Original Photo Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/localmilk/11821079974

The journey towards a healthy, loving relationship with body and self happens one step at a time.  Each step is made based on a decision.  Our decision to make the healthiest, most loving choice for ourselves in any situation is what brings steady progression in our journey.  Sometimes we can be so hard on ourselves, with high expectations and goals of perfection.  However, I have found that it is much easier to simply choose the BEST for myself in each moment, and that is where forward progression comes from for me.

I remember when I made the decision to transition from chemically straightened hair, to my natural hair texture.  I read and researched about the affect of relaxer chemicals on the hair, scalp, and body.  I studied the social, cultural, and spiritual impact of wearing my hair either chemically straightened or natural, as a Black woman in the world.  I was consciously searching to evolve to my higher self by understanding my relationship with my hair.  After obtaining knowledge, gaining clarity, and  listening to my intuition I chose the healthiest, most loving choice at the time, for my hair.  I chose to stop using all chemical products on my hair and began my journey to back to natural.

I now realize that my quest towards holistic health began with my natural hair journey.  It has been over 13 years since I returned to wearing my natural hair texture, but those steps brought me closer to a healthier body relationship today.  Now I am considering the physical, emotional, and spiritual affects that other beauty products may be having on my body as well.  I am now questioning: how are my lotions,  perfumes, and cleansers impacting my health and wellness?

One thing I’ve learned is that the skin is the largest organ of the body  whatever we put on our skin goes into our blood stream and is absorbed by the cells of our body.   Therefore the cleansers, moisturizers, and creams that I put on my skin become a part of my “diet”.  Although I may not be eating them through my mouth, I am absorbing them and taking the chemicals into my system.  So I made the decision to start being just as conscious about what I am “feeding” my skin as I am about what I put into my mouth.  Here are some of the things that I keep in mind when choosing skin and beauty products for my body:

• The fewer artificial ingredients, or ingredients that I can’t pronounce, the better
• If it isn’t safe for me to eat it, it may not be safe for my skin or hair.
• Most of the time “less is more”.  Using a lot of product does not always produce better results.
• The energy used to make the product makes a difference.  Homemade and handmade products, from those who enjoy their craft, vibrates positive, loving energy for my body.
• Organic and natural products some times “cost” more but the quality of the ingredients are worth the investment.

I know it may seem like there are so many things that are “unhealthy” for us these days and the thought of changing something else may feel a bit overwhelming.  However, I personally tried to make this easier on myself by allowing it to be a gradual process and I offer the same option to you.  Instead of getting rid of all of your “toxic” beauty products all and one time and trying to replace them with all natural products over night why not do it a little bit at a time?  We know that skin care and hair care products are costly and it may be difficult (possibly heartbreaking) to throw everything in the trash and start all over.  What I have done is choose one product that was most important to me, and after I finished the last container of it I replaced it with a natural, healthier product.  For example, I researched how dangerous commercial antiperspirants can be to the body and the connections that it has to breast cancer in men and women.  Since two of my family members have had cysts removed from their underarms  (as a result of toxic build up that the doctors confirmed was due to antiperspirants) I prioritized eliminating toxic antiperspirants from my life and transitioning to natural deodorant.   Then I began to slowly replace my traditional body lotions and facial cleansers to healthier options too.  Now, my natural products are taking over my dresser and the toxic products are getting crowded out.  

I will tell you that it has been worth the transition and the investment.  I can see and feel the difference in my hair and skin, since I have begun using organic and natural products.  Although there was a period of adjustment, because natural products have different storage requirements and are made differently than commercial products.  I must say that I am so happy that I made the switch!  Now caring for my skin and hair is part of my body love ritual.  I look forward to cleansing, moisturizing and pampering my body with items that I KNOW are feeding and nurturing me.  It has become ANOTHER way that I send Love to my body and self.  It is another way that I am strengthening my body relationship my prioritizing self care and health simultaneously.

Are you interested in trying natural products to care for yourself?  Would you like to learn more about the natural options available to you and your whole family?   I am an affiliate of Smell Good Spa.  They provide “healthier options in bath and body care and aromatic home products”.  I loved what their products have done for my skin, body, and health so much that I wanted to help spread the word and invite people to discover these options.  Here are a few of my favorite products: