Threw out OTC products, tweaking diet

[tigressA]

Over the last month or so I haven't been using any OTC grooming products. I threw out my shampoo and conditioner, my face wash, my skin care products. I was tired of reading about all the bad stuff to watch out for when buying that stuff and decided to not bother with it anymore.

 

The result is that it's been awhile since I've looked this good. I haven't shampooed my hair in more than a month and it is in great condition. It smells good and it's soft and smooth. My skin has improved--I've been prone to mild breakouts since puberty, and before I had stopped using products it had also become dry. Now it is more balanced, with a smoother texture and dramatically fewer/smaller breakouts.

 

I have also been reading up on the negative effects of certain foods on your body and appearance--dairy, sugar and gluten are among the most inflammatory. I'm thinking of cutting dairy out completely for a couple of weeks (holy crap that will be hard!) and seeing what happens. Then I'll try sugar (again, difficult). I've already seen a dramatic improvement with just cutting out store-bought grooming products (saves me a lot of money, too), but I know tweaking my diet this way will also make me feel much better.

 

Anyone here have experience with this sort of thing? Any tips you can give me? I think the diet thing is what I'm going to need the most help with.

[Ouroboros]

Wouldn't your hair get very greasy without shampoo?

[TaraMaiden]

To begin with, yes, but believe it or not, hair is 'self-cleansing'....

[snug.bunny]

That's neat to remove the OTC products, you save money and rid yourself of manufactured products, chemicals, etc. I've come across a few articles of people who did experiments on removing all grooming products from their daily regimen. I could live without certain things too I'm sure, the body does a good job of self-cleansing. The female vagina is self-cleansing too, but no way I would go that long without using soap.

[tigressA]

The easiest thing for me was not shampooing, since my hair type shouldn't be shampooed more than a couple times a week at the most (very thick and curly, but not coarse). I had been shampooing only once a week or two for the last few years, so it wasn't a stretch. Those who have a finer hair texture and/or shampoo regularly will have a longer adjustment period if they want to try going without shampoo.

 

Getting rid of my face products was a little harder. I had slightly more frequent/worse breakouts when I was making the transition but they cleared up nicely. I was surprised at how quickly they can just go away if you don't slather them with chemicals. This discovery has also led me to the decision to tweak my diet, as it's a possibility that some things I eat could be causing my breakouts.

 

This is a summary of what I do/use for anyone who's interested.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Used as head-to-toe moisturizer. I also use it as a shave oil.

Honey: Used as face and body wash, as it has antiseptic and moisturizing properties.

Baking soda: Mild abrasive, used to exfoliate face and body and remove excess buildup from hair.

Tea tree oil: Used for breakouts. Diluted with water, it makes a very refreshing toner.

I've started experimenting with essential oil for fragrance. I bought a sweet orange oil and like to put it on my hair, and on my neck and wrists.

 

I do shower most every day, but I only 'soap up' (with what I listed above) my underarms. Since I stopped using any soap on my body my skin has become much softer and smoother. I don't even really need to moisturize anymore. I am still using regular deodorant but am researching more natural alternatives for it.

[2sunny]

i'd love to know what the transition looked like with your hair. i recently decided to look for shampoo and conditioner without alcohol in it... that was a task. i found one brand - out of hundreds of choices and reading all labels. i love it - but it seems that all these products are designed with drying agents - with marketing that says they moisturize - so - THE TWO IDEAS ARE NOT IN ALIGNMENT...

 

i recently stopped blow drying my hair - it's very freeing to see my hair in it's natural state... it's fine, thin (but appears thick) and wavy in some areas (the top) and completely curly underneath the top layer. some areas are a bit dry and i'm trying to battle the dryness... i'm using a curl enhancing lotion at the moment. i love it. it just really settles down the dryness and frizz. my hair looks and feels softer than it has since i was a kid.

 

what exactly are you doing and not doing with your hair?

 

 

here's a link to consider for deodorant alternatives...

 

http://www.thecrystal.com/

[tigressA]

Thanks for the link, 2sunny

 

As for the transition with my hair, it wasn't horrible, as for the last few years I had shampooed my hair once every 1-2 weeks on average, sometimes even less. While my scalp was becoming accustomed, it was slightly more itchy. My hair became more easily tangled and it did feel a little more greasy. It's been 6+ weeks since I last used shampoo or any other commercial hair product.

 

Since eliminating those things and completing the transition, my hair has become so much easier to manage. It's softer, smoother and less prone to frizz. It's also become super-easy to heat-style. When I wear my hair in its natural curls, they're more defined and bouncy, even a bit shinier.

