Earth-based Skincare and Household Cleaning Products

Oct 28, 2020

During the 365 days after I started The Earth Diet blog, I not only changed my eating habits, I also changed everything I put on my skin and used in my home. What is the point of eating healthy if we keep putting chemicals on our skin? It is the same thing! We are what we eat, and what we absorb!

As a general rule, always remember: If you cannot eat it, do not put it on your skin. If you cannot eat it, do not spray it in your house. Why? Because the skin absorbs everything it touches. It is our largest organ. Our lungs are also absorbing tiny molecules that we breathe in. Whatever we put on our skin, or use around our home, we are basically “eating” through our lungs and skin.

Here are natural alternatives for skincare and household cleaning products:

Deodorant: Use lemon. Cut a lemon in half and wipe it under your armpit. Or find an organic deodorant that uses gentle, plant-based ingredients. Stay away from deodorants that contain aluminum. Heavy metals clog the pores and stop sweat from coming out. It is natural for the armpit to perspire toxins, so do not clog it up.

Perfumes: Use small amounts of essential oils. Stay away from fragrances that are made up of synthetic perfume components. Most commercials scents contain phthalates, which interfere with hormone function and create a toxic buildup in the body, thus weakening the immune system.

Moisturizer: Use extra-virgin coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, flaxseed oil, or cacao butter. Smooth it onto your skin and rub in.

Dry Body Brushing: Use a dry body brush once daily, stroking it in a circular motion, to remove dead skin cells and toxins.

Breath freshener:  Chew on a few pieces of fresh cilantro or parsley.

Makeup: Use organic, plant-based, vegan, animal cruelty-free cosmetics.

Mascara: You can make your own using charcoal! Stay away from non-organic mascara, which is extremely toxic for the eyes and eyelashes.

Hair Moisturizing Treatment: Use coconut oil as a hair treatment. Lather hair with oil until wet, and then let sit for 20 minutes. Wash out with a non-toxic shampoo and conditioner.

Toothpaste: Squeeze lemon onto your toothbrush and then dip it in a container of baking soda (aluminum-free) and wash your teeth as usual. Stay away from toothpaste with many chemicals, including fluoride.

Teeth Whitener: Replace conventional whitener with baking soda. After brushing your teeth, dip your toothbrush into a container of baking soda and brush. This mild abrasive will buff your teeth clean and shiny. Do this for 7–14 days, until your teeth are white. Then allow for a break. Do it again when you want to whiten up! Stay away from bleach and other harmful chemicals.

Face Masks: Use a bentonite clay mask, an avocado face mask, or a cacao face mask. See the Guide for Clear Skin in the back of The Earth Diet book.

Laundry Detergent: Make your own with water, coconut oil, and essential oils. Stay away from non-organic laundry detergents.

Air freshener: Make your own with water, fresh mint, and essential oils, like orange—using just a few drops. Put it in a spray bottle and spray in your home, on the carpet, or on furniture. Stay away from non-organic chemical fresheners.

Floor Cleaner: Mix water with a few drops of tea tree oil and pure vanilla extract. Stay away from non-organic chemical cleaners.

Fruit and Vegetable Wash: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into 2 cups of water. Add to a spray bottle and then spray down your fruits and vegetables before rinsing thoroughly to wash off any pesticides or bacteria.

For more natural recipes for skincare and household products, visit the shop section of my website.