natural body products.
deanna198888
Posts: 64
If you eat Paleo do you also use all natural products on your body? I have been feeling like I am putting too many chemicals on my body. I am no longer putting junk inside my body, yet I am still covering it in products that contain all sorts of chemicals and I want to stop doing that. I have heard of using baking soda and acv for shampoo and conditioner so I am going to give that a try but am unsure of what to use as soap. I would like to make my own hygiene products, I know there are organic washes, makeup, etc but I would rather make them myself if possible.
Any tips on what to use?? I currently use regular shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner, makeup, deodorant, lotion, perfume.
Any tips on what to use?? I currently use regular shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner, makeup, deodorant, lotion, perfume.
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Replies
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Check this out: http://cavegirleats.com/bodycare/
I totally did the baking soday and ACV for shampoo and conditioner last night (after 2 days of no washing) and my hair looks like I washed it with my usual shampoo.0 -
There is no such thing as chemical free. Everything that is made of matter in the universe besides electricity is made up of chemicals. Air, water, plants, WE are made up of chemicals. Whether or not they are 'natural' vs synthetically produced makes absolutely no difference, your body cannot tell the difference.0
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Check this out: http://cavegirleats.com/bodycare/
I totally did the baking soday and ACV for shampoo and conditioner last night (after 2 days of no washing) and my hair looks like I washed it with my usual shampoo.
Thank you!0 -
I'm a dude so I probably can't help you with all the products you ladies tend to use. Probably even more so than most guys, because I'm too anti-social and so indifferent about how I look. But I do have some insight on the more universal products...
I use fluoride-free toothpaste. I don't use soap in the shower anymore. I only use it to wash my hands and such to disinfect. I have shaved my head for ten years and haven't used shampoo for that long anyway, but I wouldn't use it now if I didn't shave. I don't use shaving cream anymore either. That's mainly because I've discovered that it's entirely unnecessary. I do use Arm & Hammer underarm deodorant (the white stick, not green, gel stuff) but will likely start using those "crystal stick" deodorants after my stock of Arm & Hammer is gone.0 -
I use DevaCurl hair care products (curly, thin hair, that's dyed with Naturetint color-- my hairdresser would kill me if I used henna again) and Alterna Bamboo oil, with argan oil on my ends. I was using For Pit's Sake deodorant, but I needed more of the antiperspirant for work, so I'm back to Tom's of Maine, which has aluminum, but since I'm going to die of Alzheimer's and not cancer, meh. I also use Tom's of Maine toothpaste. I use a lot of Lush body products, but I'm not cool about the parabens in them, so I may switch.
I was using Kimberly Sayer face stuff and while it's nice and organic, it does not beat down fine lines like retinol does. I'm not going to list everything that I use on my face, because it's an insane list, but Sephora is great about listing ingredients and what products avoid various chemicals.
There is a website (can't find it at the moment) that reviews various products and indicates how toxic/not they are, and I do use that.
You can make your own soap and lotions (fun!), but for the lotions, they do not keep for long periods, so small batches are best. I do make my own sugar scrubs (brown sugar, white sugar, olive oil) and use them in the shower. Some people are of the coconut oil for everything camp, but it does not work that well for me, though I do use it in things (on it's own, it just does not moisturize like I need).0 -
Personally, I stopped shampooing my hair every day. I rinse it in the shower every day, and wash it a couple times a week. I use coconut oil in it most days, too. I also use coconut oil as a moisturizer.
And, I apply it to pits, then use the arm & hammer aluminum-free deodorant. Still has some crap in it, but the aluminum makes me itch, anyway. I've noticed I still sweat (since it's not an anti-perspirant), but since giving up the grains & sugar, I don't stink like I used to when I sweat, lol.
I'd like to switch toothpaste, but haven't found anything available locally to try - but I prefer the non-whitening stuff, as it makes me teeth more sensitive.
