Natural Remedies for Common Skin Problems

For every skin problem there's several products out there claiming to be the cure all. Yet, we know that everyday personal care products can be loaded with harmful ingredients. Those suffering with skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea have enough to be concerned with without having to worry if treatments contain carcinogens, hormone disruptors, or harsh ingredients that will only worsen their condition. Taking the natural approach to soothing skin troubles helps keep toxic chemicals out of your body and avoids the severe reactions some aggressive treatments can cause.

Acne
The best way to start treating acne is from the inside out. Eat healthy, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, limit stress, never sleep with makeup on, wash your pillowcases regularly, and avoid touching your face. Then, try these natural remedies for acne.

Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids – the main ingredient in a lot of exfoliating and anti-aging skin care products. While it's not as strong as a lot of acne products on the market, it is fairly strong. So it's advisable that you try a patch test (apply to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours) before using apple cider vinegar on your face. If the patch test shows no adverse reaction, mix one part vinegar with eight parts water (you can always adjust the ratio as needed) and apply to clean skin with a cotton ball. Allow skin to dry completely before moisturizing as usual.

Calendula. Calendula is used to treat a variety of skin irritations, from minor cuts and burns to dry skin and acne. Calendula has both antibacterial and antiviral properties so it soothes inflammation and speeds up healing. It is so gentle it can be used on all skin types. Look for creams and lotions containing calendula or use cooled calendula tea as a toner after cleansing your face.

Tea Tree Oil. Tee tree oil is probably the most popular natural acne treatment available. It is very potent with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It works by killing the bacteria that causes acne breakouts. Pure tea tree oil is very strong (a single sniff will leave your eyes burning), so it must be diluted. Start with mixing just a drop or two with a tablespoon of water and adjust as needed. Apply diluted tea tree oil with a cotton ball after washing your face. Allow skin to dry completely before moisturizing.

Witch Hazel. Witch hazel, thanks to its anti-bacterial tannin acid, makes a great astringent for acne-prone skin. It is strong enough to clear up acne-causing bacteria, but gentle enough to not disturb skin's natural pH balance. Apply witch hazel undiluted as a toner after cleansing.

Acne Scars
Aloe vera has been used for its healing properties for centuries. Over time aloe vera can help lessen the scars left by acne. Wash your face with a cleanser containing aloe vera and then apply aloe vera gel as a spot treatment.

Over time honey can also help fade acne scars. Opt for raw, natural honey. Apply honey to scars as a spot treatment at night. Honey can also be used as a facial mask to soften skin. Simply spread all over a clean face, allow to dry for 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Dry Skin
Drinking plenty of water and consuming a diet rich in magnesium, essential fatty acids, vitamin C, and beta-carotene can help make skin less prone to dryness. Try foods like oranges, mangoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, almonds and walnuts, and fatty-fish like wild Alaskan salmon. For topical treatments try:

Fruit. Foods like pineapple, papaya, and pumpkin are rich in alpha hydroxy acids – a natural exfoliator that helps slough off dead skin. For an all natural AHA mask, simply mash or puree the fruit and apply it to a clean face for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Then moisturize as usual.

Honey. Honey is a great, all natural emollient. For a skin softening facial mask, apply a thin layer of honey (raw is best) all over, allow it to sit for 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water. You can also apply honey to chapped lips and rough heels and elbows at night.

Oil. Nutrient-rich oils like olive, grapeseed, and almond oil all make great moisturizers. You can massage oil into dry skin for a few minutes before going about your usual cleansing routine. You can also add a few drops of oil (olive, grapeseed, almond, or vitamin E) to your regular moisturizer to boost its effects.

Sugar. Sugar mixed with oil (any of the aforementioned oils will work) makes a great skin softening scrub. Simply mix equal amounts of fine brown sugar and oil, massage into rough, dry skin for a few minutes, and rinse. Moisturize as usual.

Yogurt. The lactic acid in yogurt makes it an effective, yet gentle exfoliator. Apply plain Greek yogurt to a clean face and allow it to sit on skin for about 20 minutes. Then, rinse with tepid water and moisturize as usual.

Eczema
There are few effective natural remedies for eczema. So it is especially important to focus on prevention. To reduce flare ups keep skin well hydrated with creams or ointments containing low water and high oil content. Apply moisturizing treatments to damp skin immediately after bathing and continue moisturizing throughout the day as needed. Avoid some of the most common eczema triggers: heat, stress, scratchy fabrics like wool, harsh soaps and detergents, and environmental allergens (i.e., pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander). These natural remedies may help soothe skin and lessen your need for stronger over the counter treatments.

Calendula. Calendula is used to treat a variety of skin irritations. Calendula has both antibacterial and antiviral properties so it soothes inflammation and speeds up healing. It is so gentle it can be used on all skin types. Look for creams and lotions containing calendula or use cooled calendula tea as a toner after washing your face.

Chamomile. Chamomile, with it's anti-inflammatory properties, is a common natural remedy for eczema and psoriasis. Apply cooled chamomile tea to skin with a clean cloth 2 to 4 times a day or opt for moisturizers and other skin treatments containing chamomile.

Flaxseed. Flaxseed is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids which help boost the immune system and fight inflammation. Flaxseed is often recommended to treat inflammation-based skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Start with one to two tablespoons of cold-pressed flaxseed oil, taken with food, daily.

Oily Skin
It's important to avoid the instinct to over clean oily skin. You don't want “squeaky clean” skin. Stripping skin of all its natural oils kicks oil production into overdrive leaving you worse off than when you began. If this is not the case, try the following remedies to soak up excess oil.

Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids – the main ingredient in a lot of exfoliating and anti-aging skin care products. While it's not as strong as a lot of acne products on the market, it is fairly strong. So it's advisable that you try a patch test (apply to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours) before using apple cider vinegar on your face. If the patch test shows no adverse reaction, mix one part vinegar with eight parts water (you can always adjust the ratio as needed) and apply to clean skin with a cotton ball. Allow skin to dry completely before moisturizing as usual.

Baking Soda. Adding baking soda to your liquid facial cleanser can help soak up excess oil. Simply add a small pinch of baking soda to a quarter-size amount of face wash, gently massage into skin, and rinse.

Egg. One of the simplest and most effective homemade facial masks you can make is an egg mask. Beat a single egg white, apply it to your face, allow it to sit for 15 minutes, rinse with tepid water, and allow your skin to air dry. Your skin will immediately feel firmer and look fresher.

