Green Beauty: Go Natural With Healthy Skin Care

Have you ever wondered what's in your everyday facial cleanser or lotion? A quick scan of the ingredients reveals a host of words nearly impossible to pronounce. A bit of research into the chemicals listed on the back of even the most basic cosmetic packaging can yield frightening results--and give you ample reason to consider "going green."

Go Green for Healthy Skin
You can start your own "going green" movement at home by throwing out all those chemical-laden cleansers on your vanity and opting for natural products. Using all natural ingredients means you won't be washing chemicals down the drain--and best of all, you won't be putting those chemicals on your skin.

Here are a few recipes to get you started:

Face and Body Lotion
For natural moisturizing of the skin, try this recipe:

1/2 cup of dried chamomile (you can also rip open four chamomile tea bags)
2 tablespoons of honey
1/2 cup of milk or cream
4 teaspoons of wheat germ

Soak the chamomile in the milk or cream for three hours, then strain the mixture. Add the honey and wheat germ, and stir well to form a lotion. Keep it in the refrigerator, use it at night, and make a new batch after a week.

Cleanser
A great cleanser can be made with ingredients from your cupboard.

4 tablespoons oatmeal
4 tablespoons plain yogurt

Combine the oatmeal and yogurt and apply it to your face. Rinse well. To use the mixture on your body, spoon it into a square of cheesecloth, and use the bundle to scrub from head to toe.

Milk Bath
Not only is a milk bath excellent for your skin, it's great to soothe your soul after a long, hard day.

2 cups whole milk
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup dried chamomile (or four chamomile tea bags)

Steep the tea bags in the water for thirty minutes. Mix the tea with whole milk and pour it into your bath. Sit back, soak, and enjoy.

Body Scrub
Get fresh, clean skin the natural way.

1/2 cup of sea salt
3 tablespoons of your favorite oil (lavender, rose, etc.)
2 tablespoons of white vinegar

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and rub it over your body in a circular motion. Rinse and follow up with the all-natural lotion before bed.

Love Your Skin
Be kind to your body by opting for natural home solutions instead of harsh chemicals. Your skin will show glowing improvements and you will have the sweet feeling of doing something good for the planet!