Category: Non Toxic Living

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Quick DIY Turmeric Yogurt Face Mask for Glowing Skin

DIY Turmeric Yogurt Face Mask with Essential Oils

I absolutely love face masks. They’re a perfect way to sit back and relax while giving your skin some TLC. This Quick DIY Turmeric Yogurt Face Mask for Glowing Skin is a great addition to your beauty routine. 

Clean beauty and making skincare products are one of my favorite things because I control the ingredients. 

This face mask isn’t anything new.  Turmeric has been used for centuries in India to prep brides before their weddings. I grew up in an Indian family that used turmeric internally and externally as it provides so many wonderful benefits. 

The addition of yogurt and essential oils takes this mask to another level that will leave your skin soft and glowing! A bonus is that this mask can also double as a gentle face wash. Recently I used this mask consistently leading up to my wedding and absolutely loved the results!

My family and friends also noticed the healthy glow to my usually dull skin too. 

turmeric root and powder for glowing skin

Let’s get started.

DIY Turmeric Yogurt Face Mask 

Why Make Your Own Face Mask?

Many beauty products are filled with chemicals and preservatives and are simply not sustainable for the environment with plastic packaging. With a homemade face mask, you know exactly what you’re putting in it.  You control the ingredients and know with certainty what you place on your body.  

Making face masks at home is fun, easy, and cheap! My husband and I like to make them during our weekly self-care Sunday evenings.  We enjoy the relaxing time together, and it bonds us.  You can make this face mask for yourself or a fun girl’s night in! And the yellow makes for cool photos for the gram!

Benefits of Turmeric Face Mask

This face mask is a powerhouse for skincare: 

  1. Glowing Skin
  2. Soft and Smooth Skin
  3. Antiseptic
  4. Brightening
  5. Moisturizing
  6. Non-Toxic
  7. Plant-Based

This easy DIY face mask comprises only 5 ingredients: Turmeric, Yogurt, and honey make up the base of this face mask. 

turmeric, honey and yogurt homemade face mask ingredients

 

Combined with lemon and tea tree essential oil, this homemade face mask will leave you with soft and glowing skin!

Turmeric

This flowering plant is native to the Indian subcontinent. Predominantly used in cooking, this root also packs a punch when used in skincare products. It is anti-inflammatory, calms redness and blemishes. It’s no wonder that Indian brides and grooms use it before their weddings. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

This is my husband and me before our wedding during the Pithi ceremony, a traditional Gujarati pre-wedding event. Our families brushed the mask on our skin for good luck and healthy, glowing skin!

Interracial couple during pithi/haldi ceremony

Yogurt:

Yogurt is a great gentle cleanser for the skin. The lactic acid found in yogurt also is a natural exfoliator. Yogurt also provides excellent moisturization and hydration, keeping your skin supple. 

Fun Fact: My grandmother only washed her hair with yogurt because it was natural and hydrating. 

Honey:

Honey does wonders for the skin, and many commercial beauty products use this ingredient. Honey is not only antiseptic and anti-inflammatory; it also is a humectant. Meaning it locks in moisture. This powerhouse keeps skin soft and cleans bacteria to help keep acne at bay. 

Lemon Essential Oil:

Lemon is a great brightening ingredient as it naturally lightens the skin. Perfect for evening skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Lemon also helps combat acne. One thing to note is that lemon causes photosensitivity. So you’ll want to stay out of the sun when using this on your skin. Always protect your skin with sunscreen when exposed to the sun. 

When using essential oils, you’ll want to use pure unadulterated oils that are free from chemicals and additives. Fragrance and aromatherapy oils are not the same as the ones you put on your skin. I get my oils from Young Living and Plant Therapy. 

Tea Tree Essential Oil:

Tea tree oil is great for helping clean the skin and to fight acne. This study found tea tree oil to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide, a common acne treatment ingredient. 

How To Make Turmeric Yogurt Face Mask at Home

Turmeric yogurt and honey face mask recipe (non toxic)

Ingredients:

1 tbsp turmeric

1 tbsp yogurt (I like to use greek yogurt)

1/2 tbsp Honey

1 drop Lemon Essential Oil*

1 drop Tea Tree Essential Oil*

Mixing Bowl and brush

*Essential oils are potent. Always test before using to check for reactions. Follow proper dilution safety for your skin. 

Directions

1.) Mix turmeric and honey together in a small mixing bowl. 

2.) Add honey and mix until incorporated. 

3.) Combine lemon and tea tree essential oil. 

4.) Apply to the face with a brush or clean fingers. Avoid eye area. I use a brush to avoid contaminating the mask with bacteria from my hands. 

5.) Leave on for 10-15 minutes. 

6.) Wash off with warm water and a washcloth. 

Leftovers

I keep leftovers in the fridge for a week as it is perishable. Also, keeping the mask cool provides a nice sensation when you apply it to your face. It really feels great on hot summer days. I like to use this face mask 1-2 times a week. 

You can also use this as a gentle face cleanse. Just apply to your face in the shower and leave it on for a couple of minutes before washing off in a circular manner. 

Turmeric Face Mask Application Notes and Tips:

Turmeric stains everything yellow, and it’s incredibly potent. When using this mask, make sure to wear old clothes you don’t mind staining. When washing your face, be sure to use a darker color washcloth.  Or designate a towel for use with this mask. 

After using this mask, your skin may show a yellow tint. Don’t worry; this isn’t permanent! There are a couple of ways to combat turmeric stains on your face.  

1.) Use a washcloth to take off the mask.  This also helps with extra exfoliation.

2.) Dab a cotton ball soaked with witch hazel and swipe across your face.  

Whatever residue is leftover will go away the next day.  I like to use this mask at night for this reason. Don’t use this if you need to see people after.  Unless you like the yellow look, then go for it!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for a quick DIY turmeric yogurt face mask for glowing skin.  If you try it out,  comment below!

