The Importance of Natural Beauty Products

In a world full of chemicals, it can be difficult to find natural beauty products on the shelves of large chain stores. Nonetheless, they are important to use. Where unnatural chemicals can cause major skin irritations such as eczema, rash, dryness, and even breakouts, natural solutions often reverse these problems. There are so many options for natural beauty and body care, many of which are cheap and underrated. Beauty products do not have to be complicated or full of unknown ingredients. Keeper’s Collective has natural ingredients in all products and emphasizes their importance in daily life. Don’t get bogged down by chemical-laden beauty products, go simple and know what you’re using. And most likely get better results. Read about our favorite natural skincare tips below.

Apple Cider Vinegar 
This is one of the cheap and easy solutions for many beauty and care problems. Many shampoos with a bunch of chemicals cause hair to dry out, cause itchy scalp, and damaged dull strands.  Apple cider vinegar can also be a great option for those with dandruff. There are specific dandruff shampoos but these are often filled to the brim with ingredients we can’t even pronounce. These ingredients can help, but can and do occasionally cause even more skin irritation. Studies have shown that continued use of big-brand dandruff shampoos reduces their effectiveness, as well as can cause damage to hair strands. This is why apple cider vinegar can be a wonderful way to keep dandruff under control naturally and cheaply with no chemicals other than, well, vinegar. Rinsing with diluted ACV can help to lower the pH of the scalp and hair, which contributes to better health. More acidic hair, believe it or not, is shinier, smoother, and less prone to damage. Not to mention its antimicrobial properties help to keep an itchy scalp at bay. Remember to always dilute the vinegar, as it could cause irritation if at full strength. A combination of rinsing with ACV with a coconut oil hair and scalp mask would be a great way to care for your hair.  

Coffee 
Again to care for hair, coffee can be a great way to provide a smooth shine and rich color. The caffeine in topically applied coffee has been shown, scientifically, to stop hair loss and begin regrowth. This might be due to the stimulation of blood flow to the hair follicles. Coffee as well helps to reduce frizz and gain a rich sheen. Rinsing with coffee is a natural light stain, the dark brown ever so slightly tinting each strand. It can be a wonder for covering up grays, if one wanted to. Not to mention how delicious it smells after.  

Not only is coffee great for hair, but it is wonderful for the skin. Coffee grounds make a great exfoliator. Unlike sugar and salt, this exfoliator does not dissolve in water or oil so it is easier to use on tough areas. Caffeic acid and caffeine both work to stimulate blood circulation, increase collagen, and reduce inflammation. Caffeic acid also works as an antimicrobial. Crazy enough, a component of coffee called polyphenols can help reduce exposure to and damage from UV rays. Caffeine and general blood stimulation could also help to reduce cellulite.
  
Exfoliating the face with coffee grounds can help with acne and the general clearing of skin. Exfoliation, in the right amount and the right kind, can help drastically reduce skin problems such as acne, blackheads, and dead skin buildup. The use of coffee grounds for exfoliation can also be anti-inflammatory and antibacterial to prevent future breakouts and skin problems.  

This set of natural coffee scrubs by Keepers Collective, help you to utilize the benefits of exfoliating with coffee grounds and other honeybee apitherapy ingredients that all lend themselves to healthier and more radiant skin.  


Sugar/Salt 
Along with coffee grounds, sugar and salt are great natural exfoliators. Salt is a common ingredient in scrubs. Salt helps to fight inflammation and keep bacteria at bay. Often salt crystals are larger and best suited for the body instead of the face. If a salt scrub is used on the face, remember to be extra gentle. Salt scrubs help to get rid of callouses and extra tough spots we might find on our heels, but can be used all over the body for much-needed exfoliation. Salt is a substance that increases hydration and softens skin when used as an exfoliant. There are many kinds of salts, but our Whipped Body Polish contains a particular combination of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and of course sodium, which all contribute to healthier skin.  

Sugar is a humectant, meaning it helps to draw moisture into the skin. Sugar is best for those of us with sensitive skin, as it dissolves faster as it is used, as well as has smaller granules. This offers a gentler process of exfoliation but still gives wonderful results for softer, smoother, shinier skin just as salt and coffee do. Sugar is better as a facial exfoliant than salt but can be used all over the body, especially for sensitive skin. 

Turmeric  
Turmeric is a classic anti-inflammatory. This is often its main purpose in dietary and beauty products. It is also a superb ingredient to lighten and prevent scars. Using a turmeric face mask can help to reduce acne and decrease future breakouts. This powdered root, a relative of ginger, has been shown in studies to heal wounds more quickly and increase collagen levels. It has shown to help psoriasis, eczema, and many other skin conditions. Use this basic recipe for your own face mask. Apply and let sit for about 15 minutes, and then gently rinse. This combination is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and hydrating as heck. 

