Since many of us have more time on our hands now, it’s a valuable opportunity to take care of ourselves. Tending to our mental and physical health, self-care is vital for a balanced, healthy life. Unfortunately, many commonly used self-care products contain harsh chemicals that tax your system and increase your toxic load. When you’re looking to relax, try these items out instead.
Non-Toxic Candles
Candles are some of the most toxic self-care items on the market. Often made with petroleum, synthetic fragrance and pesticides, candles can burn off hazardous waste into the air in your space. The Elements Candles offer four different, non-toxic scents that also help you move into a more meditative state. The Earth candle in particular helps you ground down and feel safe, while only using non-GMO wax and fragrance derived from essential oils. When buying candles, check to see if they’re made without GMOs and with quality ingredients that burn clean.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt offers a cheap, safe and powerful self-care tool that aids in relaxation, detoxification and immunity. The good news is that it’s hard to go wrong with whichever brand you buy. You can get organic varieties, but your drugstore options should be just fine. If you’re looking to enhance the relaxation of your Epsom salt bath or foot soak, you can buy versions that come scented with calming essential oils like lavender.
Blankets
The skin makes up the largest organ in the body. When you’re wrapped tightly in a blanket, your skin absorbs what’s around it. If your blankets are made of pesticide-sprayed cotton or synthetic materials like polyester, your body absorbs those toxins. Particularly if you’re sleeping with the blanket covering you, it’s important to buy quality for your health and wellbeing. You can get organic blankets to keep yourself safe and healthy. Look for 100 percent organic cotton if you can, otherwise, just avoid synthetic fabrics made of plastic like polyester or nylon.
Face Masks
Sometimes, it feels like a face mask will fix everything. Even if this isn’t the case, a good face mask helps your skin soften, while making you feel taken care of and pampered. Most sheet and cream face masks contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like parabens and sulfates. When you see the word “alcohol” used frequently on the ingredient list, it’s a clear indicator that the product shouldn’t be on your face. You can check out Beauty Counter, Osea Malibu or Tata Harper for clean alternatives that leave your skin feeling amazing without the toxins.
