With scorching heat predicted for most of the U.S., your precious hair and skin are no doubt feeling the heat of the season. High temperatures and low humidity can cause extreme dryness, so replenishment is essential now. Why not treat yourself to a pampering spa day? An eco-friendly spa day, of course.
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Set the mood
Before pampering your body, light some naturally scented candles like these to pamper your senses. Calming Lavender Coconut Wax 1. Candles are typically made with paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum, which is full of toxins. These candles produce soot and don’t burn as cleanly as non-toxic alternatives. With that in mind, use candles made with beeswax, soy wax, or other natural waxes.
Burning incense is also a great way to create a tranquil environment – just ask the ancient Egyptians, who loved it. Incense is made from aromatic plants and essential oils and produces a beautifully scented smoke when burned. Look for incense sticks or cones made from natural, eco-friendly materials.
Put on some soft music, put on a comfy robe and head out.
relax
Once your mind is calm, it’s time for your body to relax. The bath is calling your name.
Adding natural, non-toxic products can enhance the atmosphere of your bath: essential oils, Epsom salts, herbs, teas, oats, etc. can have a calming and restorative effect.
Add 10-20 drops of a sedative Lavender essential oil Muscle Relief 2 Cups Epsom saltMix together in a warm bath for ultimate relaxation.
A long, warm bath is a luxury most environmentalists avoid, but it can still be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence. Conserve water and avoid filling the bathtub or take quick showers instead.
situation
Is your hair lacking shine? Are you getting split ends? Time for a revitalizing deep conditioner. You can even multitask while you shower!
Deep conditioning means treating your hair with a moisturizing protein-based conditioner. To keep your hair healthy and beautiful, we recommend using a deep conditioner or hair mask once a week (or more often for damaged hair). Deep conditioners can be used in the bath or shower after your regular conditioner. Wear a shower cap for a few minutes before rinsing to let the moisturizing effects take hold.
Deep conditioners are specially designed to penetrate your hair and nourish each strand. They’re usually made with two ingredients: proteins and humectants. However, it’s not hard to make your own eco-friendly deep conditioner. Homemade natural conditioner Made from coconut oil, jojoba oil and essential oils.
cleanse
Let’s get started on your skincare routine! First, wash your face. Use a mild cleanser like this one. All-natural facial cleanser Pacifica products remove build-up and leave your skin feeling fresh.
Regular washing of the face helps to keep the skin clean and hydrated.
Exfoliation
It may come as a surprise, but exfoliation is definitely important for healthy skin. This rejuvenating routine involves using a scrub to remove dead skin cells that naturally occur on the surface of your skin. The buildup of dead skin cells can make your skin look dull, rough, dry, clogged pores and lead to blemishes.
There are two types of exfoliating scrubs: physical (i.e., tiny scrubbing particles) and chemical. It’s up to you to choose the right exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants can be irritating to sensitive skin, so it’s safe to start with a gentle physical exfoliant.
If you’re looking to go for physical exfoliation, avoid the plastic microbeads that are often used in exfoliating scrubs. Microbeads are so tiny they can slip through water treatment filters and end up in the ocean, where they can be accidentally ingested by aquatic life.
Luckily for us environmentalists, there are plenty of alternatives to microbeads these days, like oatmeal or coffee grounds. Just head to your local drugstore or natural beauty store and you’ll find that natural exfoliants aren’t hard to find.
In these situations, making your own may be the most environmentally friendly option: To make a basic exfoliant, you’ll only need a moisturizer, such as coconut oil, and an exfoliant, such as raw sugar. All Natural Scrub Find the combination that best suits your skin care needs.
Exfoliation isn’t just for your face, you need a scrub that brightens your entire skin.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing your skin shouldn’t just be reserved for spa days. Hydrate your skin every day to keep it clear, smooth, and wrinkle-free. Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type: creams are good for dry skin, while lotions are good for oily skin.
Hot baths and showers tend to strip your body of moisture, so be sure to have a lotion or cream on hand to leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed after you towel off.
Don’t forget your face, neck, and chest, as these are the areas where your most sensitive skin is located. Apply a lightweight moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Hydrating your face with a moisturizer will keep your skin looking youthful and fresh, creating the perfect canvas for natural makeup.
Editor’s note: This article was first published on January 11, 2018 and updated in July 2024.