 

I wear my hair straight at least 50% of the time, and if I don't want to touch it up/redo it every day I can't get it wet. I will wear it straight for 2-3 weeks at a time, usually. I put some olive oil on the ends if they get dry. When I wear it naturally I rinse it in warm water every day, and rub in a couple drops of olive oil, particularly on the ends. I stay away from the scalp. I also let it air-dry. So far I have only had to do the clarifying baking soda rinse one time, and that was about 3 weeks ago. I make a paste with water, massage it into my scalp, leave it on for about a minute and rinse. Then I apply olive oil as usual. If your hair is of a finer texture and/or you use other haircare products you may have to do the baking soda rinse more often, like 1-2 times a week. Vinegar is another alternative for removing excess buildup.

Edited June 8, 2011 by tigressA

[denise_xo]

I'm pretty impressed by this! WRT your diet: I've had a few family members/ friends do the diet where you only eat fruit before lunch and never mix carbs and proteins (I can't remember what it's called right now). They all swore it gave them much more energy and better digestion and better skin and what not, so maybe that's something to look into. I've never tried it because I find it socially difficult, e.g. with not being able to mix cheese and bread - but if you're going off dairy anyway it should be less of an issue (I'm vegetarian but with a relatively pragmatic attitude, and will sometimes do tradeoffs for social reasons).

[eerie_reverie]

I've been using almond oil as a cleanser/ makeup remover/ moisturizer/ shaving cream since I was a teen, and I can't live without it. I have pretty good skin - tho that could be attributed to my being 25, my diet, or genetics. It seems to work for me, tho.

 

I also love the Jasons organics shampoos and conditioners - they don't seem to strip my hair as much as regular (even expensive) brands do, and the conditioners are amazing. I'm not sure if they contain drying ingredients or any of the chemicals you are trying to avoid tho.

 

It is very cool that you are able to do away with products altogether. What do you do about sunscreen?

[tigressA]

Right now I'm not using any sunscreen. I feel kind of naked without it and I really should use it because I'm prone to hyperpigmentation, what with my darker skin tone, but I recently tried using the one I usually buy (from Neutrogena) and it made me break out. I'm working on finding a different one, and am staying out of the sun during peak hours.

[snug.bunny]

Yeah just be careful. A lot of manufacturers claim their products are "organic", and that is their marketing stratagem, but there may still be chemicals and alcohol present, so always make sure to read the ingredients beforehand.

 

I took this off of an "organic" shampoo just as an example:

 

Aqua (Purified Water) , Sodium Myreth Sulfate , Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine , Cocamide MEA , Acrylates Copolymer , Vegetable Glycerin , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Gel (Aloe Vera) , Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein , Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch , Panthenol (Vit B5) , Sodium PCA , Cyclopentasiloxane , Dimethiconol , Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate , Citrus Grandis Peel Oil (Grapefruit) , Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Oil (Lemon) , Ricinoleamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate , Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate , Silicone Quaternium-8 , Polyquaternium-39 , Potassium Hydroxide , Citric Acid , Phenoxyethanol , Potassium Sorbate , Sodium Benzoate , Essential Oil Blend

[tigressA]

Updating this for denise_xo. Things are going well with my routine. Because of the weather I'm still hesitant to try out the aluminum-free deodorant . I'm not a big fan of underarm perspiration. Also still haven't found a good sunscreen but my skin seems to be faring well in spite of that. I can't remember the last time I had almost no breakouts, and my skin all over is softer and smoother. My hair is still looking and feeling quite lovely.

 

I had a late start on the diet change, but I haven't had any dairy for the last 4 days and I feel pretty good.

[denise_xo]

Thanks, TigressA. Just one question: do you use any kind of styling products for your hair? Or if you did before, what did you replace it with?

[tigressA]

Thanks, TigressA. Just one question: do you use any kind of styling products for your hair? Or if you did before, what did you replace it with?

 

No, I don't use any styling products for my hair. I used to before I started this, but even then it wasn't all the time. I use olive oil. I put a dab in my hand, rub my hands together so they're both lightly coated, and then run my hands through sections of my hair, concentrating on the ends. I do this when my hair is still wet if I want to wear it curly, and I let it air-dry. If I'm wearing it straight it's already dry so I just put it on the ends.

 

There are tons of recipes to prepare your own styling products, like gel, hairspray and mousse. The most common gel recipe is gelatin and water, with your favorite essential oil as an optional addition. I haven't tried any of these yet but I may do so soon, and report here.

[Kamille]

Interesting thread. As a point of information: I rarely ever use any products on my face. Every time I've tried implementing a beauty regime (start using moisturizer, sun screen, facial cleanser, etc.), my skin gets dry and breaks out. I rinse morning and night with lukewarm water. When I put on make up, the most I do is use almond oil or a natural based moisturizer to remove it.

 

I often wonder if moisturizing might help with "signs of aging", but truth be told, I like my skin and most people tell me my skin looks young (ie, that I look young for my age).

