We all want to look our best during the holidays, but I’m sure you noticed that cold winter air dries up your skin. Plus the heated indoor air that you’re surrounded with every day is even more drying.
Unfortunately, commercial “moisturizing” cleansers are not good for your bones. Many of these products contain toxins like parabens, artificial fragrance, and propylene glycol.
So today you’ll discover how to make your own non-toxic, moisturizing cleanser with bone-rejuvenating ingredients that you most probably already have in your pantry. It feels wonderful on your skin, and leaves it feeling clean, nourished, and radiant.
Why Commercial Cleansers Are Bad For Your Bones
If you look at the ingredients on a bottle of shower gel, hand soap, or facial cleanser, you’ll likely see a long list. Let’s take a look at some of the chemicals found in these products, and why they are bad for your bones.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is ubiquitous in soaps, shampoos, and even toothpaste. It increases lather, but it’s a skin irritant whose foaming action can actually enhance the harmful effects of other toxic chemicals. In addition, the Environmental Working Group cites research implicating SLS in organ toxicity.
While the specific organs are not mentioned, the EWG does note that they are non-reproductive organs, and given the toxic nature of SLS, the organs most damaged are likely the detoxification organs: the liver and kidneys. Your bone health depends on the proper function of these organs. (More on their role in bone health below.) Of course, the proper function of all organs is crucial for optimal bone health.
Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics and cleansers, and they are known endocrine disruptors. Unfortunately, parabens absorb easily into the skin, showing up in the urine after topical exposure. 1
Propylene glycol is what gives cleansers a “slippery” feel and encourages moisture absorption into the skin. This petroleum derivative chemical is highly toxic to the liver and kidneys.
These are just a few of the damaging ingredients found in commercial cleansing products. There are also artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives to contend with.
Make Your Own Non-Toxic, Bone-Healthy Cleanser
Here is how to make this creamy, moisture-rich cleanser that is perfect for wintertime – but it’s great to use all year. I’m sure you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make it yourself!
Chamomile-Honey Face Wash
Makes about 4 oz
Shelf life: 4 weeks (lasts longer if stored in refrigerator)
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (or you can use aloe vera gel)
- ¼ cup chamomile tea
- ¾ teaspoon honey
- Optional: add a few drops of Vitamin E oil and of your favorite essential oil
Directions:
- Brew a strong chamomile tea (use 2 tea bags or 2 heaping teaspoons loose herb per cup of boiling water, and let it steep for about 10 minutes). Allow it to cool.
- In a small bowl combine the rest of the ingredients and add tea when completely cooled.
- Mix well and pour into a small bottle.
- Using your hands or a washcloth gently massage cleanser on face and rinse well. Dry your face and apply a moisturizer if needed. (I have found that this cleanser is so moisture-rich that more often than not, no further moisturizing is necessary. But if you find you need more, coconut oil is an excellent, bone-healthy choice.)
Benefits Of The Chamomile-Honey Face Wash Ingredients
In contrast to the commercial products, this bone-healthy cleanser has a list of ingredients that are so natural, they’re actually edible.
- Olive oil is highly nutritious. It is a fruit juice, so it’s alkalizing, and it contains bone-rejuvenating polyphenols, which increase osteoblast production.2 Olive oil is not genetically modified like commonly-used soybean, canola, and corn oils often are, and it’s rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are important for balancing out the heavy use of Omega-6 oils in the typical Western diet (Omega06 oils are found in safflower, canola, sunflower, and corn oil.)
In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids actually increase calcium absorption and collagen production. Collagen promotes skin elasticity and bone flexibility.
Olive oil has antioxidant vitamins A and E, which can help repair damaged skin.
- Chamomile tea is one of my favorites. It has a mild and pleasant apple-like flavor and scent. Chamomile has disinfectant and antioxidant properties that make it perfect for acne- or infection-prone skin. It is very soothing to irritated skin, and it actually has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent choice for those with inflamed skin.
- Honey is one of the healthiest substances you can apply on your skin. It has amazing antimicrobial properties and speeds wound-healing. Honey is known as a humectant, a term which refers to substances that add and hold moisture in.
Of course, we’re talking about raw, preferably organic, unfiltered honey that has all of its nutrients intact. Many commercial honeys are mass-produced in factories that filter, heat, and “extend” the honey with corn syrup.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin that contains multiple molecular compounds, and is crucial for healthy skin. Some Vitamin E compounds are contained in your skin’s natural moisturizer (sebum), which can be in short supply during the dry winter months. Applying Vitamin E topically is a natural boost for your skin health, supplying compounds that may not be present in the foods you eat.