Lemons. Lemon is full of collagen-boosting vitamin C and natural fruit acids that can help eliminate excess oil and balance out skin tone. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, apply to your face, and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with tepid water. Alternatively, if your skin can tolerate it, you can slice off the quarter end of a lemon and rub the cut side of the lemon onto your skin for a few minutes. Then allow it to sit on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Milk. Whole organic milk makes a very gentle mask that can help balance skin's pH level. After cleansing your face, apply milk with a cotton ball, allow it to dry for 20 minutes, and then rinse with tepid water.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis can be difficult to treat – naturally or otherwise. It is important to focus on prevention. Start by avoiding the most common psoriasis triggers: dryness, cold, stress, alcohol, and smoking. Keeping a food journal can help you identify any food triggers. Make sure to keep skin moisturized and avoid picking and scratching. Hopefully, these measures will keep flare ups to a minimum. When psoriasis does flare up try these natural remedies to soothe skin and lessen your need for over the counter treatments.

Aloe Vera. Aloe vera has been used for its healing properties for centuries. Apply aloe vera gel to irritated skin to sooth and heal.

Chamomile. Chamomile, with it's anti-inflammatory properties, is a common natural remedy for eczema and psoriasis. Apply cooled chamomile tea to skin with a clean cloth 2 to 4 times a day or opt for moisturizers and other skin treatments containing chamomile.

Daily baths. Taking a daily bath with bath oil, colloidal oatmeal, or Epsom salts can help remove scales and calm skin. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps. Use lukewarm water and mild soaps that contain added oils and fats.

Flaxseed. Flaxseed is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids which help boost the immune system and fight inflammation. Flaxseed is often recommended to treat inflammation-based skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Start with one to two tablespoons of cold-pressed flaxseed oil, taken with food, daily.

Sunlight. Exposing skin to limited amounts of sun can help treat psoriasis. Too much sun can make psoriasis worse, so it's best to start with a single short session a few times a week. Keep a log of your sun exposure and its effect on your skin to help you determine if sunlight is an effective treatment for you and what amount works best for your skin.

Rosacea
There's no cure for rosacea, but lifestyle modifications can help reduce symptoms. Start by avoiding the most common triggers of rosacea: sun exposure, emotional stress, hot weather, wind, and strenuous exercise. The most important thing to remember is to keep skin cool and calm. Rosacea sufferers should avoid washing with hot water and skincare products that contain harsh ingredients or drying agents like alcohol.

Keeping a food journal can help in identifying food triggers. Alcohol and spicy foods are two very common triggers. Following an anti-inflammatory diet may also help ward off rosacea symptoms. The basic tenets of an anti-inflammatory diet are as follows: eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; minimize saturated and trans fats; consume omega-3 fatty acids from foods like Wild Alaskan Salmon and walnuts; limit refined carbohydrates (i.e., white flour and sugar), processed foods, red meat, and full fat dairy foods; eat plenty of whole grains; and stick with lean sources of protein.

When rosacea symptoms do flare up some of these natural remedies may help soothe your skin and lessen your need for strong prescription creams.

Green tea. We've all heard that drinking green tea can help ward off cancer and heart disease, but new research suggests it may be a good topical treatment for rosacea. Green tea is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. Its greatest benefit appears to be that in can reduce the skin’s reaction to ultraviolet light, thus helping to reduce sun-triggered flare ups.

Lavender. Lavender has been used to treat skin problems for hundreds of years. When applied to skin the essential oil of lavender can help reduce inflammation and shrink blood vessels.

Licorice. Licorice extract is a strong anti-inflammatory that can help reduce redness. A 2006 study by the American Academy of Dermatology found that licorice extract products helped improve results in patients already using prescription rosacea creams.

Rose Hip Oil. Rose hips, the dried fruit of the rose, are abundant in vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, riboflavin, and folate. The vitamin C in rose hip oil helps strengthens capillaries and reduces redness. Rose hip's anti-inflammatory properties help stimulate the immune system to fight rosacea. Rose hip can also help fade scars. Even skin creams containing rose can be helpful because they calm and sooth the skin.

Supplements. Alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 are promoted for their ability to reduce inflammation in the body. And 100 mg of zinc sulfate three times a day is the most often prescribed supplement for reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

The ABC’s of Being Green

Always remember the three Rs . . . Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Every piece of advice about being green resonates back to at least one of these basic tenets.

Bike or ride the Bus instead of driving.

Clean green with homemade cleaning solutions made from simple and natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.

Donate goods you can’t recycle or sell. Freecycle is a great online nonprofit that helps you to donate to people in your community.

Eat produce from the Environmental Working Group’s 15 Cleanest Fruits and Vegetables in place of produce from the Dirty Dozen list.

Filter your tap water with a home filtration system instead of buying bottled water.

Go outside! Turn off the TV and video games and let your kids explore outdoors. Check out state and national parks in your area and the variety of family friendly activities most of them offer.

Hit the local library or used book store for books, CDs, and DVDs instead of buying them new.

Install timers to automatically adjust your thermostat when you’re sleeping and out of the house.

Juice up your cell phone with a car charger. Or, when using the computer, charge your phone using the USB port. Both options will save energy compared to using a wall plug.

Keep rain water for a variety of non-potable uses, such as watering plants or washing your car, by installing a rain barrel.

Launder your clothes with ½ to ¾ of the manufacturer’s suggested amount. You’ll cut down on waste and get your clothes cleaner.

Make the most of each car trip by combining as many errands as you can. Save time and gas.

Nurture your skin with personal care products that are safe for your health and the environment.

Opt for energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.

Purchase energy-efficient appliances to replace your old ones as they wear out.

Quit topping off your gas tank. It’s bad for your health and the environment (click here for details).

Recharge your batteries instead of using disposable batteries.

Shower instead of taking baths. Try to keep it to 5 to 10 minutes.

Toss food scrapes and yard refuse into a compost bin to make your own organic, nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Utilize what you already have before buying anything new. Don’t just “shop your closet”. Shop your entire home. Go a step further and organize a swap (of clothes, shoes, and accessories; or home goods; or kid toys; or books and movies) with your friends.

Visit farmers’ markets in your area and support local farmers while getting super-fresh, locally-produced food.

Wash with fragrance-free soap. Opt for fragrance-free body wash, hand soap, shampoo, and moisturizer to avoid chemicals that are harmful to your health and the environment.

X April 22nd on your calendar. It’s Earth Day. Visit earthday.org to volunteer for events organized in your community or get together with friends for a community clean-up of your own.

Yank out your stash of reusable shopping bags whenever you go shopping.

Zap away less energy by unplugging appliances, like toasters and coffeemakers, when they’re not in use. “Standby usage” accounts for anywhere from 6% to 26% of a homes' electricity use.

Natural Solutions For Dry Winter Skin

As temperatures drop this winter, so does the moisture in our skin. Switching to a heavier moisturizer can help sooth dry, dull, or chaffed skin, as can these simple home remedies for treating dry winter skin naturally.

