Natural cosmetics and how to make them: The beauty of nature in your hands
Taking care of our skin and hair is a way to maintain our health, but also our beauty. In this day and age, with growing concern about the chemical ingredients contained in commercial cosmetics, more and more people are looking for natural alternatives.
Natural cosmetics are a great option, not only because they are free of harmful substances, but also because you can make them yourself at home with simple ingredients.
Why choose natural cosmetics?
Choosing natural cosmetics has many benefits, both for your health and for the environment. Products containing chemical ingredients such as parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances can cause irritation, allergies and other unwanted reactions. In contrast, natural cosmetics are skin-friendly and often rich in vitamins, antioxidants and beneficial oils, which promote skin health.
In addition, creating your own natural cosmetics helps to reduce your carbon footprint, since it is not based on industrial production and packaging. By using materials from nature, you help protect the environment and reduce the use of plastic and other polluting materials.
Basic ingredients for natural cosmetics
Natural cosmetics do not require complex materials or equipment. You can make effective recipes with simple ingredients that are easily accessible. Some basic materials you can use include:
– Base oils: Coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil and jojoba oil are some of the best base oils for skin care. They are rich in fatty acids and vitamins, which moisturize the skin and hair.
– Shea butter or cocoa: Ideal for creating rich creams and balms, offering deep hydration and nourishment.
– Essential oils: Essential oils offer aromatherapeutic benefits and have various beneficial properties for the skin, such as lavender essential oil (soothing) and tea tree oil (antibacterial).
– Herbal extracts and decoctions: Herbs such as chamomile, green tea and calendula can be used in soothing teas and lotions.
-Beeswax: Used to thicken creams and balms.
– Clay: Green and white clay are excellent for face masks that cleanse the skin and absorb oil.
Recipes of natural cosmetics
- Simple moisturizing cream with coconut oil and shea butter
This cream is ideal for moisturizing dry skin and can be used on the face and body.
Materials:
– 2 tablespoons of shea butter
– 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
– 5-6 drops lavender essential oil (or any essential oil you prefer)
Instructions:
– Heat the shea butter and coconut oil in a bain-marie until they melt.
– Remove from the heat and add the essential oil.
– Mix well and place the mixture in a glass jar. Let it cool and solidify.
– Use it daily for soft and hydrated skin.
- Cleansing face mask with clay and aloe
This mask is ideal for deep cleansing of the skin, while aloe soothes the skin.
Materials:
– 1 tablespoon of green clay
– 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
– A few drops of tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
– Mix the clay with the aloe until a uniform paste is formed.
– Add the tea tree essential oil and mix again.
– Apply the mask to the face and leave it for 10-15 minutes.
– Rinse with lukewarm water and enjoy your clean and fresh skin.
- Homemade Lip Balm with beeswax and cocoa butter
For soft and moisturized lips, this homemade lip balm is ideal.
Materials:
– 1 tablespoon of beeswax
– 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter
– 1 tablespoon of almond oil
– 3-4 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
– Melt the wax and cocoa butter in a bain-marie.
– Add the almond oil and peppermint essential oil.
– Mix and pour the mixture into small jars or lip balm cases.
– Let it cool and it is ready to use.
Advice on the safety and storage of natural cosmetics
Because natural cosmetics do not contain preservatives, it is important to store them properly to keep them fresh. Follow these tips:
– Store them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
– Use clean utensils and containers to avoid contamination with bacteria.
– Make small quantities so you can consume them before they spoil.
Making your own natural cosmetics is a fun and creative process that allows you to control the ingredients you use on your body.
However, before trying any recipe, it is always a good idea to do a small test on your skin to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredient.