Almost all personal care products today contain parabens. Parabens are preservatives. They extend the shelf life of our products. Without preservatives, most of our skin care products and cosmetics would either have to be kept in the fridge or used within a few days.

It is the water content in products that make them susceptible to spoilage. Water makes an ideal environment for mould and bacterial growth, and when we open our skin care products, air borne spores come in contact with the water and can potentially grow (this is why pure body butters are easy to make and preserve, there is no water). Parabens have bactericidal and fungicidal properties that prevent bacterial growth once personal care products are opened, thus preserving the product and extending its shelf life.

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In a world of increasing demand for fuel, rising fuel costs and peak oil concerns, spare a thought for the petroleum products(mineral oil, petroleum jelly) that get smeared on your skin every day. Yes, there is a good reason why Vaseline rhymes with gasoline: the inventor of petroleum jelly (petrolatum) as a skin care product came up with the idea when visiting an oil rig.

Petrolatum is a mixture of hydrocarbons that repels water and is used in skin care products where a smooth texture is required (as in lipstick) but is particularly common in “moisturising” creams and lotions. Almost all ‘mainstream’ moisturising creams and lotions contain petroleum products because it is relatively cheap, it gives cream a ‘nice’ texture, and provides an effective barrier on the skin, trapping in moisture.

This barrier quality sounds great, but is actually one of it’s downfalls. Using petroleum based products is often likened to wrapping the skin in cling wrap. It effectively prevents the skin from functioning properly or ‘breathing’.

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At some point a couple of years ago, I became aware of the chemicals in our personal care products. I can’t remember how, but I got really interested in the subject, so interested in fact I spent six months researching everything to do with skin care, including talking to manufacturers about starting my own private line of natural skin care products.

Recently I rediscovered my draft 60 page eBook I wrote on natural skin care and thought I would share some of the information I gleaned from doing the research.

It’s important to know what we’re putting on our skin and in our bodies. Up to 60% of what goes onto our skin gets absorbed into our bodies (that’s why nicotine patches work)! I thought I would start with the very common ingredient: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate / Sodium Laureth Sulphate.

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One day I want to have my own range of natural skin care products. I’ve spent about a year looking into the process of making different products, researching ingredients and the value of choosing natural over chemical skin care.

A few interesting facts on skin care:

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We all deserve a little pampering every now and then, but professional facials and store bought treatments can be costly and include all sorts of ingredients that we’re better off not putting on our skin.

That doesn’t mean we have to miss out though. Here are a few ideas for quick and easy masks that can be made out of everyday ingredients in the kitchen for a inexpensive facial pick-me-up.

• Citrus fruits especially lemon are toning, astringent and antiseptic. Good for normal to oily skin.
• Strawberries, apples and cucumber soften skin and reduce oiliness.
• For dryer skin, bananas and avocado nourish.
• Kiwi and paw paw are packed with good skin enzymes.
• Egg yolks are nourishing, while egg whites tighten skin.
• Milk and yogurt are full of natural enzymes that are great for the skin.
• Honey is full of goodness to nourish skin. It is also healing.
• Mash some strawberries and apply directly to the skin for a toning mask.
• For dry skin mash either an avocado or banana and apply to skin. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse off with water.
• Mix 1tsp of honey with some fine oatmeal and a little almond oil (olive oil just as good) to the consistency of a smooth paste. Smooth on and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Beat 1 egg yolk with 2 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of honey until thick. Spread over face and leave to dry – about 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
• For dry skin mix together 2 egg yolks, 2 tbsp glycerine (buy it at the chemist or health food store) and 1 tbsp of cream. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Mix together mashed cucumber, yogurt and oatmeal for a refreshing mask.
• Try yogurt and honey, yogurt and lemon, yogurt and turmeric, yogurt and eggwhite. 
• Mix together some banana yogurt and honey. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse. Eat the rest while you’re waiting.
• Beat an egg white until stiff. Add 1 tsp honey and leave until dry. Rinse off with cool water. 
• For a facial scrub, try plain sugar or add sugar to one of the masks. For a gentler option use oatmeal instead. Avoid scrubs if you have acne.
• Try witch hazel (found at the chemist) as an alcohol free toner
• Try pure aloe vera juice to sooth skin.
• For the eyes the old cucumber slices work wonders or keep your used tea bags for a refreshing eye pad. Try camomile tea bags for the eyes.

Try these ideas for an awesome at home spa experience:

• Set aside some ‘me time’ regularly. Take the phone off the hook, inform the family, lock the bathroom door, get dad to take the kids to the park. You deserve some pampering time – you can’t look after everything else if you’re feeling frazzled.
• Create a personal oasis. Light some candles, burn some oils, add some music.
• Grab everything that you need before hand. Bowls, oils, masks, towels, bath pillows, robe, headband.
• Wash your face as usual
• Place some hot water in a bowl, add a couple of drops of your favourite pure essential oil and placing a towel over your head, enjoy the steam for up to 15 minutes.
• Apply your favourite mask and relax. Time to relax in the bath, meditate, read a book, write in your journal or listen to your favourite music. Drink your favourite cup and forget about everything else for a little while.
• Rinse off your mask and finish off with some cold water or non-alcoholic toner. Apply moisturiser.
• Consider giving yourself a nice relaxing massage. Grab some olive oil from the kitchen and spend a few moments unwinding those tight spots.

For more information, there is a wonderful book on looking after your skin and the rest of you naturally, you can’t go past about face. I love this book, it includes information on skin care for different ages and for different stages of life, natural v artificial skin care products and foods to eat for great looking skin. I really like the idea about creating rituals to pamper ourselves – don’t we deserve it!

The authors are local and I’ve heard them speak at a couple of functions – they are very passionate about living healthy and looking after ourselves.

What is your favourite homemade facial recipe?