Moisturize from the inside out.
Start by drinking plenty of water and consuming a diet rich in biotin, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin C, and beta-carotene can help make skin less prone to dryness. Try foods like eggs, almonds and walnuts, oranges, mangoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, and cold-water fish like wild Alaskan salmon, anchovies and halibut.

Check your cupboards for all natural moisturizers.
Nutrient-rich oils like olive, grapeseed, and almond oil all make great moisturizers. You can massage oil into dry skin for a few minutes before going about your usual cleansing routine. You can also add a few drops of oil (olive, grapeseed, almond, or vitamin E) to your regular moisturizer to boost its effects.

Honey is another great, all natural emollient. For a skin softening facial mask, apply a thin layer of honey (raw and natural is best) all over, allow it to sit for 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water. You can also apply honey to chapped lips and rough heels and elbows at night.

Think sweet to exfoliate.
Foods like pineapple, papaya, and pumpkin are rich in alpha hydroxy acids – a natural exfoliator that helps slough off dead skin. For an all-natural AHA mask, simply mash or puree the fruit and apply it to a clean face for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Then moisturize as usual.

Sugar mixed with oil (any of the aforementioned oils will work) makes a great skin softening scrub. Simply mix equal amounts of fine brown sugar and oil, massage into rough, dry skin for a few minutes, and rinse. Moisturize as usual.

For skin too sensitive for AHA, try yogurt. The lactic acid in yogurt makes it an effective, yet gentle exfoliator. Apply plain Greek yogurt to a clean face and allow it to sit on the skin for about 20 minutes. Then, rinse with tepid water and moisturize as usual.

Now go out and enjoy the winter with soft, glowing skin!

Natural Solutions for Common Hair Problems

Dry hair. Oily hair. Dandruff. Thinning hair. For every hair problem there are several solutions available in the health and beauty aisle. Instead of sorting through all those products, many of which we know contain some pretty unsavory ingredients, you can look to your pantry for some all-natural, do-it-yourself solutions.

First, start with a healthy hair diet. Basically, what's good for your body and overall health is good for your hair. Stick with a balanced diet of unprocessed foods – veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and good fats found in foods like walnuts, olive and canola oil, and fatty cold-water fish. Then, try these home remedies for your specific hair dilemma.


Dry Hair
Dry hair can result from a variety of reasons – harsh shampoo, over-shampooing, styling products, high heat from styling tools, sun, etc. Before trying to treat dry, damaged hair, consider why it's dry and damaged. To protect your hair from any further damage avoid over-shampooing (those with coarse hair can get away with shampooing once or twice a week), use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo, condition after every shampooing, wear hats to protect hair from wind and sun, get regular trims, wear a swim cap or rub olive oil onto hair before swimming in chlorinated or salt water, and always brush hair gently. Heat from blow dryers and curling/straightening irons is probably the leading cause of dry hair, so use only the minimum amount of heat needed to style your hair and allow your hair to air dry as often as possible.

Most homemade dry hair remedies can be found right in your kitchen. Mayonnaise and eggs are probably the two most popular home treatments for dry hair. With mayonnaise, simply slather a tablespoon or two of full fat mayonnaise onto your hair and gently massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then shampoo and condition as usual. To add some shine with eggs, beat an egg with a bit of tepid water and massage the mixture into your hair and scalp. Then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water (any hotter and you risk cooking the egg on your head).

You can use vinegar to clean and condition your hair into a healthy shine. Simply rinse with apple cider vinegar after your usual hair washing and conditioning routine. You can use beer the same way. Both will leave your hair shiny and, whether you use vinegar or beer, the smell will subside completely once your hair is dry.

For a yummy smelling hair mask mash up overripe banana and avocado and work it into your hair. Leave it on for at least half an hour and rinse with warm water.

For very coarse dry hair you can even try rubbing oil (olive, grapeseed, or coconut) onto your scalp, working it though the ends of your hair, and letting it sit for at least half an hour before shampooing.


Limp or Oily Hair
If you have oily hair, make sure you are rinsing your shampoo out thoroughly. Any shampoo left on hair can attract more oil and dirt. If you do use conditioner, apply only a small amount to the ends, never near the scalp. Also, avoid brushing or touching your hair too much.

Baking soda is great at cutting grease. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons to your regular shampoo and massage it into your hair to really get the oil and dirt out. Then wash and condition as usual.

A vinegar rinse can help remove built up hair products and excess oil from your hair. Just add some vinegar to your final shampoo rinse. If that is not enough, mix two parts water with one part vinegar (distilled white or apple cider) in a spray bottle, apply thoroughly to hair after shampooing, and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. A mixture of equal parts water and lemon juice can be used the same way.


Dandruff
Vinegar can also help treat dandruff. In this case, you massage the vinegar onto your scalp before shampooing. Do this every time you shampoo until the dandruff is gone. Going forward you can make your own dandruff-preventing conditioner by mixing two parts water with one part vinegar.

You can also try adding either crushed aspirin or baking soda to your shampoo, massaging the mixture onto your scalp, and leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing and washing with regular shampoo.


Thinning Hair/Hair Loss
While harsh hair products and treatments can damage hair, they do not cause hair loss. Hair loss is caused by internal factors such as nutrition, stress, hormones, and illness. If the following dietary recommendations don't work, your hair loss may be an indication of an underlying medical condition so consult a doctor.

First, consider if you're getting enough iron in your diet. Many women are anemic and don't even know it. Some iron-rich foods are egg yolks, dark leafy greens, beans and lentils, and red meat. Consuming these foods with foods rich in vitamin C aids in absorption. Also important to healthy hair growth is vitamin B12. It's found in eggs, meat, and poultry, but if your hair is already thinning due to a B12 deficiency, you need a supplement to restore levels and curb hair loss.

Another B vitamin, biotin, is absolutely essential for hair growth. It is found in foods like liver and egg yolks, but it's hard to get enough to help hair (as well as skin and nails) without a supplement. The recommended daily intake (RDI) of biotin is 300 mcg, but hair loss doctors recommend 2 mg to 3 mg of biotin a day for those suffering from hair loss. Hair loss experts usually also recommend a nutrient called methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). It's another building block of healthy hair and skin. The recommended dose of MSM is 700 mg a day.

If you want to go beyond nutritional supplementation and try an herbal remedy for hair loss, there is some evidence that saw palmetto is effective in treating hair loss. This herb is strong enough to effect androgen pathways, so discuss with your doctor first. A safer option may be green tea. The jury is still out on its effectiveness, but green tea does have many health benefits, including being a good source of antioxidants, so it can't hurt to try.


May you have many good hair days ahead of you!