 

I've never thought of not using shampoo... I might give a try. Thanks for starting this thread Ta.

[denise_xo]

No, I don't use any styling products for my hair. I used to before I started this, but even then it wasn't all the time. I use olive oil. I put a dab in my hand, rub my hands together so they're both lightly coated, and then run my hands through sections of my hair, concentrating on the ends. I do this when my hair is still wet if I want to wear it curly, and I let it air-dry. If I'm wearing it straight it's already dry so I just put it on the ends.

 

There are tons of recipes to prepare your own styling products, like gel, hairspray and mousse. The most common gel recipe is gelatin and water, with your favorite essential oil as an optional addition. I haven't tried any of these yet but I may do so soon, and report here.

 

Thanks!

 

I might try the baking soda/ apple cider vinegar option for washing my hair, but I'm reluctant to let go of my conditioner (which is somewhat organic or has less chemicals or something, but I don't really know what is in it). I thought I'd go to Lush on the weekend and check out their 'solid' shampoos - they look like bars of soap and are supposedly based on a variety of 'natural' ingredients.

[tigressA]

Interesting thread. As a point of information: I rarely ever use any products on my face. Every time I've tried implementing a beauty regime (start using moisturizer, sun screen, facial cleanser, etc.), my skin gets dry and breaks out. I rinse morning and night with lukewarm water. When I put on make up, the most I do is use almond oil or a natural based moisturizer to remove it.

 

I often wonder if moisturizing might help with "signs of aging", but truth be told, I like my skin and most people tell me my skin looks young (ie, that I look young for my age).

 

I've never thought of not using shampoo... I might give a try. Thanks for starting this thread Ta.

 

I've been tempted to start just rinsing my face, like you do. I did try it once but it got really grimy after a few days and I couldn't take it anymore. It would eventually regulate itself like my scalp did but I don't want to risk any scarring from breakouts I would likely have during the process, especially since I'm not using sunscreen. How long have you been just rinsing? If you switched to that from doing something else, what was the transition period like?

 

Kam the no-shampoo route is fantastic, especially if you have naturally curly hair. Curly hair is more prone to dryness, so it already should be washed less frequently than other textures.

[Kamille]

I've been tempted to start just rinsing my face, like you do. I did try it once but it got really grimy after a few days and I couldn't take it anymore. It would eventually regulate itself like my scalp did but I don't want to risk any scarring from breakouts I would likely have during the process, especially since I'm not using sunscreen. How long have you been just rinsing? If you switched to that from doing something else, what was the transition period like?

 

Kam the no-shampoo route is fantastic, especially if you have naturally curly hair. Curly hair is more prone to dryness, so it already should be washed less frequently than other textures.

 

I switched to rinsing in my teens. So I've been doing this for close to 20 years. I think I had read somewhere that my favorite actress only rinsed with water, and I followed suite. Since I was a teen, I kind of had problem skin. I was experimenting with a lot of products at the time (mostly Neutrogena, but also stronger ones such as Noxzema and Clearasil). All I remember is that my skin cleared up shortly after starting the rinse-only regime (like 1 month). That likely explains why I've always been skeptical of skin care products.

 

I currently shampoo pretty much everyday, so I'll try phasing out. My problem is that I'm addicted to the smell of shampoo. Silly I know.

[Dust]

I usually don’t wear deodorant, but when I do I use Arm & Hammer Natural Deodorant. I get it in stick format unscented Aluminum and paraben (I don’t know what that is) free.

 

I try not to shampoo to regularly but my hair starts to stink if I don’t. Not to mention even when I’m not shampooing I just use the shampoo as a body wash for my face, arm pits and every where else. I’m confused if you don’t shampoo what do you use to clean your body, face and hair?

[tigressA]

I switched to rinsing in my teens. So I've been doing this for close to 20 years. I think I had read somewhere that my favorite actress only rinsed with water, and I followed suite. Since I was a teen, I kind of had problem skin. I was experimenting with a lot of products at the time (mostly Neutrogena, but also stronger ones such as Noxzema and Clearasil). All I remember is that my skin cleared up shortly after starting the rinse-only regime (like 1 month). That likely explains why I've always been skeptical of skin care products.

 

I currently shampoo pretty much everyday, so I'll try phasing out. My problem is that I'm addicted to the smell of shampoo. Silly I know.

 

I will try just rinsing again and see what happens. Maybe the transition won't be as bad since I stopped using skincare products. Since switching over to my current routine I have found that any breakouts I have go away like nothing in a day or so if I just leave them alone. And if they're stubborn I have pure tea tree oil that zaps them.

 

Since you shampoo that frequently, the transition may make your hair quite oily after not too long. There are natural recipes to cut buildup, though. I think I said in an earlier post that the transition takes about 6 weeks.