Want to try more DIY clean beauty at home? Check out these recipes:

Diy Lavender Vanilla Lip Balm

Homemade Olive Oil Body Cream

DIY Lip Scrubs with Essential Oils

Follow us on Instagram: @by.bindi

 

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Homemade Olive Oil Body Cream with Essential Oils

Whipped Homemade Olive Olive Body Cream Recipe with Shea Butter and Essential oils

Raise your hand if you are plagued with dry, ashy skin. My skin always needs some tender loving care, namely a good skincare routine. This recipe for homemade olive oil body cream is heavenly, easy to make, and smells divine with essential oils!

 I recently got into experimenting with DIY body butter as I love making clean beauty products at home. Things don’t always go well at first, though. My first batch of moisturizing body cream turned out too stiff. The cream whipped up, but it wasn’t as fluffy as  I thought it would be. 

I still used it all. After all, I’m not going to waste these ingredients, making my skin very soft!

This recipe was my next attempt, and it turned out amazing. This homemade body cream is light, and the blend of essential oils (Frankincense, Palmarosa, and Ylang Ylang) adds a nice floral touch. 

homemade olive oil body cream with ylang ylang, palmarosa and frankincense

The body cream also melts into your skin and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling as other oil-based butters tend to do. 

Let’s get started!

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks!

Why Make a Homemade Body Cream? 

Our skin is our largest organ, and it is important to treat it right. It’s are the biggest defense against the outside elements, after all. A lot of store-bought body creams and butter have questionable ingredients and chemical preservatives. 

With a DIY body cream, you control the ingredients. You can customize it for your specific skin concerns. Plus, it’s fun to use the skincare products you made yourself!

Homemade body cream also is cost-effective. After the initial investment in the oils and butters, you’ll only use a little bit for each jar, so over time, you’ll save quite a bit of money. And who doesn’t like to save money? 

Benefits of Olive Oil Body Cream

This body cream is made with nontoxic ingredients that are highly moisturizing. Take a look at these powerhouse ingredients. 

Beeswax: 

beeswax pellets, yellow

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It is edible and non-toxic, thus making it a great ingredient for skincare and clean beauty products. 

This wax is great at creating a protective layer and trapping moisture as it’s a humectant. This combination makes beeswax a perfect ingredient in lip balm recipes. 

Shea butter:

shea butter

Shea butter is a fat derived from nuts. It comes from the African Shea tree. This butter is a very popular ingredient in body butters as it’s incredibly nourishing. 

It is very thick and can be greasy if used on its own. When combined with other butters and oils, it provides incredible moisturizing properties. Shea butter is also edible and non-toxic. 

And, even though this butter comes from a nut, it has a  low chance of triggering nut allergies. 

Coconut Oil: 

coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the most popular ingredients in DIY beauty recipes. This oil provides so many great benefits for our skin. It protects skin from environmental damage, hydrates, and can minimize fine lines and wrinkles. 

Also, because it absorbs easily, it won’t leave a greasy feeling on your skin. Coconut oil does have a high comedogenic rating (4). I use fractionated coconut oil which has a comedogenic rating of 2. 

Sweet Almond Oil: 

Sweet almond oil is such a powerhouse. It not only is great at moisturizing, but it also can lighten dark spots. Over time, our lips can lose their vibrant pink color, and this oil helps even the tone. 

Vitamin E Oil: 

Vitamin E is a popular anti-aging gold mine. It’s no wonder it’s used in many skincare products. This oil is thicker than others, and you only need a little bit to get the job done. Vitamin E oil is perfect for dry and chapped lips as it encourages cell turnover and leads to the skin regenerating faster. 

Frankincense: 

Frankincense Serrata essential oil bottle, Plant Therapy

Known as the king of oils for its vast benefits, Frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries. It’s even biblical! Frankincense is an aromatic resin that comes from the tree Boswellia. This liquid gold can improve skin tone and elasticity which is great if you’re looking for antiaging elements. 

Palmarosa: 

Young Living Palmarosa Essential Oil bottle, DIY Body Cream Recipe

Palmarosa essential oil comes from a grass native to India and Indochina. This light, floral oil can stimulate and rejuvenate the skin to look healthy and toned. It is also very moisturizing. 

Ylang Ylang: 

Young Living Ylang Ylang Essential Oil bottle, homemade body butter recipe

Ylang Ylang comes from the Cananga tree, which is native throughout South Asia, such as India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This lovely oil has a scent that can lift your mood and calm anxiety—the perfect combo for a morning or night cream. 

How to Make Homemade Olive Oil Body Cream

Whipped Homemade Olive Olive Body Cream Recipe with Shea Butter and Essential oils

Ingredients

1/4 c Olive Oil

4 tbsp Shea Butter

1 tbsp Coconut Oil

1 tsp Sweet Almond Oil

1 tsp Vitamin E oil

2 tbsp + 1 tsp Beeswax Pellets

15-20 drops essential oil (I used Frankincense, Palmarosa, Ylang Ylang)

Mason Jar or Small Container

Double Boiler

Stand Mixer

 

Notes: 

  • This recipe fills a small 2 oz container.

Directions: 

  1. In a double boiler, melt shea butter, beeswax pellets, and oils (except essential oils if using) over low heat. 
  2. Remove from heat and add essential oils. 
  3. Chill in the fridge from 45 minutes to 1 hour. 
  4. Transfer mixture to a mixer. On the high setting, whip until smooth. 
  5. Transfer to a mason jar or small container. 

How to Use Your Whipped Body Butter

This nourishing homemade olive oil body cream is perfect to use right after a shower. Tap away excess water with a towel and apply your body cream. A little goes a long way, so you won’t have to lather it on. Also, since this is an oil-based cream, let it absorb before putting it on. I usually put a robe on while I”m getting ready, and I’m ready to put on clothes within 5-10 minutes. The cream does absorb and won’t leave a greasy feeling. However, keep in mind it is an oil-based cream. 

This homemade cream is also perfect to put on at night before bed. I like to put it on twice a day for extra moisturizing properties. I always wake up with super soft skin! And, with regular use, your skin won’t be dry and ashy anymore. 