Green Tip of The Day

Be an informed consumer when shopping for health and beauty products. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that hundreds of cosmetics sold in the U.S. contain chemicals the industry itself has deemed unsafe even when used as directed. After analyzing over 23,000 products, the EWG discovered that nearly 1 out of every 30 products sold in the U.S. failed to meet one or more industry or governmental cosmetics safety standards. Protect your health with the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Safe Cosmetics, a pocket-sized guide to what ingredients and products to avoid when you’re walking down the health and beauty aisle.

Natural Solutions For Dry Winter Skin

As temperatures drop this winter, so does the moisture in our skin. Switching to a heavier moisturizer can help sooth dry, dull, or chaffed skin, as can these simple home remedies for treating dry winter skin naturally.

Moisturize from the inside out.
Start by drinking plenty of water and consuming a diet rich in biotin, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin C, and beta-carotene can help make skin less prone to dryness. Try foods like eggs, almonds and walnuts, oranges, mangoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, and cold-water fish like wild Alaskan salmon, anchovies and halibut.

Check your cupboards for all natural moisturizers.
Nutrient-rich oils like olive, grapeseed, and almond oil all make great moisturizers. You can massage oil into dry skin for a few minutes before going about your usual cleansing routine. You can also add a few drops of oil (olive, grapeseed, almond, or vitamin E) to your regular moisturizer to boost its effects.

Honey is another great, all natural emollient. For a skin softening facial mask, apply a thin layer of honey (raw and natural is best) all over, allow it to sit for 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water. You can also apply honey to chapped lips and rough heels and elbows at night.

Think sweet to exfoliate.
Foods like pineapple, papaya, and pumpkin are rich in alpha hydroxy acids – a natural exfoliator that helps slough off dead skin. For an all natural AHA mask, simply mash or puree the fruit and apply it to a clean face for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Then moisturize as usual.

Sugar mixed with oil (any of the aforementioned oils will work) makes a great skin softening scrub. Simply mix equal amounts of fine brown sugar and oil, massage into rough, dry skin for a few minutes, and rinse. Moisturize as usual.

For skin too sensitive for AHA, try yogurt. The lactic acid in yogurt makes it an effective, yet gentle exfoliator. Apply plain Greek yogurt to a clean face and allow it to sit on the skin for about 20 minutes. Then, rinse with tepid water and moisturize as usual.

Now go out and enjoy the winter with soft, glowing skin!

Green Homemade Beauty Treatments

We’ve gone over how nasty chemicals are being found in our personal care products and how the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetics database can help you find products with no (or at least fewer) carcinogens, allergens, and endocrine disruptors. I’ve even provided a list of my favorite products that are easy to find, moderately-priced, and have a low hazard score in the EWG’s database. If you’re ready to go a step further though, there’s another option that’s easier and cheaper with NO hazard score . . . homemade beauty products!

Here are some of my favorite all-natural beauty treatments that you can make at home. I don’t like getting too fancy, so most are very simple recipes that require little more than a trip to the pantry.

• Mix 1 part olive oil with 2 parts canola oil to create a makeup remover that’ will help prevent wrinkles and leave your skin feeling super soft.
• Instead of AHA products to even out skin, try rubbing either the pulp of an orange slice, a pineapple slice, or mashed strawberries on your face. Leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
• For super soft skin apply half a mushed up a banana to your face for 20 minutes.
• Add a little sugar, oatmeal, or wheat germ to your regular cleanser for some added exfoliation.
• Lemon juice or witch hazel can be used to dry up a pimple. You can also mix them with water to create a toner.
• If you start breaking out, try applying a paste of baking soda and water for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
• Gently rub a mix of brown sugar and olive oil on your lips for a yummy lip exfoliation. Follow up with a soothing lip balm. I’m a big fan of Burt’s Bees myself.
• After shampooing, rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar followed by cold water. It’s worth putting up with the smell (it goes away once your hair is dry) for this kind of shine.
• If your hair is thick and prone to dryness, you can coat it with olive oil for a half hour before shampooing once or twice a week. Note: There are a lot of different recipes for homemade hair masks. I can’t really comment on them other than to say anything involving honey on your hair is not a good idea. At least not long, thick hair like mine. Learn from my homemade beauty faux pas!
• I always keep pure Vitamin E oil (check the label to make sure it’s not mixed with soybean oil or other diluting ingredients) on hand. It’s great for dry lips. When my skin gets especially dry in the winter, I add a couple drops to my regular night cream. Sometimes, after my morning moisturizer, I dab a tiny (and I mean teeny tiny; the oil slick look is not pretty) bit on the very tops of my cheeks for a subtle sheen.

Over time you'll learn which products work best for you and soon enough you'll be coming up with your own green homemade treatments. Have fun!

Greener, Safer Beauty

Think of how upsetting it is to hear about big corporations polluting our air, water, and soil with harmful chemicals. Now consider the disturbing fact that many people are unwittingly contaminating their own bodies with harmful chemicals every day with the personal care items they’re using. Your skin is your biggest organ and your greatest defense barrier, but skin absorption is the number one way chemicals are getting into your system (after all, you wouldn’t willingly ingest this stuff).

Yet, the FDA does not require companies to test cosmetics and personal products before they are sold. Currently, the safety of personal care product ingredients is evaluated through a voluntary program run by the cosmetics industry. The FDA can only regulate cosmetic products after they are put on the market and even then they cannot require product recalls but must go to court to remove misbranded and/or tainted products from the market.

A 2007 an Environmental Working Group (EWG) investigation found that hundreds of cosmetics sold in the U.S. contained chemicals the industry itself has deemed unsafe even when used as directed. Many products sold in the U.S. include chemicals that are banned in most other countries. After analyzing over 23,000 products, the EWG discovered that nearly one in every 30 products sold in the U.S. failed to meet one or more industry or governmental cosmetics safety standards.

So what’s a consumer to do? Keep informed. The EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Safe Cosmetics is a pocket-sized guide to what ingredients and products to avoid when you’re walking down the health and beauty aisle.

The EWG has also created a personal care products safety database that allows you to research products and their safety. A piece of advice though . . . there are over 30,000 products in the database and just doing a search for something general, say shampoo, can leave you with an overwhelming results list to go through. The best way to utilize the database is to first look up your current favorite products and products you’d like to try. Then, see where the results lead you. Over time you’ll learn which products and brands give you the best results without compromising your health.

The ABCs of Being Green

It's back-to-school time. So, here's a quick refresher on the ABCs of Being Green to help you make this upcoming school year the greenest yet.

Always remember the three Rs . . . Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Every piece of advice about being green resonates back to at least one of these basic tenets.

Bike or ride the Bus instead of driving.

Clean green with homemade cleaning solutions made from simple and natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.

Donate goods you can’t recycle or sell. Freecycle is a great online nonprofit that helps you to donate to people in your community.