Also check out www.wellnessmama.com, she has a lot of tips and homemade recipes for stuff like that!0 -
I am conscientious about everything I do to my body now. The contaminant concern actually came long before I decided to address the diet that was killing me.
(WHAT, manufactured synthetic materials don't matter.... did I really read that in a primal/paleo group... ?)
There are many safer options, but beware that many companies these days are "green-washing" their products. Read the ingredients, then research each and every one. Even many "natural" ingredients are not beneficial. Basically, if I can't eat something then I won't use it on my body. (I could almost get a chemical engineer degree for the time that I've invested in research; all in the name of protecting my family.)
Don't forget to consider contaminants in cleaners and indoor pollution (from carpets, furniture, building materials, emfs, radio waves, children's pajamas, toys, etc etc).
I'm not saying "go live in a cave" (even if I want to do just that) but I do think that AWARENESS matters. And exercising our choice with what we buy. All of these contaminants, while each one individually may be "ok", when combined may have synergistic effects. I think with all of the health problems these days, it matters. Besides, when chemicals are developed and tested they are not required to be tested for synergistic effects with other compounds. Shouldn't they be with thousands of new chemicals developed and put in our products year after year?
Or we just keep trusting that profit-driven industries have only our health and safety in mind while developing new chemicals/products? And don't sick people make the pharma industry a heck of a lot of money too? Oh, but they wouldn't intentionally hurt their customers; yeah sure.0 -
As far as deodorant goes, I used to roll my eyes at the "natural" products. I had tried a few of then, including some of the "Jason" brand ones, and still had odor after sweating.
However, I happened to receive a sample of the Crystal essence deodorant stick in a gift bag, (http://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Body-Stick-Deodorant-4-25-Ounce/dp/B001ET764E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369257769&sr=8-1&keywords=crystal+body+stick)
and I was AMAZED at the results!! The thing is crazy, it is literally a crystal of various minerals that you just moisten with water and rub under your arms.
I have had NOT ONE issue w/ odor now after using it, and I am even a group fitness instructor teaching several classes a week.
It is not an anti-perspirant necessarily, so I still get the wet feeling occassionally, but it still seems to help with that too. I never feel like my shirt is soaked, like I would with the other natural products like the Jason line.
I cannot recommend it enough! I'm a true believer now.
Other than deodorant, I have cut down on washing my hair, and use a sulfate and paraben-free shampoo when I do.
I have not completely swapped all of my beauty products for natural varieties, but as I run out of regular brand in each one I use, I'm slowly replacing them with more natural versions. Not perfect, but at least I feel better at the end of the day.0 -
I used natural products way before going primal for everything (cleaning house and body products), i didn't have a choice as i was allergic to everything. i buy natural cleaning products,body wash, shampoo and hand soap. otherwise i use baking soda and lemon to clean things. Baking soda is also good for cleaning your teeth.
I occasionally make my own skincare products. I got given homemade organic lavender infused oil (takes over a year to make) and used it as a base for massage balms, lip balms and hand creams. Organic rose hip oil, coconut and hemp oil are good emulsifiers and are great to use for the base of whatever your are making.
harder to make so buy these brands
hair products Original & Mineral
nail polish Butter London has a toxic free range
fake tan Ecotan
Hope that helps.0 -
I have been using natural skincare/deodorant/toothpaste/bath care products for years..long before I was paleo..back whenI was a healthy vegetarian..I have always been interested in natural products.
There is much info to support not using synthetic chemically based cleaning products as well as body products,etc.