Storing Your Homemade Body Cream

Since this cream is free of preservatives, use it regularly. For me, a 2 oz container lasts about 3-4 weeks. I love this aspect as I can whip up a batch every month and change essential oils as I like. I love to experiment with scents depending on the seasons. 

The vitamin E oil in this cream will help prevent mold. Try to avoid contamination by keeping cream away from water. You can store the cream in the bathroom. I keep mine right on the countertop, so it’s ready for use every day!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for homemade olive oil body cream! If you make it, please comment below and share any photos on social media – @by.bindi (Instagram). 

Want more DIY recipes? Try this Lavender Vanilla Lip Balm Recipe that is completely non-toxic and nourishing. 

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DIY Lavender Vanilla Lip Balm Sticks (Non-Toxic Recipe)

homemade lavender vanilla lip balm recipe with essential oils

Do you have chapped lips and are you constantly applying chapstick? It always seems like the more you apply the drier they become right? This DIY Lavender Vanilla Lip Balm recipe is super nourishing and will keep your lips soft for a long time. 

I notoriously have cracked and dry lips. I don’t always treat my lips well as I’m horrible at picking at them all the time (I know, it’s a terrible habit)!  That combined with weather tends to leave my puckers in bad shape. 

I’ve used every chapstick and lip balm under the sun. Some work but many times they leave me wanting more.  

Ever since I switched to non-toxic living and ditched my chemical-laden beauty products,  I’ve been really into making my own products at home. I never made lip balm before so I decided to solve my chapped lip problem and have some fun in the process!

This homemade lip balm recipe with essential oils is super cost-effective,  all-natural, and nourishes your lips so well. I don’t have to reapply every hour! The lavender and vanilla combo is a heavenly bonus!

DIY Lavender Vanilla Lip Balm Sticks

Why Make Your Own Lip Balm at Home?

diy lavender vanilla lip balm recipe (non toxic)

With homemade lip balm, you know exactly what you’re putting in it.  You control the ingredients and therefore can know with certainty you are using the best ingredients for your body.  Your body is worth taking care of in a chemical-free way.  Especially with our lips. You don’t want to ingest something that can build up in your body and cause problems down the road. 

Making lip balm at home is also a fun project! I made mine with my husband during our weekly self-care Sunday evenings.  We had a blast making them! You can make these lip balms with kids (with supervision) or with friends. I highly suggest making these with people as it’s a great activity and everyone will enjoy it. 

Homemade lip balm tubes also make lovely gifts! Slap on a cute label and they’re ready to be gifted. 

Will This Recipe Help Chapped Lips?

chapped lips

Yes! This recipe uses a combination of high-quality natural oils and butters that come together to moisturize your lips deeply. Ever since I made this recipe, I’ve been obsessed and my lips are so silky soft! The first night I made them, my lips were moisturized when I woke up the next morning and I didn’t need to reapply until hours later! This also adds to the cost-effective side as you won’t go through it often. 

Although, I like applying it so I still do even though I don’t need to! 

The powerful natural ingredients nourish and hydrate your lips so you’ll have soft, smooth, and kissable lips all the time. Most recipes call for one or two butters and oils. I used a mix of two kinds of butter and four oils to maximize the benefits for our skin. 

Beeswax: 

beeswax pellets, yellow

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It is edible and non-toxic, thus making it a great ingredient for skincare and clean beauty products. 

This wax is great at creating a protective layer and trapping moisture as it’s a humectant. This combination makes beeswax a perfect ingredient in lip balm recipes. 

Shea butter:

shea butter

Shea butter is a fat derived from nuts. It comes from the African Shea tree. This butter is a very popular ingredient in body butters as it’s incredibly nourishing. 

It is very thick and can be greasy if used on its own. When combined with other butters and oils, it provides incredible moisturizing properties. Shea butter is also edible and non-toxic. 

And, even though this butter comes from a nut, it has a low chance of triggering nut allergies. 

Cocoa Butter:

cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is the fat that comes from the cocoa bean. This butter has a rich chocolatey smell (yum!). Cocoa butter isn’t just something that is used in chocolates. It also is great at creating a barrier on the skin to keep it from drying out. 

This butter can also help protect our skin from sun damage. Cocoa butter is also filled with antioxidants which is great for anti-aging products. 

Coconut Oil: 

coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the most popular ingredients in DIY beauty recipes. This oil provides so many great benefits for our skin. It protects skin from environmental damage, hydrates, and can minimize fine lines and wrinkles. 

Also, because it absorbs easily, it won’t leave a greasy feeling on your skin. Coconut oil does have a high comedogenic rating (4). I use fractionated coconut oil which has a comedogenic rating of 2. 

Sweet Almond Oil: 

Sweet almond oil is such a powerhouse. It not only is great at moisturizing, but it also can lighten dark spots. Over time, our lips can lose their vibrant pink color and this oil helps even the tone. 

Jojoba Oil: 

Jojoba oil comes from the jojoba plant. This oil is also phenomenal at locking in moisture and has anti-aging properties. It absorbs quickly and does not leave behind a greasy residue. 

Vitamin E Oil: 

Vitamin E is a popular anti-aging gold mine. It’s no wonder it’s used in many skincare products. This oil is thicker than others and you only need a little bit to get the job done. Vitamin E oil is perfect for dry and chapped lips as it encourages cell turnover and leads to the skin regenerating faster. 

Lavender essential oil: 

Lavender essential oil is great for healing cracked lips as it’s anti-inflammatory and soothing. It’s a great oil to use during the winter months when the weather destroys our kissable lips. Lavender also is great at locking moisture in and hydrating lips. 

Vanilla Extract:

Organic vanilla extract has many anti-aging benefits. Vanilla extract is more than just a nice scent. It also has anti-bacterial properties which can help heal your lips if they are severely damaged. 

Plus it smells heavenly!

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks!