Turmeric Mask:

  • A scoop of Greek yogurt 
  • A spoonful of turmeric powder 
  • A spoonful of raw honey 


Cinnamon 
Cinnamon is definitely an underrated natural beauty ingredient. It smells amazing, makes pretty much every baked good taste delicious, can help fight and prevent diabetes as well as Alzheimer’s when incorporated into one’s diet, is anti-inflammatory, and fights bacterial and fungal infections. It was once a gift for royalty, but now is a cheap home staple. So go ahead and use it in your beauty routine to feel like a queen. 
This anti-inflammatory and healing mask is so simple. Just cinnamon and honey! 

Cinnamon Mask:

  • A spoonful of cinnamon 
  • Two spoonful's of honey 

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Apply to face and let set for 15 minutes. Wash off with mild cleanser.

Lemon
Lemon is often used for brightening the skin. Not only is it refreshing for our glass of water, but it is refreshing for our skin. Lemons are high in vitamin C which helps to reduce skin damage. It is a natural astringent and so reduces inflammation. It is also anti-fungal and can reduce some strains of Candida, a fungus naturally on the skin that can overgrow and cause problems such as itchiness. And though prescription lighteners are more effective, lemon can help to brighten the skin, lessen acne scars and aging spots. However, using lemon on the skin can be dangerous if overdone or used wrong. It can cause overbleaching and sensitivity, even sun damage. It is best to be cautious of using lemon on the skin, but here is a recipe for a brightening face mask that should only have benefits for your skin. In this recipe, turmeric and lemon work together to reduce redness, inflammation, scars, acne-causing bacteria, and more, while the honey and oats calm and heal the skin.  

Turmeric and Lemon Mask 

  • 3 tablespoons rolled oats (ground into oat flour in food processor) 
  • 1 tablespoon manuka honey 
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice 

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Apply to face and let set for 15 minutes. Wash off with mild cleanser

Coconut Oil
Ever so popular in the beauty world right now, coconut oil is pretty much as great as people say. Coconut oil is antibacterial, extremely hydrating, and smells and tastes amazing. Used as a daily moisturizer, coconut oil gives your skin the nourishment it needs as well as protection from harsh sun rays and toxins from pollution. This is one of the best oils to fight signs of aging, though honestly wrinkles should not be considered the problem society tells us they are. It can also fight redness and inflammation. Coconut oil is very soothing to the skin, more than most solutions for irritation. It can be used to calm eczema, acne, rash, itchiness, and even cold sores or genital herpes. It is not just a moisturizer that relieves discomfort but a layer of protection for any vulnerable skin areas and can aid in healing. This whipped body butter is one of our favorite ways to harnesses the power of coconut oil (and a multitude of other other skin loving ingredients) to help keep skin healthy and glowing.

Olive & Avocado Oils  
Olive oil is a typical kitchen staple, and avocado oil is on the rise. Though both are known for their culinary use, both oils should be used as additions to natural skincare. As any natural oils, they are ultimately moisturizers. Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, E, D, and K, all of which are great for using inside and out. They can also help to prevent UV radiation, reduce free radicals, repair damaged skin, and increase collagen levels.  

Both of these oils work wonders on hair, as does coconut oil. A hair mask of any of these three oils will leave your scalp and locks moisturized, soothed, smoothed, shiny, and more protected against future damage.  We love the option of using Keepers Secret Salve made with Calendula infused avocado oil to replenish your skin nightly, us on rashes, eczema, rosacea or even as a hair mask to rejuvenate dry and damaged locks! This versatile salve is packed full of nutrients for skin and hair and is truly amazing.

Honey 
Honey (and its relatives such as propolis) is one of the best beauty products of all time. It has been a staple ingredient of anything to do with beauty since humans first started keeping bees. Honey is a heavenly treat, but it can be used for so much more than food. Raw honey has powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It also reduces dark spots, brightens complexion, and effectively locks in moisture.  

Propolis is also a common beauty product, known in the bee world as a “bee glue,” it is renowned for its healing, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It can effectively heal wounds, treat skin blemishes, and protect the skin.  

Both honey and propolis are surefire ways to naturally heal and treat the skin, or just pamper it.  Honey and other bee byproducts are the basis for all of Keeper’s Collective items. From scrubs to lip balms to lotions, honey, wax, propolis, and more are used for a natural way to keep your body healthy and happy. 

As you’ve likely noticed, all of the above ingredients are probably in your kitchen already. Beauty and self-care should be that simple. Good beauty products should be natural and easy. Keeper’s Collective is just that, natural and easy. Remember that most often, less is more. Simple ingredients such as honey, coffee, sugar, salt, and coconut oil are some basics for a great beauty routine that keeps your body happy and healthy.  

Learn more ways to support your skin naturally here!

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