Eat produce from the Environmental Working Group’s 15 Cleanest Fruits and Vegetables in place of produce from the Dirty Dozen list.

Filter your tap water with a home filtration system instead of buying bottled water.

Go outside! Turn off the TV and video games and let your kids explore outdoors. Check out state and national parks in your area and the variety of family friendly activities most of them offer.

Hit the local library or used book store for books, CDs, and DVDs instead of buying them new.

Install timers to automatically adjust your thermostat when you’re sleeping and out of the house.

Juice up your cell phone with a car charger. Or, when using the computer, charge your phone using the USB port. Both options will save energy compared to using a wall plug.

Keep rain water for a variety of non-potable uses, such as watering plants or washing your car, by installing a rain barrel.

Launder your clothes with ½ to ¾ of the manufacturer’s suggested amount. You’ll cut down on waste and get your clothes cleaner.

Make the most of each car trip by combining as many errands as you can. Save time and gas.

Nurture your skin with personal care products that are safe for your health and the environment.

Opt for energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.

Purchase energy-efficient appliances to replace your old ones as they wear out.

Quit topping off your gas tank. It’s bad for your health and the environment.

Recharge your batteries (you’ll, of course, have to buy the rechargeable kind) instead of using disposable batteries.

Shower instead of taking baths. Try to keep it to 5 to 10 minutes.

Toss food scrapes and yard refuse into a compost bin to make your own organic, nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Utilize what you already have before buying anything new. Don’t just “shop your closet”. Shop your entire home. Go a step further and organize a swap (of clothes, shoes, and accessories; or home goods; or kid toys; or books and movies) with your friends.

Visit farmers’ markets in your area and support local farmers while getting super-fresh, locally-produced food.

Wash with fragrance-free soap. Opt for fragrance-free body wash, hand soap, shampoo, and moisturizer to avoid chemicals that are harmful to your health and the environment.

X April 22nd on your calendar. It’s Earth Day. Volunteer for events organized in your community. Can’t find any organized volunteer opportunities in your area? Get together with friends for a community clean-up of your own.

Yank out your stash of reusable shopping bags whenever you go shopping.

Zap away less energy by unplugging appliances, like toasters and coffeemakers, when they’re not in use. “Standby usage” accounts for anywhere from 6% to 26% of a homes' electricity use.

Natural Remedies for Common Skin Problems

For every skin problem there's several products out there claiming to be the cure all. Yet, we know that everyday personal care products can be loaded with harmful ingredients. Those suffering with skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea have enough to be concerned with without having to worry if treatments contain carcinogens, hormone disruptors, or harsh ingredients that will only worsen their condition. Taking the natural approach to soothing skin troubles helps keep toxic chemicals out of your body and avoids the severe reactions some aggressive treatments can cause.

Acne
The best way to start treating acne is from the inside out. Make these healthy skin behaviors habits: eat healthy, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, limit stress (the healthy diet, sleep, and exercise will help), never sleep with makeup on, wash your pillowcases regularly, wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching your face. Then, try these natural remedies for acne.

Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids – the main ingredient in a lot of exfoliating and anti-aging skin care products. While it's not as strong as a lot of acne products on the market, it is fairly strong. So it's advisable that you try a patch test (apply to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours) before using apple cider vinegar on your face. If the patch test shows no adverse reaction, mix one part vinegar with eight parts water (you can always adjust the ratio as needed) and apply to clean skin with a cotton ball. Allow skin to dry completely before moisturizing as usual.

Calendula. Calendula is used to treat a variety of skin irritations, from minor cuts and burns to dry skin and acne. Calendula has both antibacterial and antiviral properties so it soothes inflammation and speeds up healing. It is so gentle it can be used on all skin types. Look for creams and lotions containing calendula or use cooled calendula tea as a toner after you wash your face.

Tea Tree Oil. Tee tree oil is probably the most popular natural acne treatment available. It is very potent with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It works by killing the bacteria that causes acne breakouts. Pure tea tree oil is very strong (a single sniff will leave your eyes burning), so it must be diluted. Start with mixing just a drop or two with a tablespoon of water and adjust as needed. Apply diluted tea tree oil with a cotton ball after washing your face. Allow skin to dry completely before moisturizing.

Witch Hazel. Witch hazel, thanks to its anti-bacterial tannin acid, makes a great astringent for acne-prone skin. It is strong enough to clear up acne-causing bacteria, but gentle enough to not disturb skin's natural pH balance. Apply witch hazel undiluted as a toner after cleansing.

Acne Scars
Aloe Vera. Aloe vera has been used for its healing properties for centuries. Over time aloe vera can help lessen the scars left by acne. Wash your face with a cleanser containing aloe vera and then apply aloe vera gel as a spot treatment.

Honey. Over time honey can also help fade acne scars. Opt for raw and natural honey. Apply honey to scars as a spot treatment at night. Honey can also be used as a facial mask to soften skin. Simply spread all over a clean face, allow to dry for 20 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.

Dry Skin
Drinking plenty of water and consuming a diet rich in magnesium, essential fatty acids, vitamin C, and beta-carotene can help make skin less prone to dryness. Try foods like oranges, mangoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, almonds and walnuts, and fatty-fish like wild Alaskan salmon. For topical treatments try:

Fruit. Foods like pineapple, papaya, and pumpkin are rich in alpha hydroxy acids – a natural exfoliator that helps slough off dead skin. For an all natural AHA mask, simply mash or puree the fruit and apply it to a clean face for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Then moisturize as usual.

Honey. Honey is a great, all natural emollient. For a skin softening facial mask, apply a thin layer of honey (raw and natural is best) all over, allow it to sit for 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water. You can also apply honey to chapped lips and rough heels and elbows at night.

Oil. Nutrient-rich oils like olive, grapeseed, and almond oil all make great moisturizers. You can massage oil into dry skin for a few minutes before going about your usual cleansing routine. You can also add a few drops of oil (olive, grapeseed, almond, or vitamin E) to your regular moisturizer to boost its effects.

Sugar. Sugar mixed with oil (any of the aforementioned oils will work) makes a great skin softening scrub. Simply mix equal amounts of fine brown sugar and oil, massage into rough, dry skin for a few minutes, and rinse. Moisturize as usual.

Yogurt. The lactic acid in yogurt makes it an effective, yet gentle exfoliator. Apply plain Greek yogurt to a clean face and allow it to sit on the skin for about 20 minutes. Then, rinse with tepid water and moisturize as usual.