Homemade Lavender Vanilla Lip Balm Recipe 

Ingredients: 

2 tbsp beeswax

1 tbsp African shea butter

1 tbsp Cocoa Butter

1.5 tsp Fractionated Coconut Oil

1.5 tsp Sweet Almond Oil

1.5 tsp Jojoba Oil

.5 tsp Vitamin E Oil

20-30 drops Lavender essential oil

1 tsp VanillaExtract*

Lip Balm Tubes

Double Boiler

*You can substitute vanilla essential oil instead of extract if you want a stronger vanilla scent. If you’re adding the oil, use 10 drops. If you use vanilla extract, your end product may look a little speckled, but it’s not super noticeable. 

Notes: 

  • When purchasing essential oils, make sure they are pure 100% organic oils that are not cut with any fillers. Personally, I like Plant Therapy and Young Living for essential oils for their high-quality oils. 
  • This lip balm recipe makes about 9 tubes. If you want less, you can half the recipe. 

Directions:

  1. Measure out ingredients.
  2. In a double boiler, add beeswax, shea butter, and cocoa butter.  On low heat, let it melt until it is liquified. 
  3. Remove from heat and add all 4 oils plus lavender and vanilla extract.  If the mixture starts to harden, return to the double boiler to liquefy. The vanilla extract will not mix with the oils, but you can stir to distribute it evenly. 
  4. Fill lip balm tubes with the mixture. Using a funnel helps avoid spillage. 
  5. Let tubes cool before using. 

Makes 9 lip balm sticks.  You can fill with tins instead if you like. 

diy lavender vanilla lip balm, homemade chap stick recipe

This DIY Lavender Vanilla Lip Balm Sticks Recipe is perfect to follow after a natural exfoliating sugar scrub. Try these 5 DIY lip scrub recipes.

Did you make this lip balm recipe? Comment below or tag me on Instagram (@by.bindi). I’d love to see your photos!

 

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Best Natural Acne Remedies for Clear Skin That Actually Work

Best Natural Acne Remedies for Clean Skin

I’ve battled acne since I was 13 years old. My face has seen all kinds of damage over the years and I have the scars to prove it. Through my years of combatting pimples,  I’ve come across the best natural acne remedies for clear skin. With consistent use, they can help improve skin tone and texture too. 

It’s taken me almost two decades of trying everything under the sun.  I’ve had prescriptions such as tretinoin, Accutane, and clindamycin. Over the counter, I tried everything from clean and clear,  Clearasil to chemical  peels,  Proactive, and Murad. 

I don’t even want to know how much money I’ve put into finding an acne treatment that works. 

 

wasting money on expensive acne treatments

Over time I became more aware of what I was putting in my body and on it and switched to natural, non-toxic products. My skin has been so much clearer and I hardly ever breakout anymore.  Relieving acne naturally is one of the best things you can do for your skin. 

Best  Natural  Acne Remedies for Clear Skin That Work 

What causes acne?

Before we can look at treating pimples naturally, we need to know and understand how and why acne is caused. Acne occurs when the pores in your skin get blocked due to debris, excessive oil, bacteria, and dead skin. Your skin produces sebum, an oil, to lubricate the skin. The sebum comes out of your pores. If there are bacteria and clogging in the pores, your skin reacts adversely. 

Pimples are your body’s response to the build-up in your pores. 

how does acne form, what causes acne

Different types of acne:

As if it wasn’t difficult enough that we have to deal with breakouts, acne occurs in a couple of different forms. 

  • Whiteheads
  • Blackheads
  • Nodules
  • Cystic

Why Natural Acne Treatments?

When I was younger,  my mom always told me to watch my diet and use natural products on my skin.  I didn’t listen. I didn’t think it mattered and focused my energy on chemical-laden products that  I thought were superior. 

As the popular saying goes, “You are what you eat.” This is so true. Feed your body a poor diet of junk food and sugar and your skin will dearly pay for it. You are also what you put on or in your skin. 

Many chemicals in acne products have awful side effects.  Accutane is some heavy stuff and while I managed to escape with minor side effects, others were not so lucky. 

Natural products work with your body and not against it. They nourish it and provide the essentials it needs.  Yes, hormonal and puberty acne is super difficult to control.  

natural products to combat acne

However, with gentle care and consistency, you can control it as I did.  

Combat Acne with a Consistent Skincare Regimen

When you have acne, you want to fix it right away and get rid of it within hours.  I’ve been there I know the anguish of cystic acne exploding over your face before a date or work presentation.

Most acne treatments fail because we tend to switch products too quickly, use too much or too many products when dealing with acne. 

The best natural acne remedy is to pick one regimen and let it do its thing.  Stick with it even if you don’t think it’s working.  Things take time to improve. It can take at least a month to 3 months to see changes in your skin. This is because you have to wait for your skin layers to turnover/shed to start seeing a difference. 

Once I simplified my acne treatment routine and stayed consistent, my skin returned to normal.  

Best Natural Acne Products and DIY Recipes for Clear Skin

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks!

Aztec Healing Clay

My sister introduced me to Aztec healing clay and it was a game-changer. It made my skin so soft after one use and the notorious pulsing feels weird at first,  but I’m addicted to it. And, this product is insanely popular because it works. 

Don’t believe it? Check out the 43k plus reviews Aztec healing clay has on Amazon. 

Aztec healing clay mask for acne treatment, natural skincare product

How to Make a Face Mask with Aztec Healing Clay: 

Mix 1-2 tbsp of Aztec Healing clay powder with enough apple cider vinegar to form a paste consistency. Make sure it isn’t too runny or thick. You can also use water to mix with the powder, but I find vinegar is better. It also is great for helping treat acne!

The mixture will bubble. I like to add a drop of tea tree oil and lemon essential oil for extra healing power.  Plus it smells nice! Make sure to mix ingredients in a non-metal bowl.  I like to use this mask bowl and spoon. Plus it’s so cute!

Apply to face and wait 15-20 min. If you have sensitive skin,  you might want to wash it off sooner. After 5 minutes or so you will feel your skin pulsing. This is normal and don’t get scared!

