I have always had an interest in natural health and healing and all things alternative to main stream self-care. Wellness to me is using what nature has provided, and natural skincare is just the basis. Chemicals have become so normal in the every day products that we use, that we don’t even notice them anymore. Until you start to look them up and what each component does or doesn’t do – then you realize that maybe they aren’t so good for you. Well I realized that quite sometime ago and that is when I started making a lot of my own products. This was also prompted because after I had my second son, as I became more sensitive to preservatives and chemicals, especially make-up so I decided to really start going natural with the products that I use without spending an arm and a leg.
We originally started by making our own cleaning products using essential oils, fresh water and one of the best natural cleaners – vinegar. Vinegar is a chemical but at least it is one we know and can trust to be just what it is – acetic acid which is created by a natural chemical reaction – fermentation. Anyway, now that we have had a little chemistry talk – onto natural skincare products.
I began in natural wellness a few years ago with simple herbal infused oils and essential oils and I liked using these products so much that I started researching how to make more products.
First I learned the basics of making balms, ointments and salves – which are relatively simple as long as you have the right tools and raw materials – such as separate cookware for making the products and ingredients like beeswax, butters and oils. Once I had mastered those types of products, I added in soap making, which took some learning as it is more in depth and takes some practice, care and time.
All the while, I was doing research. On the best types and formats of skincare, that I could make with zero synthetic chemicals.
Soon came the hard lotion bars and body butter – which I love! These 2 products are so easy to use and really help the moisture get into your skin and stay there! They last forever and probably will never spoil – which makes them even more of a bonus.
Lotion – this one stumped me for quite sometime. I keep a journal of all the formulations and recipes that I make and lotion has been crossed off more times than I care to count. But finally – SUCCESS!! A few months ago, I made some absolutely fabulous lotion. I have been using it ever since. On my hands and my face. I used it myself first (as I do with all my products) and made sure it had a good shelf-life before I decided it is time to share it:)
I love this lotion – so smooth and fresh, it makes my skin feel lovely.
Most of all, in this blog – I want to share some of my favourite raw materials. These are the common ingredients that I use pretty much across the board when I am formulating products. The benefits of each one is amazing and great for all skin types.
Argan Oil: Great for skin and hair, argan oil is high in vitamin E, has a ton of anti-oxidant properties and helps with inflammation.
Avocado Oil: Is chock full of vitamins and beneficial fatty acids that nourishes your skin and may also help heal wounds and inflammatory skin conditions such as: psoriasis
Babassu Oil: Is packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, it is a great substitute for cocoa butter and is easily absorbed without adding heaviness to your formulations
Coconut Oil: Contains high levels of MCT (medium chain fatty acids) which helps reduce dryness and helps your skin to retain moisture. It protects the skin from environmental factores such as pollution and toxins and on top of all that – it is antibacterial and anti-fungal.
Grapeseed Butter: Contains vitamins, minerals and linoleic acid that helps to improve the resiliency of skin and works to tone the skin – adding firmness.
Grapeseed Oil: similar to the butter, grapeseed oil is nourishing and helps to tone, tighten and smooth skin.
Hemp Oil: Ultra-rich in omega-6 fatty acids – it moisturizes without clogging pores, soothes inflammatory skin conditions, promotes new cell growth and balances oil production.
Jojoba Oil: It is one of the best all around skin oils – non-comedogenic, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, moisturizing and hypo-allergenic. It softens rough skin and mimics your own natural oils so absorbs better than most skin oils. I use it in most of my products.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is rich in vitamins like A,D,K and E with a very high concentration of squalene which gives it an extra boost as an antioxidant. It fights bacteria while it moisturizes making it a great addition to any skin care product.
Shea Butter: High in vitamins and fatty acids, this nourishing butter is easy to spread and absorb and makes a great product for any skin care routine as it smooths, conditions and soothes while it moisturizes. I use it in pretty much every single item I make for skin care.
Tamanu Oil: Has multiple benefits, including healing wounds, smoothing scars, anti-aging, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. This oil is used in small amounts and has a deep earthy scent.
I use many essential oils in my products and formulations. Some I use more than others but I will create another post that focuses solely on the uses and benefits of specific essential oils in the future.
I highly believe that everything we use on ourselves should be of the highest quality and made with the most natural ingredients. Taking care to use products that nourish you on the outside will also help nourish you on the inside – after all, our skin is the largest organ in our body!
If you have any questions – please reach out! I love talking about natural health!