Eczema
There are few effective natural remedies for eczema. So it is especially important to focus on prevention. To reduce flare ups keep skin well hydrated with creams or ointments containing low water and high oil content. Apply moisturizing treatments to damp skin immediately after bathing and continue moisturizing throughout the day as needed. Avoid some of the most common eczema triggers: heat, stress, scratchy fabrics like wool, harsh soaps and detergents, and environmental allergens (i.e., pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander). These natural remedies may help sooth skin completely or at least lessen your need for stronger over the counter treatments.

Calendula. Calendula is used to treat a variety of skin irritations. Calendula has both antibacterial and antiviral properties so it soothes inflammation and speeds up healing. It is so gentle it can be used on all skin types. Look for creams and lotions containing calendula or use cooled calendula tea as a toner after you wash your face.

Chamomile. Chamomile, with it's anti-inflammatory properties, is a common natural remedy for eczema and psoriasis. Apply cooled chamomile tea to skin with a clean cloth 2 to 4 times a day or opt for moisturizers and other skin treatments containing chamomile.

Flaxseed. Flaxseed is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids which help boost the immune system and fight inflammation. Flaxseed is often recommended to treat inflammation-based skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Start with one to two tablespoons of cold-pressed flaxseed oil, taken with food, daily.

Oily Skin
It's important to avoid the instinct to over clean oily skin. You don't want “squeaky clean” skin. Stripping skin of all its natural oils kicks oil production into overdrive leaving you worse off than when you began. If this is not the case, try the following remedies to soak up excess oil.

Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids – the main ingredient in a lot of exfoliating and anti-aging skin care products. While it's not as strong as a lot of acne products on the market, it is fairly strong. So it's advisable that you try a patch test (apply to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours) before using apple cider vinegar on your face. If the patch test shows no adverse reaction, mix one part vinegar with eight parts water (you can always adjust the ratio as needed) and apply to clean skin with a cotton ball. Allow skin to dry completely before moisturizing as usual.

Baking Soda. Adding baking soda to your liquid facial cleanser can help soak up excess oil. Simply add a small pinch of baking soda to a quarter-size amount of face wash, gently massage into skin, and rinse.

Egg. One of the simplest and most effective homemade facial masks you can make is an egg mask. Beat a single egg white, apply it to your face, let it sit for 15 minutes, rinse with tepid water, and allow your skin to air dry. Your skin will immediately feel firmer and look fresher.

Lemons. Lemon is full of collagen-boosting vitamin C and natural fruit acids that can help eliminate excess oil and balance out skin tone. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, apply to your face, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with tepid water. Alternatively, if your skin can tolerate it, you can slice off the quarter end of a lemon and rub the cut side of the lemon onto your skin for a few minutes. Then allow it to sit on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Milk. Whole organic milk makes a very gentle cleanser that can help balance skin's pH level. After cleansing your face, apply milk with a cotton ball, allow it to dry for 20 minutes, and then rinse with tepid water.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis can be difficult to treat – naturally or otherwise. It is important to focus on prevention. Start by avoiding the most common psoriasis triggers: dryness, cold, stress, alcohol, and smoking. Keeping a food journal can help you identify any food triggers. Make sure to keep skin moisturized and avoid picking and scratching. Hopefully, these measures will keep flare ups to a minimum. When psoriasis does flare up try these natural remedies to sooth skin and lessen your need for over the counter treatments.

Aloe Vera. Aloe vera has been used for its healing properties for centuries. Apply aloe vera gel to irritated skin to sooth and heal.

Chamomile. Chamomile, with it's anti-inflammatory properties, is a common natural remedy for eczema and psoriasis. Apply cooled chamomile tea to skin with a clean cloth 2 to 4 times a day or opt for moisturizers and other skin treatments containing chamomile.

Daily baths. Taking a daily bath with bath oil, colloidal oatmeal, or Epsom salts can help remove scales and calm skin. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps. Use lukewarm water and mild soaps that contain added oils and fats.

Flaxseed. Flaxseed is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids which help boost the immune system and fight inflammation. Flaxseed is often recommended to treat inflammation-based skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Start with one to two tablespoons of cold-pressed flaxseed oil, taken with food, daily.

Sunlight. Exposing skin to limited amounts of sun can help treat psoriasis. Too much sun can make psoriasis worse, so it's best to start with a single short session a few times a week. Keep a log of your sun exposure and its effect on your skin to help you determine if sunlight is an effective treatment for you and what amount works best for your skin.

Rosacea
There's no cure for rosacea, but lifestyle modifications can help reduce symptoms. Start by avoiding the most common triggers of rosacea: sun exposure, emotional stress, hot weather, wind, and strenuous exercise. The most important thing to remember is to keep skin cool and calm. Rosacea sufferers should avoid washing with hot water and skincare products that contain harsh ingredients or drying agents like alcohol.

Keeping a food journal can help in identifying food triggers. Alcohol and spicy foods are two very common triggers. Following an anti-inflammatory diet may also help ward off rosacea symptoms. The basic tenets of an anti-inflammatory diet are as follows: eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; minimize saturated and trans fats; consume omega-3 fatty acids from foods like Wild Alaskan Salmon and walnuts; limit refined carbohydrates (i.e., white flour and sugar), processed foods, red meat, and full fat dairy foods; eat plenty of whole grains; and stick with lean sources of protein. To learn more check out Dr. Andrew Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Pyramid.

When rosacea symptoms do flare up some of these natural remedies may help sooth your skin and lessen your need for strong prescription creams.

Green tea. We've all heard that drinking green tea can help ward off cancer and heart disease, but new research suggests it may be a good topical treatment for rosacea. Green tea is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. Its greatest benefit appears to be that in can reduce the skin’s reaction to ultraviolet light, thus helping to reduce sun-triggered flare ups.

Lavender. Lavender has been used to treat skin problems for hundreds of years. When applied to skin the essential oil of lavender can help reduce inflammation and shrink blood vessels.

Licorice. Licorice extract is a strong anti-inflammatory that can help reduce redness. A 2006 study by the American Academy of Dermatology found that licorice extract products helped improve results in patients already using prescription rosacea creams.

Rose Hip Oil: Rose hips, the dried fruit of the rose, are abundant in vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, riboflavin, and folate. The vitamin C in rose hip oil helps strengthens capillaries and reduces redness. Rose hip's anti-inflammatory properties help stimulate the immune system to fight rosacea. Rose hip can also help fade scars. Even skin creams containing rose can be helpful because they calm and sooth the skin.

Supplements. Alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 are promoted for their ability to reduce inflammation in the body. And 100 mg of zinc sulfate three times a day is the most often prescribed supplement for reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

Natural Solutions for Common Hair Problems

Dry hair. Oily hair. Dandruff. Thinning hair. For every hair problem there are several chemical solutions available at the salon or drugstore aisle. Instead of sorting through all those products, many of which we know contain some pretty unsavory ingredients, you can look to your pantry for some all natural, do-it-yourself solutions.