When you wash it off, your face will be red.  Make sure to properly moisturize. Your skin will return to normal within a couple of hours.  

How often to Use this Clay Mask?

Use once a week for best results.  Don’t use it too often or you’ll over dry your skin. 

Exfoliating Cinnamon Honey Mask

This nontoxic face mask recipe is a relatively recent addition to my routine and it’s amazing!  I love that it’s easy to make and made of all-natural ingredients. Plus it is cheap! Win-win.  

exfoliating cinnamon and honey mask for acne treatment

Why this Mask Works:

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon can shrink pores and reveal softer and smoother skin. This is perfect for those such as myself who have uneven skin tone from acne scarring. It’s also anti-bacterial which helps in combatting the bacteria that cause pimples. 

The granules from the powder also help exfoliate the skin when you wash it off. 

Cinnamon is considered a “hot” spice. Make sure to test for any reactions first and always wash thoroughly if you feel as if it is too much for your skin. 

Honey:

Honey is an ancient skin remedy that was readily used by the Egyptians. This sweet food is more than just an addition to your morning tea. This potent ingredient is anti-bacterial and can help eliminate excess oil from your skin. This helps to keep pores clean. Also, it’s gentle and won’t irritate your skin. 

Nutmeg: 

Nutmeg is great for improving hyperpigmentation and discoloration that is left behind by acne scars. This spice also improves oily skin and aids in gentle exfoliation similar to cinnamon powder. 

How to Make a Cinnamon Mask: 

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp Cinnamon powder

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tbsp honey

1 drop Cinnamon essential oil (optional)

1 drop Nutmeg essential oil (optional)

Directions: 

You can omit the essential oils if you don’t have them or if you’re skin is sensitive.  I personally love them and they add extra microbial and antibacterial elements.  

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.  Carefully apply to face.  The mixture will be sticky and can drip so be careful and wear old clothes if you need to. Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes. If you are sensitive to cinnamon, it may tingle.  If it stings, immediately wash it off. 

I like to gently exfoliate my skin in circles when I’m washing it off. The cinnamon granules are perfect for smoothing skin out.

You’ll be left with super soft skin after this mask.  My skin always glows the next day! Store any leftover mixture in an airtight container and you don’t have to refrigerate it. Just be sure to use it up within a couple of weeks to a month. 

Natural Lavender and Tea Tree Face Wash

This DIY face wash is my morning and night go-to. It is so easy to make and lasts a really long time. This is great because it won’t break the bank as other acne cleansers do. Lavender and tea tree oil are great natural acne remedies.

Lavender, best natural acne remedy

Why it Works: 

Lavender: 

Lavender has so many great benefits for our skin, it’s no wonder it’s commonly used in skincare products. This plant and essential oil helps reduce redness in skin, can combat acne and helps even skintone. It also has anti-aging properties as well. 

Tea Tree: 

Tea Tree oil is one of the most popular natural acne remedies. This potent oil is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. This helps to keep pores clean and reduces redness. 

Jojoba Oil: 

Jojoba oil is very moisturizing. When treating acne, we want to make sure we don’t strip our skin and have it dry out. This oil is noncomedogenic and won’t clog pores. 

How to Make this Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Face Wash: 

Ingredients: 

1 (4) oz amber spray bottle

1/4 c Lavender castile soap

1 tsp jojoba oil

1/2  tbsp honey

6 drops Lavender essential oil

6 drops Tea Tree essential oil

Distilled water

Directions: 

Add all the ingredients to the amber glass bottle. Top off with distilled water. 

How to Use Your Face Wash: 

Spray a generous amount onto your palm or face scrubby. Wash face in a circular manner and wash off thoroughly. Use morning and night for best results. Follow with skin serum or moisturizer. 

best natural acne remedies

These natural acne remedies work to keep skin clean, help calm redness and even skin tone from acne scarring. With consistent use, you can help keep your breakouts under control. 

Did you try any of these products or recipes? Comment below on your experience. 

Want to try more DIY recipes? Check out these recipes for hair masks and natural lip scrubs.

 

 

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Want Long, Thick and Luxurious Hair? Try these Natural Indian Hair Masks! (Free DIY Recipes)

long thick and luxurious hair, indian woman

Who doesn’t want long, thick and luxurious hair? Indian hair is highly sought after in the wig industry for its shine and length.  

how to get healthy long hair naturally

Ever wonder how Indian hair gets to be so healthy and beautiful? My whole life my friends, co-workers, and random people on the streets complimented my hair.  

I routinely grow my hair for 3 years and then chop it off to donate.  It grows so fast,  one time I chopped it off and a month later a friend remarked, ‘it doesn’t even look like you cut it, it’s long again.

The thing is, I wasn’t doing anything crazy with my hair. I just followed what my mom and grandmother did. And, it works because it’s natural.  There aren’t weird ingredients and things you can’t pronounce.

Just good old ingredients right from nature. 

Read on for all the natural hair secrets for long, thick, and luxurious hair. You’ll have healthy hair in no time.  

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks!

Why use Indian tips to Get Long, Thick, and Luxurious Hair?

Did you know that India is the largest supplier of human hair for wigs and extensions? Women go to temples in India to shave off their long tresses. The hair is then sorted, cleaned, and auctioned off. One temple in India makes anywhere from 25-40 million dollars a year selling the hair. 

Indian’s are genetically blessed with thick hair, but they also use a lot of natural hair care products that have increased the value of their hair. 

The Secret To Healthy and Long Hair

The one thing Indians do routinely for healthy hair is oiling it. We deep condition our hair with nutrient-dense oils once a week.  

hair oils for long thick luxuriousd hair

When I was younger,  every Friday night was oil night. My mom brushed my hair until it was smooth and tangle-free. This took some time as a kid,  I always had tons of knots!

Then she’d use this green oil that had a distinctly Indian scent. She’d massage into my scalp and work it all the way into the ends. After 10 minutes, I’d feel so relaxed. For best results, we always slept with our hair oil mask overnight and washed it out the next morning.  

