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You know the phrase “you are what you eat?” Well, you’re also what you slather on your skin, and if you’re using conventional beauty products, you’re probably a big pile of scary, toxic, endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Yikes, right? We often spend so much time thinking about what’s going into our mouths (“Is this organic/vegan/health-promoting/eco-friendly?”) that we forget to question the products we use on our skin every day.
Your skin isn’t an impenetrable fortress. It’s permeable, and that means that the ingredients in the beauty products you’re using have just as big of an effect on your body as the food that’s going into your mouth—not to mention the effect the production and disposal of those ingredients has on our planet.
Take a quick glance at the ingredients list on one of your favourite beauty products and you might see…
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: A lathering agent commonly used in shampoos and bubble baths. Can cause severe skin irritation, cataracts, and prevent children’s eyes from developing properly.
Parabens: These preservatives are commonly used in cosmetics and deodorants and have been linked to increased rates of breast cancer.
Mineral oil: Derived from petroleum, mineral oil is often used in face creams. It coats the skin like plastic and prevents it from eliminating toxins, leading to acne and other skin disorders.
And that’s just a few ingredients—many products have dozens more. Most women use products containing over 100 chemicals before breakfast!
Fear not: The solution to ditching chemical-ridden store-bought beauty products lies in your kitchen cupboard. This face mask is all-natural, effective and delicious—you can even slather the leftovers on cupcakes.
Raw Chocolate Face Mask (or Cupcake Frosting)
1/4 cup raw honey
1/4 cup Navitas Cacao Powder
2 Tbs coconut oil
1/2 avocado
2 tsp buffered vitamin C powder (optional)
2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
· Process until smooth.
· Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
· Rinse with warm water and pat dry.