Get Pretty the Healthy Way with Luxurious, Natural Beauty Treatments

TheDailyGreen.com

Although beauty products don't have to list their ingredients, they often contain pthalates, formaldehyde, parabens and other chemicals that have been shown to harm animals in lab tests, and which are being phased out in Europe in favor of less toxic alternatives. Prenatal exposure to pthalates, for example, has been linked to liver and kidney damage and effects on baby boys' reproductive organs, and the chemical has been implicated in male obesity (here's how to protect your baby). The CDC found the potentially harmful sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone in 97% of Americans tested.

Why not get beautiful in less risky ways? Remember that many of these recipes can be put into reusable containers - which can also be decorated and given as unique, homemade gifts.

Honey-Avocado Invigorating and Revitalizing Hair Treatment


Avocado oil is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin E and folic acid, both of which aid in hair growth and nourishment. It also contains natural sunscreen properties that can protect the hair and scalp from harmful UVA and UVB rays. This mask is made with honey, which can help hair retain moisture, leaving your hair shinier and healthier than ever.

1 medium avocado - peeled and stoned
2 tablespoons honey

Mash together the ingredients in a small bowl.
Massage into hair.
Leave for 20-30 minutes.
Wash hair as usual.
Makes 1 application

Related: Find non-toxic hair dyes.

Tightening, Toning Lemon Egg-White Mask


Many drugstore skin lighteners contain hydroquinone, which literally kills melanin-making cells to remove skin coloration, or mercury, which when absorbed in high doses over time, can potentially lead to mercury poisoning. Lemon and egg whites do the trick without the harsh treatments. Plus, the egg white will help to firm up your skin and shield your skin from the sun, air and wind.

Juice from 1/2 a lemon (strained)
1 egg white

Beat together the egg white and lemon juice for 3 minutes.
Apply directly to your face, avoiding the eyes.
Leave on for 30 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water.
Makes 1 application

Related: Be skeptical of these 10 "all natural" marketing terms.

Vegetable Oil Nail-Strengthening Solution


We all love manicures, but nail polish is full of toxins. Keep your nails strong with this solution that contains wheat germ oil, a good source of the bone strengthening vitamin A. Also consider switching to natural polish and polish remover.

2 tsp castor oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp wheat germ oil

Pour all ingredients into a sealable bottle.
Before each use shake well.
Rub a small amount of the mixture onto your nails.
Leave on for 3-5 minutes.
Wipe off with a cotton pad.
Makes 20-30 applications

Related: Follow the eight commandments of natural beauty.

The Ultimate Body Scrub


A body scrub can be a real luxurious experience, and this scrub is the perfect combination of stimulating and smoothing. It will leave your skin, well, baby soft, especially when you follow up with these dry skin remedies.

1 cup course sea salt
1/2 cup baby oil

Stir the ingredients together in a bowl and put into a screw top jar.
Leave for 24 hours.
Stir the mixture and apply to any areas of the body you wish to exfoliate.
Massage into the skin for a few minutes then shower off.
Pat your skin dry.

Makes multiple applications

Related: Try one of these natural deodorants that actually work.

PLUS: Get more beauty recipes for everything from lip balm to hand softeners!

Do you have any natural beauty secrets to share?


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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. .