Put it in a braid and sleep with a towel over your pillowcase to avoid staining.

Why Hair Oil Masks Work Wonders

Oiling your hair injects moisture into your hair.  There are many health benefits to an oil hair massage. 

  1. You stimulate your scalp which allows hair follicles to strengthen and be more active. 
  2. Nutrients penetrate better with massaging 
  3. It helps with hair loss
  4. Shinier and stronger hair

What are the best oils for healthy hair?

My mom always used Indian oils on my hair as a kid.  It’s green and very potent. Usually, it is made with Indian Amla (gooseberry). Amla oil helps stimulate your scalp, controls premature greying, and helps with hair growth as it strengthens hair follicles. 

Indian Gooseberry for healthy hair

As I got older,  I experimented with all kinds of oils.  I now use a combination of oils to maximize the benefits.  Here are commonly used oils:

Castor Oil:

Castor oil comes from a plant that is native to Asia and Africa. It is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. Castor oil is known for its thick consitency and it is better to mix this oil with others due to its stickiness. This oil is rich in healthy fats such as the fatty acid ricinoleic acid. 

This vegetable oil helps lubricate the hair shaft and protects it from damage. Fatty acids provide proteins and nutrients to hair follicles. It also can help those with dandruff issues. 

Olive Oil:

This popular oil comes from Meditteranean olives. While we traditionally use this in our foods and with yummy breads, olive oil has tremendous hair care benefits as well. 

This oil has a moisturizing effect on the hair and it gives it softness and strength. Olive oil is great for getting that shine that makes hair sparkle. If you have a dry scalp, this is the perfect oil for a head massage due to its moisturzing properties. 

Jojoba Oil: 

Produced from jojoba seeds, this oil is native to southwestern USA. Jojoba oil is rich in many vitamins that are vital for hair growth. This oil is great for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. 

Jojoba oil also is moisturizing like olive oil and great for dry scalps and combating dandruff. 

Coconut Oil: 

Coconut oil is my favorite oil to use in my hair serum bases. It was also my grandmother’s go to as well. This oil smells great and has so many great benefits for our hair. This popular oil moisutrizes hair, protects it from enviornmental damage, and helps prevent protein loss and damage when wet. 

This vegetable oil is a powerhouse for hair care. Use fractionated coconut oil for best results. This oil stays liquid at all temps and won’t solidify. 

Honorable Mentions: 

While I personally don’t use these oils in my hair serums, they are also great for hair growth and care so they deserve a mention!

Avocado Oil

Sweet Almond Oil

Essential Oils for Hair:

While adding essential oils to hair oils isn’t a traditional Indian thing to do,  I’m adding it to the list because essential oils are powerful, potent and non-toxic. They make great additions to hair serums and smell great too!

Lavender 

Peppermint 

Rosemary 

Cedarwood

Thyme

Tea Tree

DIY All Natural Hair Serum Recipes:

Use these hair masks once a week for the best results. You can change it up to maximize the benefits to get long, thick, and luxurious hair in no time. 

Deep Conditioning Hair Mask:

1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp castor oil

1 tsp jojoba oil

Essential oils (optional)

This mask is great to use when your hair really needs some TLC. Watch your hair turn silky soft overnight. 

Thick Hair Mask:

1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil

1 tbsp jojoba oil

Essential oils (optional)

This hair mask recipe will thicken hair when consistently used. 

Shiny Hair Mask:

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tbsp fractionated coconut oil

Essential oils (optional)

Your hair will bring all the shine with this olive oil-based hair mask.

Long Hair Mask

1 tsp castor oil

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp olive oil

Essential oils (optional)

Feel free to experiment with the oils and use them more or less depending on your hair length. If your hair is on the drier end, use more. Be sure to wash well the next day. I usually wash my hair twice to get all the oils out. My hair is always left silky soft and never greasy. 

Other Indian Tips for Healthy Hair:

Along with maintaining good hair hygiene and routine oiling, here are some other things to try for long, thick, and luxurious hair. 

  1. Wash it 1-2 times a week instead of daily. Overwashing removed oils and dries out your hair. 
  2. Use natural cleansing methods such as yogurts and chemical-free shampoos.
  3. Braid hair loosely and avoid tying it up too tightly. Tying it tightly leads to breakage and pulls on your skin which will lead to premature wrinkles.

Did you try these DIY natural hair masks for long, thick, and luxurious hair? Comment below!

Interested in other DIY non-toxic recipes? Try our 5 DIY Natural Lip Scrubs with Essential Oils.

 

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5 DIY Natural Lip Scrub Recipes with Essential Oils

5 DIY Natural Lip Scrub Recipes with Essential Oils

5 DIY Natural Lip Scrub Recipes With Essential Oils

DIY natural lip scrubs are the best.  They exfoliate well, leaving your lips silky soft, and smooth.  And, they are completely non-toxic!

Kissable lips, yes please!

About 5 years ago I started to replace my beauty products with homemade non-toxic versions. I was using too many products that were chemical-laden and became concerned about using better products for my body.

I especially love making lip scrubs at home. As someone who constantly picks at my lips (horrible habit!), they are always chapped and rough. These recipes have saved me many times. 

It’s so easy to make the change to non-toxic living and your body will thank you!

Our body is the only place we get to live in and it’s important we take care and nourish it properly. 

Why Make Natural Lip Scrubs at Home?

Lip scrubs from the store have all sorts of unnatural chemicals that aren’t good for your body.  Store-bought lip scrubs with questionable ingredients are particularly alarming due to the proximity of placing scrubs near the mouth that can be ingested.

Even though the FDA okays these products, it’s better when you know exactly what’s in your scrubs. When making lip scrubs at home, stick with edible ingredients. 

5 DIY Natural Lip Scrub Recipes

Another benefit to homemade lip scrubs is that they are cost-effective.  DIY Natural lip scrubs require minimal ingredients so your initial investment will go a long way.  

