In my former career as health store owner, manager and consultant I was privy to all the latest in regards to body care products. During my nomadic years I was even more of a minimalist than usual. In this article I will briefly mention products that I am currently using, and most likely will expand on each category in the future.
Lip Stick – I’m a big fan of looking as natural as possible; however, my lips tend to be very pale and I like a little color. For many years I used Burt’s Bees Lip products, the fig shade in particular. I don’t remember what the original ingredients were several decades ago, but I’m certainly not keen on the current ingredients of canola oil, or titanium which can be drying. Recently I purchased at random Rose-Tinted Lip Salve by Omorfee. It actually has beet juice as an ingredient. It is too bright but I simply apply sparingly and blot off excess. The color seems to last all day and sometimes I apply a colorless moisturizer, namely iRevive. I hope the company comes out with some paler shades.
Daytime facial moisturizer – I recently started using iRevive, very sparingly after washing or blotting my face with water so it spreads further. (I learned many years ago about emulsification. When applying any oily product to skin, make sure to include a little water simultaneously, so the product doesn’t leave a greasy film on top, but actually sinks into the skin.) Another daytime facial moisturizer that I still use sometimes is Rose Hips Seed Oil, which comes in a small bottle like essential oils do. The brand NOW is my favorite because of the little pump top instead of an eye dropper set-up. Remember to emulsify. And in a pinch, I use organic cold-pressed olive oil.
Exfoliation – I learned an inexpensive tip from my aesthetician decades ago when I suffered with acne. Lisa taught me how, on a slightly damp face to very gently apply about a teaspoon of baking soda, and very gently move it upwards (because our skin cells are like shingles, as she explained.) I would do this maybe once weekly, but now that I’m older and my skin in dryer I do it twice a week or until the point that my skin feels smooth to the touch when I accidentally touch it during the day.
Night time facial moisturizer for mature skin – I recently started using Magic Wrinkle Eraser Night Balm by Froya Organics. I understand that it contains ingredients that survive the cold in the arctic. I am very impressed. Again, remember to emulsify.
Soaps – The soap that I currently wash my face and body with is the fragrance-free version of Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Shampoo and Wash. I always use for camping showers because I could sudz up my hair, face and body without my eyes stinging. To wash my hands, I use Dr. Bronners fragrance liquid soap. Sometimes I use it as a shampoo. Both of these products work for me as a shaving cream also.
I recently purchased, for the first time, a bar of soap for problem skin called Calming Zinc Cleansing Bar by Dr. Bailey Skin Care. It seems to be working for the itchiness around my eyes and a rash elsewhere on my body.
Shampoo – I have been mostly using Babo Botanicals mentioned above or Desert Essence for Kids Fragrance Free Shampoo and Body Wash. For hair conditioner, for many years, I’ve been using Desert Essence Fragrance Free Conditioner, and have been quite satisfied as a little goes a long way.
Toothpaste – I switch around and try different natural brands, fluoride-free. The one I keep coming back to is the spearmint whitening toothpaste by Himalaya. I use Desert Essence dental floss.
Deodorant – Currently I simply use vodka with a few drops of lavender essential oil mixed in, which I keep in a little glass spray bottle. I’ve also used freshly squeezed lemon juice, when I’m also adding it to my drinking water for the day. In the past, I’ve used Weleda brand citrus deodorant spray. For some reason the crystal deodorants were not effective for me. Sometimes, especially in summer months I ingest chlorophyl liquid added to water, which helps to keep body and foot odor at bay. Of course, as you may have guessed, I do not believe in applying chemical anti-perspirants on a regular basis as they clog up the pores and prevent toxins from being released.
Hand Sanitizer – Personally I cannot stand the smell of mainstream hand sanitizers, and I believe that it puts too much stress on the liver to constantly apply chemical products to the skin, because they actually get absorbed internally. I much prefer my homemade concoction of cheap vodka mixed with lavender essential oil which also doubles as my deodorant. During the pandemic I bought a vodka with a higher proof alcohol level.
I welcome any suggestions for natural body care products that are not perfumed.