Gerber - Hello Glow

In 2011, I stumbled into blogging. I started Hello Glow to share simple projects and recipes to make myself, my life, and my home more beautiful. After having two kids, I was obsessed with all things healthy going into and on our bodies. And not only did blogging give me an excuse to try out new things, but it also helped me rediscover my sense of self after becoming a mom. Now Im a firm believer in natural beauty and its powerful impact, inside and out. (Yogurt and avocado are my go-tos for face masks, while a simple mix of coffee and olive oil is my favorite scrub.) Just dont let the do-it-yourself factor intimidate you. (Yogurt and avocado are my go-tos for face masks, while a simple mix of coffee and olive oil is my favorite scrub.) Just dont let the do-it-yourself factor intimidate you.

Keep it simpleno fancy equipment or obscure ingredients required. Once you get over the initial what in the world am I putting on my face?!? freak-out, making your own natural beauty products becomes incredibly empowering. The techniques have always been simple, but somewhere along the way we forgot that all beauty products dont have to come in a package. Applying a body oil that feels and smells amazing because I made it myself feels pretty darn good. And then theres the emotional perk of doing something nice for yourself. As a busy mom, the word pampering can feel awkward to me, Ill admit.

But rituals like a weekly at-home facial or a regular soak in the tub with Epsom salts and coconut oil are about more than just looking good. The benefits on the inside are just as important. Whether you need to release stress or get a boost of confidence, dont feel guilty about making time for your experiments in natural beauty. Im so excited and proud of the simple but effective recipes in this book. I hope you delight in your natural beauty journey as much as I have. Enjoy! Start Today Were all at our most beautiful when were healthy, so its truly ironic that so many of todays beauty products are full of such toxic stuff.

Making your own soaps, masks, scrubs, and more is a foolproof method of ensuring that only safe ingredients end up on your skinplus, its a great way to treat yourself to homemade spa experiences on the cheap and get that healthy glow we all crave. ESSENTIAL NATURAL BEAUTY INGREDIENTS Stock up on these simple staples, and youll be well prepared to whip up any soap, lotion, hair treatment, or skin remedy your heart desires. When you can, buy organic to avoid nasty chemicals. Aloe Vera Known as the plant of immortality, aloe-vera gel fresh from the plant contains high levels of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that benefit skin and hair. Reach for aloes soothing, cooling effects when you have a sunburn, an itchy scalp, or another skin irritation. Its also effective for hydrating skin, healing acne, and lightening skin discoloration.

Apple-Cider Vinegar The main ingredient in apple-cider vinegar is acetic acid, but it contains lactic, citric, and malic acids as well. All those natural alpha hydroxy acids work together to gently exfoliate by dissolving dead cells. Applying ACV to your face also delivers beneficial enzymes, proteins, and good bacteria deeper into the skin. Its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiseptic, and it helps balance pHthus its considered a great remedy for acne, dandruff, and other skin and hair issues. Avocado Rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, avocado and avocado oil are both deeply moisturizing for skin and hair. This fruits omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids hydrate and soften skin, while its plant nutrients and vitamins A, D, and E repair environmental damage.

Baking Soda Who knew that one of the most versatile natural beauty ingredients is also the least expensive? An easy cleanser for all skin types, baking soda absorbs anything it comes in contact withand that includes excess oil and gunk in your pores. And adding baking soda to a bath can ease sunburn pain, itching, and inflammation. Beeswax Often used to thicken beauty recipes like balms and salves, this natural bee product hydrates dry skin and creates a protective barrier to seal in all that nourishing moisture. Bonus: Beeswax also has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Carrier Oils These plant-based extracts come from a nut or seed. Theyre ideal for moisturizing and protecting skin, and are often used to dilute essential oils.

TYPES argan, castor, coconut, grape-seed, jojoba, olive, rosehip-seed, sea buckthorn, sunflower-seed, sweet almond, tamanu Castile Soap Castile is a plant-derived, biodegradable soap that can be used as a base for DIY beauty products, like body wash and hand soap, as well as on its own as a gentle household cleaner. Clay Known for its ability to draw out toxins, oil, and impurities, clay also tightens and tones skin. Many are absorbent and rich in minerals, and they can jump-start circulation to reduce puffiness and large pores. TYPES kaolin, bentonite, French green, Moroccan red Cocoa Butter With a delicious chocolate scent, cocoa butter coats skin and protects against moisture loss. Rich in vitamin E, it helps stimulate collagen production, which can improve skin tone and help prevent stretch marks. Dairy Your skin will love organic, whole-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cream.

The fats hydrate and soothe skin, the lactic acid gently cleanses and exfoliates, and the probiotics help inhibit acne outbreaks. Essential Oils These distillations of your favorite botanicals have incredible healing and soothing properties that, when put to good use, can transform skin. Thats because the molecules in essential oils are much smaller than those in most skin creams, so they can penetrate pores more deeply to nurture skin from the inside out. Honey This natural beauty wonder is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic, and its ability to heal and repair skin makes it a go-to beauty ingredient. Honey is also a natural humectant, which means it helps your skin draw in and retain moisture to keep you glowing. Try to find raw, organic honeyits the most beneficial for facial care.

Lemon The juice from this bright citrus is an effective astringent that cuts through the oil on your skin and scalp. Its alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate, reducing the appearance of sun and age spots, as well as acne scars. Lemon juice can kick-start the cleansing of your bodys lymphatic system (which helps purge waste from tissues), while lemon essential oil acts as a diuretic to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Oats Along with fiber, oats are also packed with healthy fats and antioxidants that hydrate and rejuvenate skin. Often used in gentle cleansers, oats exfoliate dead skin, while their natural saponins create soaplike foam to draw out and absorb dirt and toxins. A natural anti-inflammatory that also balances skins pH, oats make a soothing addition to baths when youve got irritated skin.