powder
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, fully melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add the zinc oxide powder and stir well until fully mixed.
- If desired, add essential oil and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool completely before use.