[Kamille]

I will try just rinsing again and see what happens. Maybe the transition won't be as bad since I stopped using skincare products. Since switching over to my current routine I have found that any breakouts I have go away like nothing in a day or so if I just leave them alone. And if they're stubborn I have pure tea tree oil that zaps them.

 

 

If your current routine works for you and is natural, why switch? My point was that I have had a similar bad experiences with OTC products. My skin always deteriorates when I try using them.

[josie54]

I was intrigued when I first read this thread, and I thought I'd give it a try. I also have curly hair, and I don't shampoo very often (maybe once or twice a month, like the OP). But I definitely use soap!

 

I tried going without OTC products for a few days just to see what would happen. I was shocked--without soap, with just rinsing my face and body well, I felt (and smelled) perfect clean! And my face didn't break out or feel oily at all. I was stunned. So, I'll completely support that notion. Since then, a family member gave me some natural goat's milk soap that a friend of hers had made, so I have been using that sparingly, although there are no artificial or chemical ingredients in it, so I don't think that's a big deal. I also now use a bit of olive oil and vitamin E oil (combo) on my face after I shower, which is a great all-over moisturizer.

 

However, I did have some issues with no toothpaste or conditioner in my hair. I just couldn't keep that up. My hair, without conditioner, is a frizzy tangled mess. I tried using olive oil, and then coconut milk, as a substitute. Then it became a frizzy, tangled, GREASY mess. :-) So, I'm going to have to continue to condition my hair with an OTC product (Deva One Curl).

 

And my teeth and breath felt unclean when I brushed without toothpaste. It was better when I brushed with baking soda, but I know if you use that too often, you'll wear your enamel. So maybe I'll try to find a natural toothpaste somewhere.

 

I already use a no-aluminum deodorant that works well for me: Kiss My Face Roll-on Liquid Rock Deodorant. I tried quite a few of these a year or so ago, and this was the only one that actually worked for a whole day (no longer though....if you don't shower after 24 hours, you'll know it, especially when it's warm outside--sometimes sooner!).

 

And I can't go without my sunscreen in the morning or my Retin-A cream at night. I'm 41, and those products have become VITAL to keep my skin from wrinkling.

 

Anyway, thank you for the post! The no-soap approach would never have occurred to me--and it works!

Edited June 29, 2011 by josie54

[2sunny]

are essential oils good for the hair? such as lavender etc?

[tigressA]

are essential oils good for the hair? such as lavender etc?

 

Definitely. Here's a link to what some popular essential oils can do for hair:

 

http://www.essentialoils.co.za/hair-care.htm

 

Josie, I haven't yet gone so far as to throw out my toothpaste. Or my antiperspirant, as I already stated earlier in this thread. But I am looking into alternatives for those.

[Lecturer]

I'm going to come off harsh here, so I'll apologize first. I really don't mean to upset anyone, nor declare anyone foolish for TRYING something. I'm all for trying things. You're not wrong to think differently than me. The following just comes from my skeptical nature and my opinion:

 

Let's remember what 'all natural means'. It means you stink, and you die before you're 40. That's what humans did before our all-so-evil products.

 

The only people I know that don't use soaps & shampoos.. well, yes, they stink. Their hair is shiny... with grease (natural oils). Definitely not something I want for myself. I specifically seek to rid those oils - I hate that greasy feeling.

 

I have went many days with only water rinsing, no cleansers (when camping). Boy do I ever feel and smell disgusting by the end, and I can't wait to scrub down in a shower.

 

Yes, your natural oils protect your skin and hair, but they also collect and trap external dirt and grime, which leads to odors.

 

I do agree that the plethora of special cleansing products and moisturizers, marketed to a primarily female demographic desperate to get the 'perfect skin', are a bunch of BS. IMO pick any soap, something that removes oil and kills germs, and save your time & money. Goats milk soap - sure - if you have sensitive skin it will work almost as well, but without harming you.

 

As for food... try not to get caught up in the psychological trap that X food = bad. When you think long and hard enough about ANY food, you can come up with reasons why it is bad and should be eliminated. Yes, SOME people (a small minority) have flaws in their digestive systems that lead to intolerance for certain foods. For them, changing their diet can help. But for the rest of us, most foods are fine (when following obvious moderation rules). Unless you have a digestive ISSUE, you can eat glutton, you can eat/drink dairy, you can eat meats, you can drink coffee, you can drink wine, and so on.

 

Cutting some food out may make you feel better, and I don't doubt that. I attribute it to a combination of reducing food intake volume (which the average North American needs to do anyway), combined with the placebo effect. You're putting in effort/sacrifice and you're WANTING a result, so you'll be inclined to see one in a subjective and arbitrary judgement environment.

 

Sorry, I know I'm being a jerk . But I'm a jerk out of love!