Vitamin E guards against oxidative damage to the skin, which manifests as sagging, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cleansing Inside And Out
Your skin is not the only organ in your body that needs cleansing. Unfortunately, the modern environment is full of toxic chemicals, some of which you may be unknowingly exposing yourself to every day. So your internal organs need to be periodically “cleaned,” too, both for your bone health and overall health.
The best way to do that is through a whole-body cleanse like the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse: The 7 Day Bone Building Accelerator. In just 7 days, you’ll rid your body of harmful toxins and acidifying chemicals, providing your bones with the right environment for healthy remodeling and youthful rejuvenation.
The Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse boosts kidney and liver health by giving these crucial organs a break from the toxic onslaught of environmental toxins, pesticides, prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
And since the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse is mostly food-based, you won’t have to scramble to find “exotic” supplements or “magic” herbs. Plus it includes instructions for breathing techniques and cleansing beverages that leave you feeling young and energized.
So what better time than to start the New Year knowing that you can accelerate your bone-building endeavors and feel and look your best with the help of the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse?
If you didn’t get it yet, click here to read more about the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse: The 7 Day Bone Building Accelerator.
Happy New Year!
References
1 Xiaoyun, Ye, et al. “Parabens as Urinary Biomarkers of Exposure in Humans.” Environmental Health Perspectives. 2006 December; 114(12): 1843-1846. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1764178/
2 Trzeciakiewicz, A. “When nutrition interacts with osteoblast function: molecular mechanisms of polyphenols.” Nutrition Research Reviews. (2009), 22:68-81.
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Let us know how it goes, Evelyn. 🙂
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wow!! good article . I am eager to try the recipe . I hope it will work.
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Let us know how it goes, Lisa!
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wow!! good article . I am eager to try the recipy . I hope it will work.
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Would this skin cleanser work using coconut oil ?
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Coconut oil is a very bone-healthy, skin-friendly choice, Ildi! You could certainly give it a try in this recipe. Let us know how it goes!
For more on the many uses of coconut oil, you might like to read this post:
https://saveourbones.com/8-amazing-uses-for-bone-healthy-coconut-oil/
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Good afternoon Vivian,
Happy New Year to you, your family, and the rests of
the SaveOurBones community.
Vivian, this is an EXCELLENT recipe, easy to follow,
very effective, especially @ this time of the year.
I made it this morning as per recipe ( I put a few drops
of Lime 100% pure essential oil, except for Vit. E oil which I do not have on hand.
Thank you very much for sharing this refreshing cleanser and moisturizer suited to my skin.
Have a wonderful day and take care always. Marlene-
Can you use decaffeinated Chamomile tea? Thank you and i will try it.
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Hello Dolores,
What I have on hand was caffeine free chamomile tea bags. A very excellent
homemade cleanser and suited for my
skin. Please let me know if it works for you.
Thank you. Marlene
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Just love the facial wash recipe, off to make it now.
Very timely to, exactly what I need to treat my Rosacea- Thank you 🙂 -
Thank you Vivian for this great recipe. I have all these ingredients and will try it today.
Happy and Peaceful New Year to you and your family -
Hello Vivian,
Thank you so much for sharing with us these extremely important informations about healthcare; also, the Christmas gift was much appreciated! One thing I want to ask you about the facial cleanser is whether it removes make-up (regular one, not the waterproof one) or not.
Thanks again and happy new year. -
Sounds Good!
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Could I add natural fine pumice as an exfoliator to the ingredients? Happy New Year.
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I don’t see why not. Let us know how it works!
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I’ve used olive oil for many years and add a little salt or you could add sugar! Leave for a few minutes then wipe off with warm damp flannel! Leaves skin nice and smooth! Vivian’s remedy sounds lovely!
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Hi Vivian,
When I read your recipe and saw that it was very simple to make, I immediately put it to use this morning. Love the way it makes my skin feel so soft.
Thanks for all the great recipes!
Have a healthy and Happy New Year!
Deedee
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I am so glad you enjoyed the cleanser, Deedee! It really does make your face feel soft and clean. 🙂
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Dear Vivian
Thank you very much for this emai, the lovely e-book sent over xmas and all the other emails. it is much appreciated.
i will start using this for cleansing. i have been quite worried of late about the use of cleaning products readily available, all of which seem to be loaded with all these chemicals. with very best wishes for the new year, Julie-
You are right, Julie – commercial cleaning products are full of chemicals. You might enjoy reading more about this topic here:
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I have all the ingredients on hand, I will definitely try it, Sounds great.