“Wait, they put what in deodorant?” I scrolled through the article I stumbled upon after an Instagram binge, and did some more research on anti-perspirants. I've been slowly trying to eat less processed foods as a way to care for my body, but I hadn’t yet made the jump to products I use on my skin.
My motivation for becoming more observant about food and skincare is both physical and spiritual. Physically, I want to heal problems I’ve had with fertility as well as conquer some mood swings. Spiritually, I’m always struck by St. Paul’s reminder in 1 Corinthians that I’ve been purchased at a price, and that I need to glorify God in my body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
On top of that, I’m always overwhelmed when I walk down the shampoo aisle at the grocery store. There are so many choices all screaming “pick me!” or “I promote natural shine!” or “I encourage growth and a healthy scalp!” Do I have to decide on natural shine but not a healthy scalp?! Which one do I choose? The same is true of every hygiene product -- deodorant, lotions, makeup, toothpaste. Everything claims to be the answer your skin/scalp/underarms are looking for.
So I'm trying to simplify my life by avoiding the crazy hygiene aisles altogether and using ingredients that I already have on hand for cooking and cleaning. This saves both money and brain power.
Here are five great natural hygiene products that are helping me simplify my life and care for my body.
There are several options available at most grocery stores that are made without aluminum. Most are pretty expensive. However, you can make your own with this easy recipe: Mix 1/3 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup cornstarch, then add 6 Tablespoons of coconut oil. Store it in a clean jar or container with a lid. Use a Q-tip or your finger to apply.
Try a reusable menstrual cup or reusable pads. You can find most at local department stores as well as online. Not only are these products be better for your body, they reduce waste and cost over the long run. It takes a little bit of an adjustment, but it's worth it.
You don’t need to buy a separate container of makeup remover. Try coconut oil instead!
Instead of trying to decide between different hand creams and body lotions, just use a natural fat that you already have in the kitchen. Olive oil works nicely. Is it a little strange at first? Yes. But, as with all transitions to a new product, give it some time.
This hair cleaning routine is a two step process, but I love how healthy my hair looks after using it instead of a typical shampoo and then conditioner program. Use Castile liquid soap instead of shampoo (most stores have it in the hygiene aisles). And then after rinsing the soap out, spray or pour a little bit of a vinegar rinse in your hair and let it sit (no need to rinse it, and your hair will not smell like vinegar when it dries). The vinegar rinse should be about 80% water and 20% vinegar mixed together in a clean bottle.
