Have you ever really paid attention to what’s in your shampoo, body lotion, perfume, make up, or deodorant? There was a time when I would just shrug my shoulders and think “Smells and looks good to me!”  After all, they wouldn’t put anything bad for you in there, would they? Think again.  A great article from Mail Online stated that “research by Bionsen, a natural deodorant company, found that the average woman’s daily grooming and make-up routine means she ‘hosts’ a staggering 515 different synthetic chemicals on her body every single day.” Say what?!  Now, that’s a lot of s#*t, if you ask me!  Check out this diagram that I first found circling facebook.  Pretty insightful.

While I was pregnant with my nuggets, I wanted to become very aware of everything that I was putting in and on my body while I was pregnant.  It is mind-blowing all the potentially harmful ingredients that are in your daily regimen. For example, parabens can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical pharmaceuticals and toothpaste, and may be used as food additives.  There are studies both for and against them but many studies have pointed out that parabens are hormone disrupters linked to breast cancer and infertility.

Another one to watch out for is Phthalates.  Phthalates, used regularly in cosmetics, skin care (often labeled at “fragrance”), and used to soften plastics, are linked to hormonal changes in baby boys, birth defects, miscarriages, and thyroid irregularities.  For more info on that click here.

With all that being said, I bought an awesome book that teaches you about what is in your skin care, how to make your own (at home), and in the greenest way possible.

I love this book by Julie Gabriel, holistic nutritionist and founder of Petite Marie Organics.  Check out her blog.  It has great recipes and articles!

Anyway, this book is so fun!  I have made my own organic toners, face wash, and scrubs.  With so many goodies, like Red Carpet Masks, Sun Savers for skin & hair, and even mouthwash, it’s hard to choose what to make first!  Among my favorites are the Sweet Dreams Facial Oil, Age Rewind Skin Toner with Lipoic Acid (a well studied antioxidant that protects your skin from the elements), and the Sugar Mommy Scrub (see below).  I even use the Sugar Mommy Scrub on my girls and they love it. However, they always manage to get it in their hair and they come out looking a tad greasy!  Regardless, your skin will love you afterwards! And the best part is…you know exactly what you are putting on your body!

Sugar Mommy Scrub (Green Beauty Recipes)

1/2 c. Brown Sugar

1/2 c. Olive Oil

5 drops Rose Oil (or if you want it a little more masculine, I used Rosemary oil)

5 drops Vanilla Extract.

Note:  I added more rose oil because the olive oil is a bit earthy.  So, add the amount essential oil to your liking.