Did you know many of the products in your kitchen cupboard that we often consume can be used to clean and improve your skin? We spend so much money on cleaning products to keep our house spotless, personal care to maintain our skin yet we’re not 100% sure whether the ingredients are safe. There is an efficient way to save money and it’s all natural! Read on to learn more…

1. Bicarbonate Soda (baking soda)

What can’t baking soda do? As you have probably heard or used before, baking soda is a component in many baking recipes to give it a bit of a fluff! But did you do know you can almost clean everything with it? This replaces most of the harsh, toxic chemicals around the home making it ideal for everyone including the environment. When mixing baking soda with either an acidic or an alkaline substance, its natural result is to neutralize that pH. No wonder why I use baking soda in my Natural Deodorant to not only absorb moisture but to neutralise odours (especially smelly ones). It can be used to clean a variety of items when mixed with water to create a paste. With some scrubbing power, the items will be cleaned in no time! Some of the items include:

• pots & pans
• Oven
• Floors
• Furniture and the list goes on

Don’t forget it can be used on your skin! I’ve brushed my teeth with it and incorporated it with my Bath Salts products for that extra squeaky clean. When buying baking soda, always look for aluminum free!

2. Coconut Oil

My previous blog on coconut oil specifies the differences in all types of coconut oil. When unhydrogenated and unrefined, coconut oil maintains all of its nutrients to nourish and protect our skin. You can use coconut oil in all cases when it comes to your skin! Ran out of moisturiser? No problem, coconut oil is here! Due to its anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities, it can penetrate into the skin better than most oils. So do you have a rash? Mosquito bite? Dry hair? Use that coconut oil! If you team it up with essential oils such as lavender or tea tree, you have a salve that can be applied to any skin situation…

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

I’ve recently have come to know apple cider vinegar these days. It has the vinegar taste yet a subtle hint of sweetness. Due to its antibiotic properties, it can be beneficial when consumed. Some people swear by its healing power to soothe stomach upsets when small amounts are drank daily. I personally use it as a toner (mixed with witch hazel & rose water) due to the malic and lactic acids to soften and exfoliate my skin. Some other uses include:

• getting rid of dandruff
• rinse fruit (to take away all the chemical that the fruit has been sprayed with)
• ease sore throat

4. Salt, Sugar & Coffee

Who said salt, sugar or coffee isn’t good for you? Well, it is on your skin! An easy way to scrub or exfoliate your skin naturally is to use salt, sugar and coffee or combined! Mix a bit a of olive or coconut oil and voila- a homemade scrub. Coffee’s benefits go beyond just a caffeinated boost of energy, it has properties which can be good for the skin. This includes:

• Dimishing puffy dark circles
• Reduce redness & inflammation
• Reduce cellulite

So many products go beyond their everyday use and it’s a great way to save money. I would always look for quality products with key words such as organic, unbleached or raw. Like all skincare products, always use caution when using such as applying a patch test on the skin. Good luck and share some of your recipes below!

Stay Natural,