Everything can be made from natural products.Bi carb,lemon,vinegar,coconut oil,etc..cheaper and far better for the environment.0 -
My sister went no poo (shampoo) and it worked out well for her, I don't have the luxury of dealing with it until it regulates so I just use regular shampoo but I only wash it once/week. I don't use deodorant and I seem to not smell even when exercising so that works out. I don't wear makeup so that one's easy. I also stopped using tampons and now use the Diva Cup (amazing!) I don't use lotion but if I do want to use something I use coconut oil, it's natural and smells amazing. I can't think of anything else... I don't really use a lot of 'stuff'. Just try going without, you'll be surprised!0
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Going paleo I too have become more aware of what's going on my body. I make my own Shower soap bars coconut oil based, I use mineral make up, I dry brush my teeth but have a neem based toothpaste if my teeth are feeling really scuzzy, I have bentonite clay that I use for facial masks, I wash my clothes with dr bronners soap, wellness momma has a great deoterant recipe, and I've owned cloth pads since I was 16. I've slowly given up shampoo, lots of people have trouble transitioning to no poo. If your honestly looking into it there are a few other options like shampoo bars or look up terressentials it's does an amazing job of transitioning you off shampoo, but its expensive.
Looking back at my list I honestly feel a little crazy, but I've done it over a few years.0 -
I went Poo-free almost 6 months ago...love it!! I use baking soda/water solution rinse really well then Apple cider vinegar solution to detangle. I have thin fine hair and my hair dresser said recently it looks and feels really healthy!! The transition can be hard, I used a conditioning cleaner called REN, london drugs $10, but I found I had lots of build up....thats where the baking soda came in
It took me about a week to really get used to not using shampoo or conditioner...just conditioner. Then another week to get used to no conditioner. The only thing I miss is fragrance.
I changed to Val's organic vegtable based liquid soap for body wash and face wash (dont put it on your hair...feels ucky), and I use pure coconut oil as skin moisturiser. I have not however given up Nutrogena wrinkle defense...not gonna happen.
I also stopped using toothpaste and started using Toothy Tabs from LUSH...again will never go back!! My favorite is called Dirty
I feel pretty good about seriously reducing the amount of chemicals I put onto my body, some of which can cause estrogen disruptions (...affecting girly hormones and the like)0 -
great thread! thank you for posting this question! I have been moving in this direction and keep trying to do the no Poo think but give up after 5 days... I'll try the baking soda and ACV soon... just mustering up the guts to do it....0
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I also stopped using tampons and now use the Diva Cup (amazing!)
been using the moon cup for years and would NEVER use anything else!0 -
Thanks for all the replies! I bought some Braggs acv last night and am going to start my no poo adventure today, I found some mineral makeup for super cheap and bought that as well, I know makeup is not necessary but for now I am not giving it up! I used coconut oil yesterday for deodorant and it worked well, even with it 80 degrees so I am sticking with that. I still used toothpaste today and body wash but will switch soon to natural.
As far as cleaning is concerned does anyone know anything about babyganics? I have been buying their cleaning products since I have a 8 month old, I want to expose him to as little as possible and they claim to be all natural. I have a lot of their products for both cleaning and for use on his body.
Also a question for the females, what are your feelings on hormone based contraceptives? I have been on the pill for a month and feel like its making me feeling crappy. I am getting a hormone free IUD next month but until then I am been considering stopping the pill.0 -
Also a question for the females, what are your feelings on hormone based contraceptives? I have been on the pill for a month and feel like its making me feeling crappy. I am getting a hormone free IUD next month but until then I am been considering stopping the pill.
Personally I turn into a monster on the pill and yes even the patch so I haven't used it in months. I had considered an IUD but my friend got bronchitis after she had hers in for a month and it came out from all the coughing. After that I can't even think of having one. I tried to get fitted for a cervical cap or a diaphragm at my last girly check up but they couldn't find the kit and really kept trying to push me to get an IUD.0 -
Also a question for the females, what are your feelings on hormone based contraceptives? I have been on the pill for a month and feel like its making me feeling crappy. I am getting a hormone free IUD next month but until then I am been considering stopping the pill.
Personally I turn into a monster on the pill and yes even the patch so I haven't used it in months. I had considered an IUD but my friend got bronchitis after she had hers in for a month and it came out from all the coughing. After that I can't even think of having one. I tried to get fitted for a cervical cap or a diaphragm at my last girly check up but they couldn't find the kit and really kept trying to push me to get an IUD.