First, start with a healthy hair diet. Basically, what's good for your body and overall health is good for your hair. Stick with a balanced diet of unprocessed foods – veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and good fats found in foods like walnuts, olive and canola oil, fatty cold-water fish. Then, try these home remedies for your specific hair dilemma.

Dry Hair

Dry hair can result from a variety of reasons – harsh shampoo, over-shampooing, styling products, high heat from styling tools, sun, etc. Before trying to treat dry, damaged hair, consider why it's dry and damaged. To protect your hair from any further damage avoid over-shampooing (those with coarse hair can get away with shampooing once or twice a week), use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo, condition after every shampooing, wear hats to protect your hair from wind and sun, get regular trims, wear a swim cap (or rub olive oil into hair) before swimming in chlorinated or salt water, and always brush hair gently. Heat from blow dryers and curling/straightening irons is probably the leading cause of dry hair, so use only the minimum amount of heat needed to style your hair and allow your hair to air dry as often as possible.

Most homemade dry hair remedies can be found right in your kitchen. Mayonnaise and eggs are probably the two most popular home treatments for dry hair. With mayonnaise, simply slather a tablespoon or two of full fat mayonnaise onto your hair and gently massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then shampoo and condition as usual. To add some shine with eggs, beat an egg with a bit of tepid water and massage the mixture into your hair and scalp. Then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water (any hotter and you risk cooking the egg on your head).

Just as you can use vinegar to clean your house and give your laundry a boost, you can use vinegar to clean and condition your hair into a healthy shine. Simply rinse with apple cider vinegar after your usual hair washing and conditioning routine. You can use beer the same way. Both will leave your hair shiny and, whether you use vinegar or beer, the smell will subside completely once your hair is dry.

For a yummy smelling hair mask mash up overripe banana and avocado and work it into your hair. Leave it on for at least half an hour and rinse with warm water.

For very coarse dry hair you can even try rubbing oil (olive, grapeseed, or coconut) into your scalp, working it though the ends of your hair, and letting it sit for at least half an hour before shampooing.

Limp or Oily Hair

If you have oily hair, make sure you are rinsing your shampoo out thoroughly. Any shampoo left on hair can attract more oil and dirt. If you do use conditioner, apply only a small amount to the ends, never near the scalp. Also, avoid brushing or touching your hair too much.

Baking soda is great at cutting grease. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons to your regular shampoo and massage it into your hair to really get the oil and dirt out. Then wash and condition as usual.

A vinegar rinse can help remove built up hair products and excess oil from your hair. Just add some vinegar to your final shampoo rinse. If that is not enough, mix two parts water with one part vinegar (white distilled or apple cider) in a spray bottle, apply thoroughly to hair after shampooing, and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. A mixture of equal parts water and lemon juice can be used the same way.

Dandruff

Vinegar can also help treat dandruff. In this case, you massage the vinegar into your scalp before shampooing. Do this every time you shampoo until the dandruff is gone. Going forward you can make your own dandruff-preventing conditioner by mixing two parts water with one part vinegar.

You can also try adding either crushed aspirin or baking soda to your shampoo, massaging the mixture into your scalp, and leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing and washing with regular shampoo.

Thinning Hair/Hair Loss

While harsh hair products and treatments can damage hair, they do not cause hair loss. Hair loss is caused by internal factors such as nutrition, stress, hormones, and illness. If the following dietary recommendations don't work, your hair loss may be an indication of an underlying medical condition so consult a doctor.

First, consider if you're getting enough iron in your diet. Many women are anemic and don't even know it. Some iron-rich foods are egg yolks, dark leafy greens, beans and lentils, and red meat. Consuming these foods with foods rich in vitamin C aids in absorption. Also important to healthy hair growth is vitamin B12. It's found in eggs, meat, and poultry, but if your hair is already thinning due to a B12 deficiency, you need a supplement to restore levels and curb hair loss.

Another B vitamin, biotin, is absolutely essential for hair growth. It is found in foods like liver and egg yolks, but it's hard to get enough to help hair (as well as skin and nails) without a supplement. The recommended daily intake (RDI) of biotin is 300 mcg, but hair loss doctors recommend 2 mg to 3 mg of biotin a day for those suffering from hair loss. Hair loss experts usually also recommend a nutrient called methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). It's another building block of healthy hair and skin. The recommended dose of MSM is 700 mg a day.

If you want to go beyond nutritional supplementation and try an herbal remedy for hair loss, there is some evidence that saw palmetto is effective in treating hair loss. This herb is strong enough to effect androgen pathways, so discuss with your doctor first. A safer option may be green tea. The jury is still out on its effectiveness, but green tea does have many health benefits, including being a good source of antioxidants, so it can't hurt to try.

May you have many good hair days ahead of you!

The ABC’s of Being Green

Always remember the three Rs . . . Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Every piece of advice about being green resonates back to at least one of these basic tenets.

Bike or ride the Bus instead of driving.

Clean green with homemade cleaning solutions made from simple and natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.

Donate goods you can’t recycle or sell. Freecycle is a great online nonprofit that helps you to donate to people in your community.

Eat produce from the Environmental Working Group’s 15 Cleanest Fruits and Vegetables in place of produce from the Dirty Dozen list.

Filter your tap water with a home filtration system instead of buying bottled water.

Go outside! Turn off the TV and video games and let your kids explore outdoors. Check out state and national parks in your area and the variety of family friendly activities most of them offer.

Hit the local library or used book store for books, CDs, and DVDs instead of buying them new.

Install timers to automatically adjust your thermostat when you’re sleeping and out of the house.

Juice up your cell phone with a car charger. Or, when using the computer, charge your phone using the USB port. Both options will save energy compared to using a wall plug.

Keep rain water for a variety of non-potable uses, such as watering plants or washing your car, by installing a rain barrel.

Launder your clothes with ½ to ¾ of the manufacturer’s suggested amount. You’ll cut down on waste and get your clothes cleaner.

Make the most of each car trip by combining as many errands as you can. Save time and gas.

Nurture your skin with personal care products that are safe for your health and the environment.

Opt for energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.

Purchase energy-efficient appliances to replace your old ones as they wear out.

Quit topping off your gas tank. It’s bad for your health and the environment.

Recharge your batteries (you’ll, of course, have to buy the rechargeable kind) instead of using disposable batteries.

Shower instead of taking baths. Try to keep it to 5 to 10 minutes.

Toss food scrapes and yard refuse into a compost bin to make your own organic, nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Utilize what you already have before buying anything new. Don’t just “shop your closet”. Shop your entire home. Go a step further and organize a swap (of clothes, shoes, and accessories; or home goods; or kid toys; or books and movies) with your friends.

