Every year men & women spend literally MILLIONS of dollars every year on overpriced, toxic products, claiming to make us softer, younger, sexier, etc…

What if you could get the same or better results by making your own low cost non-toxic stuff with ingredients from your own kitchen?  You can!  Here are 5 easy things you can make yourself, with ingredients you may already have.

I'm giving the recipes in ratios rather than exact amounts, so you can make as little or as much as you want!  Also because your skin absorbs whatever is on the surface, and 75% of that will end up in your bloodstream, I highly reccomend purchasing organic when possible for any of these recipes.

1) Body Scrub

This one is super easy, and one of my all time favorites. Just mix 1 part Extra Virgin Olive Oil, with 2 parts turbinado sugar (You can also use in a small jar, and use to scrub away dead skin anytime!)  Ladies Tip: This is great to do right before you shave!  It will help you get extra smooth, super soft legs!

2) Bath Salts

For you bath lovers out there, this one is a cinch!  Mix 2 parts Epsom Salts, with 1 part Kosher Salts, then add any extras you fancy.  You can add dried herbs, or my personal favorites essential oils!  Add a few drops at a time then smell; continue until you reach desired aroma.  Add 1-2 cups of your blend to a full tub and let disolve.  Slip in and enjoy!

3) Face Wash/MakeUp Remover

Okay, I know you'll think I'm crazy with this one, but it's the best and last cleanser you'll ever use if you just give it a chance.  Castor Oil & Extra Virgin Olive Oil mixed together.  I can hear you oily skin people now, screaming, "WHAT?! Add Oil to my face?!"  Listen, I worked in the skin care industry for almost a decade, with some of the best cosmetic/skincare lines out there, and this is what keeps my skin young and glowing.  I've helped countless women & men get blemishes they thought they would never get rid of, gone for good.  

No matter your skin type, this cleanser is for you!  Start with equal parts the first couple of times you make it, then you can adjust the ratio on the third use.

For those with oily/acne prone skin mix 3 parts Castor Oil to 1 part Olive Oil.  For those with drier skin, mix 1 part Castor Oil to 3 parts Oilve Oil, that's what I use. Once you have your blend bottled, shake before use, then pour a quarter sized amount in your hands and gently rub all over face with eyes closed.  Take a soft washcloth and wet with hot but not scalding water, and drape over your face to let the steam open your pores for about a minute.  Rinse the washcloth again in the hot water, then wipe your face clean.  You will be left feeling soft, clean, and radiant!

4) Healing Face Mask

Honey!  This is great for Acne Prone skin.  Pure, raw, organic honey in a natural antimicrobial.  Simply wet your hands before applying, then spread a thin layer over the entire face or just problem areas if you like.  Leave on the skin for up to 30 minutes, then rinsse of with warm water and a washcloth.  Afterwards splash cool water on your clean skin to close pores.

5) Face & Body Moisturizer

People really try to overcomplicate this one.  Less is more when it comes to moisturizer, and by lees, I mean in the way of ingredients!  Choose one or a combination of ANY of

these naturally hydrating oils: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, or Grapeseed Oil.  For the face, take a dime sized amount and pat into clean, moist skin.  For the body use as needed post bath or shower, while still damp.  By applying when your skin is still damp you are helping to lock in moisture.  Get in the habit of not drying yourself off completely.  

I hope you've learned some new tricks to simplifying your skin care regime.  Please share any homemade recipes you use, that have worked to keep toxins out of your beauty care in the comments below!

This post is linked to: Frugally Sustainable, Real Food Whole Health, 504 Main