Coughed it out??? Holy cow, well hopefully that was a freak occurrence.0 -
My hubby got fixed. We agreed that if I could go through giving birth to my daughter at home without drugs he would have the vasectomy, WIN! lol0
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I don't know if we will have any more or not, I am only 24 so I have plenty of time to make that decision and I lost twins last month at 17 weeks so I need time emotionally and physically to heal. I think right now, especially since going paleo and trying to get healthier inside and out, the copper IUD is the best choice besides natural family planning.0
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I'm sorry for your loss Deanna.
I like Primal Life Organics. I've been having some really good results with their Banished and Beyond package for acne.0 -
I lost twins last month at 17 weeks so I need time emotionally and physically to heal. I think right now, especially since going paleo and trying to get healthier inside and out, the copper IUD is the best choice besides natural family planning.
Please make sure after that you get checked out after a miscarriage it's a big deal, I know it's hard to deal with it because of the hormonal imbalance but it's so important. Having a doctor who truly cares makes the difference, I had to be dragged to the doctor after I misscarried at 23. My best friend who has endo took me to her specialist and honestly I found that there were bigger nastier issues going on for me than just a miscarriage. But having a doctor who doesn't have a huge ego and is concerned about you as a person is so refreshing, but honestly make sure your ok.0 -
Thanks for all the replies! I bought some Braggs acv last night and am going to start my no poo adventure today, I found some mineral makeup for super cheap and bought that as well, I know makeup is not necessary but for now I am not giving it up! I used coconut oil yesterday for deodorant and it worked well, even with it 80 degrees so I am sticking with that. I still used toothpaste today and body wash but will switch soon to natural.
As far as cleaning is concerned does anyone know anything about babyganics? I have been buying their cleaning products since I have a 8 month old, I want to expose him to as little as possible and they claim to be all natural. I have a lot of their products for both cleaning and for use on his body.
Also a question for the females, what are your feelings on hormone based contraceptives? I have been on the pill for a month and feel like its making me feeling crappy. I am getting a hormone free IUD next month but until then I am been considering stopping the pill.
I have an IUD and it's been almost 7 years now.I got it after the birth of my child.
I am now trying to get it out.
It increased my period 10 fold and the first year it was very bad with weird pains and cramps.
I had a friend that had hers for 6 months and needed to get rid of it because of the bleeding reason..too heavy,wiped her out.
I never had pms/omt in my life until I got the iud and now it's quite bad.I do not have a hormonal based iud.
It is very easy,nothing to think about an from what I remember,the one I have is good for 10 years.
I have never heard of anyone losing one but,changes in weight can dislodge the iud.
I know there is a natural method of birth control where you chart your ovulation but that's the only other "natural"method I have heard of.0 -
I lost twins last month at 17 weeks so I need time emotionally and physically to heal. I think right now, especially since going paleo and trying to get healthier inside and out, the copper IUD is the best choice besides natural family planning.
Please make sure after that you get checked out after a miscarriage it's a big deal, I know it's hard to deal with it because of the hormonal imbalance but it's so important. Having a doctor who truly cares makes the difference, I had to be dragged to the doctor after I misscarried at 23. My best friend who has endo took me to her specialist and honestly I found that there were bigger nastier issues going on for me than just a miscarriage. But having a doctor who doesn't have a huge ego and is concerned about you as a person is so refreshing, but honestly make sure your ok.
We know what was wrong. There was a chromosomal issue with one of them. It caused my body to go into preterm labor, they were both alive at birth but there was nothing that could be done to stop it from happening, my water broke. I do thankfully have a really good OB, but I do not plan on getting pregnant until I lose weight and am healthy. I had GD with both my pregnancies and high BP. My fasting was still in the prediabetic zone until starting Paleo, this morning it was 81! And my BP was 106/69 two days ago when I had it checked, so this way of eating is making a HUGE difference for my body already.0 -
Thanks for all the replies! I bought some Braggs acv last night and am going to start my no poo adventure today, I found some mineral makeup for super cheap and bought that as well, I know makeup is not necessary but for now I am not giving it up! I used coconut oil yesterday for deodorant and it worked well, even with it 80 degrees so I am sticking with that. I still used toothpaste today and body wash but will switch soon to natural.