Visit farmers’ markets in your area and support local farmers while getting super-fresh, locally-produced food.

Wash with fragrance-free soap. Opt for fragrance-free body wash, hand soap, shampoo, and moisturizer to avoid chemicals that are harmful to your health and the environment.

X April 22nd on your calendar. It’s Earth Day. Volunteer for events organized in your community. Can’t find any organized volunteer opportunities in your area? Get together with friends for a community clean-up of your own.

Yank out your stash of reusable shopping bags whenever you go shopping.

Zap away less energy by unplugging appliances, like toasters and coffeemakers, when they’re not in use. “Standby usage” accounts for anywhere from 6% to 26% of a homes' electricity use.

Homemade Beauty Treatments

We’ve gone over how nasty chemicals are being found in our personal care products and how the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetics database can help you find products with no (or at least fewer) carcinogens, allergens, and endocrine disruptors. I’ve even provided a list of my favorite products that are easy to find, moderately-priced, and have a low hazard score in the EWG’s database. If you’re ready to go a step further though, there’s another option that’s easier and cheaper with NO hazard score . . . homemade beauty products!

Here are some of my favorite all-natural beauty products that you can make at home. I don’t like getting too fancy, so most are very simple recipes that require little more than a trip to the pantry.

• Mix 1 part olive oil with 2 parts canola oil to create a makeup remover that will help prevent wrinkles and leave your skin feeling super soft.

• Instead of AHA products to even out skin, try rubbing either the pulp of an orange slice, a pineapple slice, or mashed strawberries on your face. Leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

• For super soft skin apply half a mushed up banana to your face for 20 minutes.

• Add a little sugar, oatmeal, or wheat germ to your regular cleanser for some added exfoliation.

• Lemon juice or witch hazel can be used to dry up a pimple. You can also mix them with water to create a toner.

• If you start breaking out, try applying a paste of baking soda and water for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

• Gently rub a mix of brown sugar and olive oil on your lips for a yummy lip exfoliation. Follow up with a soothing lip balm. I’m a big fan of Burt’s Bees myself.

• After shampooing, rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar followed by cold water. It’s worth putting up with the smell (it goes away once your hair is dry) for this kind of shine.

• If your hair is thick and prone to dryness, you can coat it with olive oil for a half hour before shampooing once or twice a week. Note: There are a lot of different recipes for homemade hair masks. I can’t really comment on them other than to say anything involving honey on your hair is not a good idea. At least not long, thick hair like mine. Learn from my homemade beauty faux pas!

• I always keep pure Vitamin E oil (check the label to make sure it’s not mixed with soybean oil or other diluting ingredients) on hand. It’s great for dry lips. When my skin gets especially dry in the winter, I add a couple drops to my regular night cream. Sometimes, after my morning moisturizer, I dab a tiny (and I mean teeny tiny; the oil slick look is not pretty) bit on the very tops of my cheeks for a subtle sheen.

Green Beauty Favorites

While I love the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetics and personal care products safety database for the valuable information it provides, I’ve often been frustrated with its search capabilities. Case in point: I do a simple search for a moisturizer and get a results list with 3,117 products. Of those, 1,525 have a safety rating between 0 and 2 (low hazard) and 1,273 are rated between 3 and 6 (moderate hazard). I sort the results by hazard score and start scrolling through. I don’t recognize any of the products (or even brands) listed on the first several pages. I start googling and discover that most of the products with a 0 or 1 hazard score are only available online from small companies of which I’ve never heard. As my eyes start to blur I begin seeing products I might at least be able to find at Whole Foods, but even then I know they’re bound to be pricey.

So, I’ve put in the time and done the research. I’ve found the products with low hazard scores, that work for me, that are moderately prices, and are (for the most part) available at places like Target and CVS. As I said before, the best way to utilize the EWG database is to look up your current favorite products and products you’d like to try first, but if you still need some suggestions here are some of my personal favorites.

Face Wash: Alba Botanica's Hawaiian Pineapple Facial Cleanser (safety score of 4)

Scrub: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Pineapple Enzyme Facial Scrub (score of 4)

Soap: Dove Beauty Bar Soap for Sensitive Skin (score of 2)

Shampoo: Burt's Bees Pomegranate & Soy, Trader Joe's Tea Tree (both with a score of 4)

Conditioner: Burt's Bees Pomegranate & Soy (score of 4)

Facial Moisturizer: Boots No. 7 Lifting & Firming Day Cream, Night Cream, and Eye Cream (all with a score of 4)

Body Lotion: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Fragrance Free (score of 2)

Foundation: L'Oreal True Match Foundation, liquid or roller (score of 4)

Eye Shadow: Boots No. 7 line (all scores between 2 and 5)

Lip Gloss: Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers (all with a score of 3)

Mascara: Maybelline Define-A-Lash and L'Oreal Telescopic (both with a score of 4)

Eyeliner: Maybelline Define-A-Lash in Brownish Black (score of 2), CoverGirl Exact EyeLights in Black (score of 6)

Safety Scores

0 to 2 = Low Hazard

3 to 6 = Moderate Hazard

7 to 10 = High Hazard

Green Beauty

Think of how upsetting it is to hear about big corporations polluting our air, water, and soil with harmful chemicals. Now consider the disturbing fact that many people are unknowingly contaminating their own bodies with harmful chemicals every day with the personal care items they’re using. Your skin is your biggest organ and your greatest defense barrier, but skin absorption is the number one way chemicals are getting into your system (after all you wouldn’t willingly ingest this stuff).

Yet, the FDA does not require companies to test cosmetics and personal products before they are sold. Currently, the safety of personal care product ingredients is evaluated through a voluntary program run by the cosmetics industry. The FDA can only regulate cosmetic products after they are put on the market and even then they cannot require product recalls but must go to court to remove misbranded and/or tainted products from the market.

A 2007 an Environmental Working Group (EWG) investigation found that hundreds of cosmetics sold in the U.S. contained chemicals the industry itself has deemed unsafe even when used as directed. Many products sold in the U.S. include chemicals that are banned in most other countries. After analyzing over 23,000 products, the EWG discovered that nearly 1 of every 30 products sold in the U.S. failed to meet 1 or more industry or governmental cosmetics safety standards.

So what’s a consumer to do? Keep informed. The EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Safe Cosmetics  is a pocket-sized guide to what ingredients and products to avoid when you’re walking down the health and beauty aisle.

The EWG has also created a personal care products safety database that allows you to research products and their safety. A piece of advice though . . . there are over 30,000 products in the database and just doing a search for something general, say shampoo, can leave you with an overwhelming results list to go through. The best way to utilize the database is to first look up your current favorite products and products you’d like to try. Then, see where the results lead you. Over time you’ll learn which products and product lines give you the best results without compromising your health.