Kitchen Facial DIY

There is something so endearing about making products the old fashioned way. Before the age of Sephora, lightyears before it seems, women did have to make their own products--for all household needs. I love the thought of regressing, and simplifying what we use daily, don't you?

I have been making lists of beauty products to whip up from scratch once I run out of my current supply. I am still feeling this overwhelming urge to live more simply. This is one of those ways I am taking baby steps. I seriously have no idea if the DIY beauty products will be a success, but the thought of making my own shampoo, conditioner and other daily used products is really wonderful in theory, isn't it? And with my temperamental skin, face products could be either a complete mess, or in another sense just perfect because of the simple and gentle ingredients.

When my Aveeno Exfoliating Face Wash ran out, obviously a reason to try my first DIY came about. Living in Colorado, the air is SO dry. I cannot even explain it. I don't sweat, like EVER. (And I was, believe me, a hot sweaty mess when going on runs in California two weeks ago). Because of the weather, exfoliating is necessary, even more so in the winter, but still necessary in summer, with the crazy dry air. 

Disclaimer: I've never made a DIY beauty product. I am not a chemist who is suited to come up with my own recipes. I am resourceful, though, and have been reading up on recipes and ways to go simpler and greener (like these homemade lotion bars and lip balm). I am hoping I stumble across a beauty or home cleaning recipe that calls for something from my garden. Lavender maybe? 

I came across this simple DIY to use baking soda to exfoliate your skin. A gentle powder that is natural and a miracle worker, around for centuries and the queen bee in household DIY. Its been ten hours since I made my own kitchen facial and exfoliated with my baking soda paste, and my skin feels soft and smooth. Typically my skin gets red and irritated after washing with most products, and I can gladly say this paste was so gentle my skin stayed calm (and collected, too).

How to: Add a few drops of water to 1 tbsp baking soda in a small bowl. Add just enough water to get a paste like consistency.  After cleansing your face, apply the paste to your damp skin, rubbing in small circles with your fingertips on your forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, lips--basically all over but avoiding your eyes. Do this for a few minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Pat your face dry and use a toner or apply moisturizer following your scrub. I did not have toner, so I just used CeraVe moisturizer with spf. 

Have you made beauty products from scratch? I think I may need to try a homemade Green Tea toner next. Happy Exfoliating!