Our oldest joined the rank of teen last year and suddenly this world of parenting feels new and uncharted. We are cruising along nicely and, for the most part, just learning and making adjustments as we go. This is a whole new world for all of us.
As we embark on these early teen years I am reminded of the importance of establishing good habits. I am a firm believer that if we can get some of the simple things, such as skin care and personal hygiene firmly established now, then perhaps that will alleviate some unnecessary struggles in the future.
Recently I had one of those days when all of our toiletries ran out all at once. It was a perfect opportunity to evaluate what we were using and what was needed. Lately I have felt the nudge to go with cleaner products: less carcinogens, less chemicals, and more natural ingredients. This is something I have desired for a long time, but, to be honest, have held back due to the cost associated with products that fit this category. Our budget simply doesn’t allow for high priced face cleaners or make-up. For now, I have decided that making what I can at home will be the best solution and am excited to be embarking on a new creative journey of finding what works for us. Our new skin care products will be introduced slowly, one-by-one, as the need to replace current products comes along. This is a project I can feel good about implementing in our home and one you can feel good about, too. Together, we can naturally take care of the needs of our growing and changing children.
Along with daily cleansing here are some other healthy skin care practices we are encouraging, especially now:
- Hydrate: with water! Sodas and sugary drinks are fine on occasion, but should not be the norm.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables, avoid sugary treats. When re-fueling your body aim for a balanced diet. Always include a protein, carb, and fat.
- Exercise.
- Don’t touch your face.
This charcoal face wash is the beginning of our new skincare journey. The project is rather simple and only requires a few ingredients. Here are the ones I chose:
- Soap Mold
- Activated Charcoal Powder
- Goats Milk Melt and Pour Soap Base
- Young Living Tea Tree Oil
DIY Charcoal Face Wash
Simple Melt and Pour Charcoal Face Wash
Ingredients
- 2 LBS Melt and Pour Goats Milk Soap Base
- 4 tsp Activated Charcoal Powder
- 1 tsp Tea Tree Essential Oil
Instructions
Prepare
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Bring water in the bottom pot of a double boiler to a boil.
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While the water is heating prepare the soap base by cutting it into small cubes.
Create
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Put the small cubes of soap base into the top pot on the double boiler and allow to melt completely. Stir frequently until all of the soap base is melted.
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Once melted add 4 tsp of activated charcoal powder to the soap base.
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Whisk charcoal and soap base together until fully combined.
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Remove the charcoal and soap base from the double boiler and allow to cool briefly (1-2 minutes). Continue to stir.
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Add the tea tree oil to the soap base and charcoal. Whisk to combine.
Allow to Set
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Pour the finished soap into the silicon molds. Distribute evenly.
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Allow the soap molds to sit 3-4 hours untouched in a flat, dry space until fully hardened.
Nurturing our children and families means attending to all of their needs: mental, physical, and spiritual. I hope that this DIY helps you nurture a physical need and establishes a relationship of care and trust that will one day help you nurture the spiritual and emotional.
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