Benefits of Using Essential Oils in DIY Natural Lip Scrubs

Essential oils are plant-based ingredients making them great non-toxic alternatives in DIY recipes. Plants have offered humans remedies for centuries. Our ancestors mixed concoctions together at home and we can benefit from their knowledge. 

Non Toxic DIY Lip Scrub Recipe with Essential Oils

Nature gives us so much that can be incorporated into our skincare regimen. 

Essential oils also have multiple benefits so you can experiment and tailor a recipe to meet your exact needs. Do you want radiant lips and tackle anti-aging? Use Frankincense essential oil. Do you want to brighten your lips and make a vibrant smelling scrub? Use lemon essential oil! 

Essential Oil Safety

When you make your own natural lip scrubs with essential oils,  it’s important to note the safety elements.  Essential oils are highly potent and a little goes a long way. 

In this case, too much of a good thing is not better! Always do a patch test to check for any reactions. Experiment to find what works for your skin.  

Research proper dilution ratios. When you use a product often, you’ll want to scale back on how much essential oil you put in your products. Using carrier oils such as coconut oil will help dilute the oils for safe usage. 

Listen to your body. There are many recipes floating around the internet and what works for one person may not work exactly the same for you. Recipes are customizable and use this fact to create something that is safe for your body. 

If you find any discomfort at all, wash off with water and lower the dilution ratio. 

Which Essential Oils Brands Should You Use for DIY Recipes? 

Not all essential oils are created equal. It’s important you do the research on brands and sourcing so you know that you are using pure, undiluted essential oils in your DIY recipes. 

Things to look for when buying essential oils: 

  • They are sourced where the plant is grown
  • They are 100% pure with no fillers or additives

DIY Natural Lip Scrub Recipes with Essential Oils

Reputable Companies: 

  • Young Living Essential Oils (This is the brand I use)*
    • Young living has a seed to seal guarantee and they source their oils from all over the world where the plants are grown in their natural habitat. 
    • Amazing blends are exclusive to this company. 
    • Higher price point due to the company being MLM. 
  • Revive
    • Affordable price point
    • Scents try to mimic Young Living, but sometimes they are “off”. 
    • Oils are 100% pure without additives. 
  • Plant Therapy
    • Affordable price point
    • Sells oils in larger size bottles which is great for commonly used oils such as Lemon. 
    • Products are free from GMOS and they use third-party testing to give consumers in-depth reporting on what is exactly in their oils. 
*If you would like to purchase Young Living oils, you can use my member number: 24512468.

Cheaper is not better. I have tried many, many brands over the years. Cheaper brands can pass when you’re using them strictly for aromatherapy purposes. If you are putting oils on your body, you want to make sure they are pure. 

After all, there’s no point in making a natural lip scrub at home if your key ingredient is tainted with fillers!

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks!

Here are 5 DIY Natural Lip Scrub Recipes with Essential Oils

Chapped Lip Scrub Recipe

This recipe is perfect for the wintertime when our puckers get dry and cracked.  No one likes that feeling! Try this recipe out and follow with some coconut oil to seal moisture in.

Lavender is a great all-purpose healing oil. It not only helps to reduce dryness, but it can repair the damage that comes from having chapped lips. 

Diy non toxic lip scrub recipe with Lavender essential oil

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp organic cane sugar

1/2 tbsp organic honey

1 tsp coconut oil

1 drop Lavender essential oil

Lip scrub container

How to make: In a small mixing bowl, mix ingredients together. Transfer to lip scrub container. Store in a dark and cool place. 

Silky Soft Lip Scrub Recipe

Sweet almond oil in this recipe helps alleviate the built-up dead skin cells on your lips and keeps them moisturized for all-around softness that lasts. 

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp organic cane sugar

1/2 tbsp organic honey

1 tsp sweet almond oil

1 drop carrot seed oil

Lip scrub container

How to make: In a small mixing bowl, mix ingredients together. Transfer to lip scrub container. Store in a dark and cool place. 

Glow Lip Scrub Recipe

Daily wear and tear plus environmental effects can dull our lips. UV and sun damage darken our lips over time. If you’re looking to get that radiant glow back on your lips,  this lip scrub recipe is perfect for you.  

Lemon essential oil is a key brightening ingredient, while Geranium adds a lovely floral scent. 

diy recipe for glow lip scrub

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp organic cane sugar

1/2 tbsp organic honey

1 tsp coconut oil

1 drop Lemon essential oil

1 drop Geranium essential oil

Lip scrub container

How to make: In a small mixing bowl, mix ingredients together. Transfer to lip scrub container. Store in a dark and cool place. 

Anti Aging Lip Scrub Recipe 

Do you have wrinkles you want to combat on your lips? This lip scrub is great for tightening our delicate skin. 

Olive oil is rich in omega fatty acids that are great for anti-aging. Frankincense is good at softening wrinkles over time. 

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp organic cane sugar

1/2 tbsp organic honey

1 tsp olive oil

1 drop Frankincense essential oil

1 drop Lavender essential oil

Lip scrub container

How to make: In a small mixing bowl, mix ingredients together. Transfer to lip scrub container. Store in a dark and cool place. 

Ultra Hydrating Lip Scrub

Winter not only chaps our lips, but it also sucks the moisture out. This leaves our lips in an uncomfortable condition.  Try this hydrating lip scrub recipe to lock moisture in and bring the suppleness back to your lips.  

Avocado oil hydrates and moisturizes your lips without leaving a heavy oily residue.

DIY hydrating lip scrub recipe with Avocado OIl 

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp organic cane sugar

1/2 tbsp organic honey

1 tsp avocado oil

1 drop Lavender essential oil

1 drop Geranium essential oil

Lip scrub container

How to make: In a small mixing bowl, mix ingredients together. Transfer to lip scrub container. Store in a dark and cool place. 

How to Use your DIY Natural Lip Scrubs at Home: 

These DIY natural lip scrub recipes work up fast and will save you money over time.  Use the scrubs once a week for best results.

You want to use a gentle circular motion as the skin on your lips is thin. Exfoliate lightly to avoid any injuries. 

