Little Steps #1

I've been on the lazy side lately with blog updates. My life seems to get away from me time and again with school, work, and of course the little ham to worry about. The wonderful weather here has made it ever more enticing to go out and enjoy it leaving me even less time for fun stuff like blogging. With that said, I am going to make it a priority to update once a week! It's good for me to get my thoughts out there so my head doesn't get overloaded.

I am going to start an ongoing project called "Little Steps" where I share my little steps towards a greener, healthier lifestyle with you. We are little by little trying to make our lifestyle more chemical free and cheaper. You might be surprised by how much cheaper some eco-friendly changes can be! I am going to start with some changes we've already made and work my way forward because there are some things I really want to share with you! I've learned a lot from other bloggers, so I will share my wisdomw with you. Feel free to request information on certain things or changes you would like to hear about.

Little Steps #1 Facial Cleansing and Care

While my little ham was still in the oven, I became concerned about my chemical-ridden facial care products. I knew that Salicylic Acid is a no-no during pregnancy, so I tossed out all my old stuff and went on the search for some gentler options. I am one of those people blessed with cruddy skin. Regardless of what I've tried, my skin never seems to stay clear for long. I've tried everything from prescription drugs and creams to homemade face masks. This is what I setlled on.

For weekly scrubs to slough off dead skin I now use baking soda mixed with a little water. All you have to do is take some baking soda, preferably not the box you keep in the fridge, and add tap water until it makes a gritty paste. This paste makes a refreshing facial scrub that is great for oily skin. I do it every few days to get that exfoliated glow. I love that fact that a box of baking soda usually runs about $0.45 and I can use that box for a few months to wash my face. How awesome is that? See, I told you it would be cheap.

For moisturizing I now use organic coconut oil. I had not idea that there was a such thing as coconut oil until last year, but it is honestly my favorite skin care product now. It is solid at room temperature and turns into a liquid in warmer temperatures. I just take a tiny, and I mean tiny, dab of coconut oil and rub it into my in the morning and before bed. It moisturizes without leaving a greasy residue, amazing for an oil, and is said to be an natural acne cure! I can't say that is has cleared my stubborn skin, but it definately works just as well as peroxide products without overdrying or staining your pillow cases. I get mine for about $10 at my local natural food store and it lasts forever. You can order it online too. You can also cook with it, use it as a cloth diaper safe rash cream, use it as a conditioner for your hair, or use it as a personal lubricant. I think I've pretty much used it for everything thus far, and I cannot imagine going back.

For toning and freshening up, I use witch hazel. It is great for acne prone skin as it is a natural astringent and it helps kill all the nasty bacteria on your skin. This really has helped clear my skin up and it always leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean. I actually get mine at Walmart in the first-aid section, it works great for cuts and scrapes too, for around $4. I use this in the morning after my shower and before bed.

Last but not least, I use Tom's of Maine bar soap or Dr. Bronner's tea tree oil soap for normal washing. I use this for the rest of me too. Tom's soap comes in two packs for $3 or so, and Dr. Bronner's soap is sold indvidually for around $4. I get them both from my local Target.

This new cleansing routine saves me loads of cash, saves the environment, and keeps my face fresh and clean. I hope you give it a try. If you already have switched to a greener facial care routine, share your products and tips with me!

Next Time: Greener Laundry