Avoid Toxic Beauty: The Natural Alternative to the Cosmetic Counter

Next time you’re tempted to spend a fortune at a department store beauty counter, take a look in your kitchen cabinet first.  You may be surprised what’s in store for you. In addition to the foods you eat for a healthy body, you probably have a lot of natural foods that are great for beautifying your skin and hair, too.  And if you’re concerned about the toxic chemicals you may be putting on your face with over the counter cosmetics, what’s in your pantry could put your mind at ease.

Add these 7 foods to your beauty routine.

Olive oil – Olive oil has been used for centuries to hydrate the skin.  There’s a good reason for this – olive oil is super hydrating.  You can slather it own right out of the bottle after stepping out of the shower. Plus, it’s great for treating split ends.  Many lotions and creams now contain olive oil, so if you choose to go the product route, you won’t have any trouble finding one that fits the bill.

Oatmeal – You probably know by now that eating oatmeal is a powerful way to control your cholesterol, but it’s also a great beauty aid. Try soaking in an oatmeal bath to soothe irritations caused by rashes or poison ivy or oak, and sunburn.  You can even use oatmeal as an exfoliate. Simply mix a little with water and rub on your face in a circular motion.  Let it dry for 10 minutes and then rinse.

Pumpkin seeds – If you’re over 40, you may need a little extra help when it comes to keeping your skin young looking.  Because skin cells aren’t renewed as easily as they once were, your skin may take on a dull, lifeless appearance.

Pumpkin seeds contain an enzyme that can slough off dead skin cells, which speeds up the cell renewal process.  They also contain fatty acids to hydrate the skin and all-important antioxidants to combat free radicals – those molecules that can age and damage your skin.  Look for facial and body peel products that contain pumpkin seeds.

Salmon – Don’t worry, you won’t have to spread chopped salmon all over your face to enjoy the beauty benefits.  You can just enjoy a tasty meal of this cold water fish and get the benefits of DMAE - a compound known for aiding in skin rejuvenation – that way. 

Don’t care for salmon?  No problem.  Most cold-water fish will work just fine.  Plus, creams and moisturizers containing DMAE are easily found and can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

Seaweed – Cultures around the world know that seaweed is rich in amino acids, minerals, and vitamins.  More and more these compounds are becoming well recognized for their cosmetic properties.  They reduce irritation and inflammation, as well as cleanse, firm, and soften the skin.  Spas offer seaweed wraps for overall body detoxification.  You’ll find different varieties of seaweed in many different skin care products.

Acai berries – There is a lot of fanfare associated with the “super food” acia these days, but don’t let the hype confuse you.  Acai contains antioxidants and vitamins that can neutralize the rages of oxidative stress your skin has to deal with everyday.  In addition, acai protects against the effects of sun damage, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, too.

Honey – Here’s a sweet solution for acne sufferers. Products containing honey help kill bacteria associated with acne breakouts.  Honey is also great for moisturizing so check for honey in lip balms, moisturizers, soaps and other beauty products.

These days when saving a buck may be more important than ever, it’s good to know you don’t have to spend a fortune to look as young, vibrant, and healthy as can be.  Nature’s bounty supplies us with all we need.  And you don’t have to look any further than your kitchen shelf to find it!