As far as cleaning is concerned does anyone know anything about babyganics? I have been buying their cleaning products since I have a 8 month old, I want to expose him to as little as possible and they claim to be all natural. I have a lot of their products for both cleaning and for use on his body.
Also a question for the females, what are your feelings on hormone based contraceptives? I have been on the pill for a month and feel like its making me feeling crappy. I am getting a hormone free IUD next month but until then I am been considering stopping the pill.
I have an IUD and it's been almost 7 years now.I got it after the birth of my child.
I am now trying to get it out.
It increased my period 10 fold and the first year it was very bad with weird pains and cramps.
I had a friend that had hers for 6 months and needed to get rid of it because of the bleeding reason..too heavy,wiped her out.
I never had pms/omt in my life until I got the iud and now it's quite bad.I do not have a hormonal based iud.
It is very easy,nothing to think about an from what I remember,the one I have is good for 10 years.
I have never heard of anyone losing one but,changes in weight can dislodge the iud.
I know there is a natural method of birth control where you chart your ovulation but that's the only other "natural"method I have heard of.
Do you have Paraguard, the copper IUD? My OB told me that it can increase bleeding but as long as I have normal cycles, which thankfully I do, it would be fine. I don't want to have to chart my ovulation, I am pretty sure you have to check your temp daily and other things to do that, and I just don't feel like being that dedicated to it. I want to just have something that I don't have to think or worry about.0 -
Also a question for the females, what are your feelings on hormone based contraceptives? I have been on the pill for a month and feel like its making me feeling crappy. I am getting a hormone free IUD next month but until then I am been considering stopping the pill.
I've been on the pill for about 3 years now, and I'm planning on stopping it within the month!! I want to meet with my gyno first (appointment next week!), but I KNOW that the pill has caused me so much undue anxiety and weird moods, that at this point it's "benefits" are being overshadowed by the downsides. I've been researching and learning about FAM (Fertility Awareness Method) and even started taking my temp each morning to start getting in the habit. I couldn't be more excited to get off of these hormones, which I know now are a big reason for so many weird emotions and problems that have come up in the past 3 years!0 -
My OB told me that it can increase bleeding but as long as I have normal cycles, which thankfully I do, it would be fine. I don't want to have to chart my ovulation, I am pretty sure you have to check your temp daily and other things to do that, and I just don't feel like being that dedicated to it. I want to just have something that I don't have to think or worry about.
And personally, I'm super excited to chart and get to know my body so well. But it's a good thing you know that you might not be dedicated, since it would be so easy to slip up!0 -
My OB told me that it can increase bleeding but as long as I have normal cycles, which thankfully I do, it would be fine. I don't want to have to chart my ovulation, I am pretty sure you have to check your temp daily and other things to do that, and I just don't feel like being that dedicated to it. I want to just have something that I don't have to think or worry about.
And personally, I'm super excited to chart and get to know my body so well. But it's a good thing you know that you might not be dedicated, since it would be so easy to slip up!
I am really too lazy to do it and I am amazing at getting pregnant, my lard has not affected my fertility, I have gotten pregnant within the first month twice since Dec. 2011 so its just too risky. I am sure you will feel amazing getting to know your body so well and feeling so in touch with yourself, especially after so long on the pill. I have only been on it since the end of April but it gives me headaches and I feel like it might be hindering my weight loss. I have an Ob appointment on the 6th to get Paraguard and cannot wait to be done with hormones. I really want to rid my body of as much as possible, I am trying not to take any medications as well unless I have to.0 -
I pretty much use Weleda products for everything www.weleda.com. Their range covers everything from medicines to toothpaste, deodorant, moisturisers etc. I don't really use a lot of stuff anyway but my one can't-live-without is Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion - I use it on my face, best thing ever!0
