Did you know that on average, women use 12 body care products a day, exposing themselves to 168 chemical ingredients? Men use six, exposing themselves to 85 unique chemicals?

Personal care products are largely unregulated. The law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients to have FDA approval before they go to the market.

The federal law designed to ensure that personal care products are safe has remained largely unchanged since 1938.

According to the FDA cosmetics are defined by their intended use, as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance” (FD&C Act, sec. 201(i)).  Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, as well as any substance intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.  It does not include soap. (To learn what products are considered “soap” for regulatory purposes, see “Soap.”

Personal care products, called “cosmetics” in the law, are much more than makeup and fragrance. They include lotion, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, deodorant and many other products that people use daily.

It’s no wonder some of us have strange reactions to different products that we apply regularly.  And remember that the skin is our largest organ.  Anything that goes on the skin will get through the pores into our system, which means our body is constantly in detox mode.

Here is how I improved my self care routine.

My personal experience came with age.  My skin was becoming more sensitive and I was having itching and burning reactions to the products I was using.  One day I had had enough and took a closer look at the ingredients and process used to make these products.  As mentioned above I was surprised at what I found.  How can I support my body and care for myself better?

I started researching how to make my own products and began the process of eliminating some of the chemical laden products from my shelf by making my own.  At first it seemed quite intimidating but as I tried my way through a few recipes.  I learned it’s not that complicated. First came a few easy things like lip balm, toothpaste, and then a deodorant.  Later on  I tackled some face cream, shampoo, and conditioner.

After learning some of the basics I was starting to enjoy the process of finding the ingredients and then making my own products.  This is where I realized this is part of my self care routine.    It feels really great to nourish my skin instead of hurting it.  And remember it’s not just your skin, but your whole body that you are nurturing.

In no way am I suggesting you go home and throw all your products away. Instead  just as you finish one up, maybe do some research and find a better product, or make you own. It is not as hard as most people think.

And just think how much healthier and happier you and your environment will be. Making your own products with simple ingredients which mother earth provides for us. This definitely should be considered self care.

Home made body care products made with natures ingredients.

I have shared some favorite easy recipes our  youtube, channel, follow us there and you will be updated as we add more self care recipes and tools to create your best and healthiest life.