As we know the skin is the biggest organ in the human body and as such it has a huge role in our health.

The main function of the skin is to protect the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals and temperature.

The skin is our first defender against foreign intruders. It is very important to take care of our skin and protect it from harm.

People know that they have to protect the skin from sunburn because it causes cancer. We know that the skin should be often hydrated and we have to be careful with the fabric of the clothes we wear.

Through the skin we absorb much more substances than through the mouth. This is especially dangerous for young children who are bathing and smearing with thousands of products every day.

The problem nowadays is that there are so many companies that manufacture cosmetics and skincare products, which contain almost everything. Manufacturers are free to put just about anything they want into cosmetics. Many governments don’t require health studies or pre-market testing on personal care products.

Although many of the chemicals and contaminants in cosmetics and personal care products likely pose little risk, exposure to some has been linked to serious health problems, including cancer.

Since 2009, 595 cosmetics manufacturers have reported using 88 chemicals, in more than 73,000 products, that have been linked to cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm.Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

Among the toxic chemicals that should be banned are:

– Paraformaldehyde, a type of formaldehyde.

– Methylene glycol, a type of formaldehyde.

– Quaternium 15, which releases formaldehyde.

– Mercury, which can damage the kidneys and nervous system.

– Dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates, which disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system.

– Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens, which disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.

– The long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, which have been linked to cancer.

– M- and o-phenylenediamine, used in hair dyes, which irritate and sensitize the skin, damage DNA and can cause cancer.

Cosmetic chemicals enter the body through the skin, inhalation, ingestion and internal use, and set the same risks as food chemicals.

Once you decide to follow an organic way of living, probably along with the organic diet you will start using organic cosmetics. Organic cosmetics are typically made from plant derivatives.These herbal ingredients are considered a safer alternative than standard cosmetics made with synthetic additives. Ecological cosmetics is not only respectful to our skin, but also fairly treats nature and animals, since they do not practice testing them.What ingredients we can find in the organic cosmetics? The main ingredients that we find in the cosmetics with label “Bio” or “Organic” are herbal extracts like Chamomile extract, Rosemary extract; different oils like Tea tree oil, Jojoba oil, Eucalyptus oil, Almond oil, Rose hip oil, Oregano oil; juice from vegetables and fruits like Aloe vera juice, cucumber juice, extract from apple; butters like Shea butter; Hyaluronic acid and Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and others.

These simple ingredients are full of beneficial substances that help the skin to regenerate, protect the skin from free radicals, make the skin smoother and brighter, help to reduce skin aging and wrinkles formation. Oils and herbs, fruits and vegetables contain everything the skin needs.

If you can eat it you can apply it on the skin. Would you eat your face cream? If we know that what we put on the skin it goes into our bloodstream, so how can we use cosmetics with unknown ingredients?

Here is my variants of Face masks that you can do while you are cooking, because everything you need is in the kitchen.

Exfoliating Face mask with coffee

Coffee is an excellent exfoliator and it is a rich source of antioxidants. It kills dead cells and remove impurities. Coffee promotes blood circulation so it leads to healthy and energised skin, effectively reducing the swelling of tissues and de-puffing areas of the skin. What you have to do is mixing one tablespoon ground coffee with one tablespoon olive oil (or other oil) and apply it on the face for around 20 minutes. Then wash up.

Nourishing Face mask with avocado

Avocado is rich in fatty acids and is excellent for moisturizing the skin. In addition to vitamin E, avocado contains potassium, lecithin, and many other nutrients that can nourish and moisturize the skin. The healthy fats in avocado are beneficial for many function in the body. Except eating avocado can provide glowing skin if we apply it on the face. It will hydrates and keep the skin flexible and help reduce the appearance of aging. What you have to do is just smashed a piece of avocado, mix it with honey and apply on the skin. Hold it for 20 minutes and wash away.

Detox Face mask with Activated Charcoal, Spirulina and Turmeric

Applying Activated Charcoal on the skin can cause dryness, redness and sensitivity, so you have to be careful and if you feel any irritations to wash immediately. Activated Charcoal helps to remove blackheads and dead skin cells. It detox the skin and we feel the skin smoother and brighter. Consistent use will help eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, reduce acne, and make pores look smaller. I mix it with spirulina, turmeric and yogurt. Apply on the skin for 10 minutes or 20 if you don’t feel irritations. Then wash away and apply Rose hip oil or coconut oil.

Turmeric and Gram flour Face mask for glowing skin

Turmeric is very healthy antibiotic. It keeps the skin from infection, reduces swelling (inflammation) and irritation. Inflammation and irritation can aggravate other skin conditions, so using turmeric as a regular face mask can help. Gram flour exfoliates and removes the roughness of the skin. What you have to do is mix the Turmeric and Gram flour with Rose water. Apply the resulting pasta on the face for 20 minutes and wash away with warm water.

Peel-off Face mask with Strawberry

Start to buy fruits! Start to eat fruits! Apply everyday fruit on the face! Why? Fruits have fruit acid that is not harmful. Stay from 2o minutes to one hour. You can apply twice or triple when the fruit dries. Massaging the face with the fruit. You can use strawberry, citrus, tomato, apple, banana, grapes, pear. What you want. If you eat some fruit apply it on the skin. So easy! You can do it everyday. Once per week or once per month. Do it whenever you want. Experiment with different fruits and pay attention how the skin react. How does it feel? You can combine strawberry with baking soda for even more peel-off reaction.

I don’t say you have to stop buying cosmetics and make a salad on your face. There are plenty of quality, foolproof and effective skin care products that can help us to reserve the youth, freshness, brightness and vitality of the skin. I recommend to act more consciously and to be different. Along with the cosmetics try something so simple and use purely natural things that can help you definitely!

Stay fresh! Stay young! Be beautiful!