Have you ever had a milk bath with real milk? Personal products are a growing sector of our economy and lives. The natural personal care products industry is expected to grow to a 5 billion dollar industry in the next couple of years. Yes, that's right (pinky next to my mouth looking like Dr. Evil with blonde hair), FIVE BILLION DOLLARS!
Get with the trend, honey and learn how to make natural honey almond facial scrub and see a hair conditioner in action that tastes as good as it conditions. Stir up some fun in the bath with oranges, essential oils and soy candles. Find recipes below for homemade natural personal care products with common ingredients found at any grocery store or co-op.
The benefits of DIY (do it yourself) products include: saving money, keeping left-over grocery items out of the waste stream, no packaging and all natural ingredients.

Tips

Use common ingredients found at your grocery store, co-op or farmers market.

Buy organic.

Buy local and seasonal items.

Experiment with essential oils to enhance your well-being, maximize total health and help restore beautifully clear skin.  

Recipes

Honey Almond Facial Scrub (one application)

1 Tablespoon honey (locally made)
2 Tablespoons raw rolled oats
2 Tablespoons plain organic yogurt
8 whole uncooked almonds ground

Process the almonds and oats in a blender until that are finely ground. Mix the ground almonds and oat mixture with the honey and yogurt in a small bowl until blended. Pat the mixture on your face and neck and relax in a comfortable position for up to 10 minutes. Wet your hands and over a sink or bath, massage gently to exfoliate. Rinse off and pat dry. (Do not use if you are allergic to nuts)

Avocado Mask (dry skin)

1-2 avocados

Smooth the mashed avocado over your face, let firm for 15 minutes and rinse off. (Be careful not to clog your drain in the process.) Avocado is very rich in antioxidants, which are great for preventing pre-mature aging.

Oat and Honey Milk Bath

‡ cup rolled oats
º cup powdered milk
2 tbsp honey

Place all ingredients in a small natural fabric bag (muslin and cheesecloth are great choices). Hang the bag under the faucet as you fill the tub, so running water disperses the soothing product throughout your bath.

Egg & Olive Oil Hair Masque

2 whole eggs
4 tbsp olive oil

Mix ingredients together and smooth through hair over sink. Wrap head with a shower cap or plastic wrap and allow 10 minutes for penetration. Rinse off and shampoo normally in shower. (For a smooth and shiny finish, be careful to wash all of the oil from your hair before normal styling).

Dandruff Remover

‡ cup water
‡ cup white vinegar

Combine ingredients then apply directly to the scalp. Use before shampooing. Apply twice a week.

Eye Soother

Place cotton balls soaked in ice water over closed eyes and lie down with feet elevated. Or place cucumber slices on eye lids while relaxing in a hot bath for ten minutes.