Anne and I both love yoga for its many physical and mental benefits, and our mats can get very sweaty and dirty after practice.
YogiApproved.com writes “When you roll the mat onto the floor, and roll it up again later, you’re rolling whatever mystery goodies (or not-so-goodies) up with it – rolled onto the side that you put your hands and feet and face on too.” Additionally, they note “In a lab test conducted on several different yoga mats, some of the mats were found to have Staph, yeast build-up (a form of fungus), fecal matter, allergens, and millions of bacteria, to name just a few of the findings.” Seriously gross, right?
We know cleaning our yoga mats is essential, but the problem with most yoga mat cleaners is that they may contain harsh or toxic ingredients one should avoid touching and inhaling (even the “all natural” sprays & wipes may contain questionable emulsifiers, chelating agents, surfactants, and preservatives), can be expensive, and waste resources if they come in a non-reusable plastic container (among additional packaging).
I say skip those overpriced and potentially chemical filled store-bought yoga mat cleaners and make your own natural cleaner in 10 minutes with these easy DIY recipes below - all with items you can reuse.
Our largest organ, our skin, the barrier protecting us from the world, eats. Now “eats” isn't exactly correct, but I want to emphasize that our skin absorbs what is put on it.
According to the American Journal of Public Health, our skin absorbs an average of 64% of total contaminants. I've read other reports that state absorption is closer to 70% of what is applied to our skin.
Therefore, any contaminants in our lotions/perfumes can enter our bodies and have systemic effects on our health.
We want to avoid toxic chemicals and additives in our skin care, just as we do with our food, given the majority of what is put on our skin is absorbed.
A good moisturizer is one that you can feel safe about having absorbed into your body as it contains no harmful natural ingredients, chemical additives or harsh preservatives.
The easiest way to ensure you have a healthy, nontoxic body moisturizer is to make it yourself.
That is why I am excited to share one of my favorite DIY body moisturizer recipes below.
My priority is to only buy non-toxic and cruelty-free cosmetics. Fortunately, we live in a time where there are numerous natural brands producing safe makeup.
I have never been an extensive makeup wearer. I’ve had my makeup professionally done, and I love the way it looks, but heavy makeup is just not for me. I never learned how to use foundation or powder, nor do I care for how it feels, so I never use it. I don’t know how to contour my face or do fancy eye shadow looks. BUT, the one makeup item I can say I am an expert in is mascara.
I was loyal to a few toxic brands before my journey to switching to natural makeup. When I began trying non-toxic brands, I had mixed and sometimes disappointing results.
However, I am happy to share that I’ve found the best non-toxic and cruelty-free mascara I’ve ever used called “Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara” by Pacifica.
Read on to learn more about why I’m sharing my recommendation this product.