Since you will be using fresh ingredients, make smaller batches for the best shelf life.  

These scrubs also make cute gifts.  Add them to a homemade spa gift set for a perfect perfect gift.  Thoughtful, non-toxic, and useful!

Did you make this recipe? Comment below and what you think. Tag us on social media with your photos – @by.bindi.  I’d love to see them.  

 

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Using Non Toxic Remedies for Cold Sores

Today, I felt that dreaded tingle,  the tingle that precedes a cold sore.  Within minutes,  it was a full blown creature and had taken over the bottom half of my lip. I was mortified!

I’ve dealt with cold sores on and off throughout my 20s. Thankfully they aren’t that common for me.  My last one was three years ago.  This also meant that I didn’t have cold sore medicine on hand. 

Abreva was my choice in the past. It never was a miracle cure,  but it did always feel like it was helping. My cold sores always last 1 week,  no matter what medicine I use.  Now that I’m focusing on a non-toxic life,  I want to see if I can move this buster along with non toxic remedies,  at home.  

Day 1 of Healing a Cold Sore the Natural Way At Home

I started my journey as many do,  a quick online search to see what essential oils would do the trick.  I am a big oil lover and like when I get to use my growing stash. 

Why Try Essential Oils For Cold Sores?

Essential oils are plant based and potent. This makes them a great ingredient for non toxic remedies. 

My search led me to this article which has a great breakdown of which oils are good and some recipes.  Ultimately, I used the resources I came across to experiment on my own. 

The first thing I tried was peppermint and thyme undiluted. I always dilute, but I was curious to see if this would speed it along. It burned right away.  I definitely would NOT recommend this route! 

I decided to make a roller bottle blend that I could use a cotton swab with.  It’s very important to avoid cross contamination when dealing with cold sores.  Here is the blend I made:

• 5 ml roller bottle

• 5 drops Peppermint 

• 2 drops Clove

• 3 drops Thyme

• Fractionated Coconut Oil

This blend was way more soothing and didn’t burn at all.  

As Day 1 nears its end,  I have come up with a plan for to combat this sucker. I will:

• Drink lots of water (at least 8 glasses)

• Use the roller blend 3-5 times a day

• have Emergen-C once a day along with elderberry gummies*

Healing is both topical and internal. I need to provide my body with the nutrients it needs to fight off this infection.  In the meantime,  I will destress and hopefully this sucker will be gone soon!

Stay tuned for more updates on how these non toxic remedies for cold sores fare. 

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How to Make Reusable Crochet Face Scrubbies in 10 Minutes

How to Make Reusable Crochet Face Scrubbies in 10 minutes (Beginner Friendly Crochet Pattern)

Reusable face scrubbies are a big trend these days. It makes sense to ditch disposable face wipes and cotton rounds that plug up our landfills and switch to the more economical eco-friendly makeup remover. Just look on Etsy, and you’ll see tons of options for homemade scrubbies. They’re much cheaper, last longer, and are easy to maintain with laundry or handwash. 

Over the past couple of years, I started to ditch commercial one-use products for more economical reusable ones. They’re better for the environment and your body. Recently, my obsession is face scrubbies. I love these things and have made loads of them. They exfoliate my skin so well and leaves it super soft. I noticed with patterns I came across that the scrubby tends to get too “holey” when it’s dampened in water. This makes it a little hard to wash your face when the stitches don’t hold up against face wash and water. Due to this, I experimented with making a pattern with two yarn strands and was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy and still soft they were!

If you’re like me and love DIY projects, you’ll enjoy these crochet face scrubbies. They work up very fast. I can have one done in less than 10 minutes. And, they’re super cheap, costing around 50 cents for one. These scrubbies are also sturdier due to the two yarn design, plus it gives the scrubbies a cool two-tone look! This crochet pattern is beginner-friendly. The only stitch you’ll need to know is half double-crochet.

If you’re super brand new to crocheting, I would recommend a crochet kit. The one I have comes with a good range of hook sizes, stitch markers, and weaving needles. And, it comes in a handy bag so you won’t lose anything!

You are welcome to sell any creations you make using this project. I would appreciate credit if you do so. Since these work up fast, they’d be great for craft fairs, bath spa gifts, and to sell online. You are not allowed to sell this crochet pattern as your own. 

Let’s get started!

Reusable Crochet Face Scrubbies Pattern

Materials: 

  • 2 skeins medium weight (4) 100% cotton yarn (I used I Love This Cotton yarn in White and Rosey)*
  • I-9 hook
  • Stitch marker
  • Needle to weave ends

*Feel free to experiment with different colors. You can also make the pattern in one color; just use 2 skeins of the same color. 

Size: 

The approximate finished diameter will be 3 inches. 

Stitches: 

  • Half Double Crochet (HDC): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, and pull through loop. Yarn over and pull through all loops. 
  • Slip Stich (sl st): Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, and pull through a loop. 

Notes: 

  • Chain 1 at the start of rows does not count as a stitch. 
  • Always slip stitch into the first stitch of the row, not chain 1. 
  • Working with two strands of yarn can be a little difficult if it is your first time doing so. Make sure to keep your tension loose so you can easily insert hook into stitches. Keep skeins separate to keep yarn from getting tangled as you work. Always make sure you have both colors on your hook. 

Directions: 

Foundation Row: Chain 3 and sl st into chain one. This will create a circle. 

Row 1: Chain 1 (does not count as stitch).  9 HDC into the circle. Sl st. (9 stitches)

Row 2: Chain 1. **2 HDC in same stitch**. Repeat from * to * in the next 8 stitches. Sl st. (18 stitches)

Row 3: Chain 1. **1 HDC in the same stitch. 2 HDC in next stitch**. Repeat from ** to ** 5 more times. Sl st (27 stitches)

Finish off and weave in ends. 

And that’s all there is to it! If you make this pattern, be sure to comment below and tag @Paintingsbybindi in photos! I would love to see what you create. 

– ByBindi