Going Natural?!

First things first, let's go Mavs!!!  Game 6 is on right now and it's about to go DOWN!

Secondly, throughout the past several month I've seriously been contemplating whether or not to go natural.  I have a lot of support on both sides and ultimately I know the decision is up to me.  So after playing around with it and getting use to the idea, I've finally made a decision...


I'm going natural! 

Going forward I'm only going to buy and use natural products on my hair and body!  Oh wait, what?  You thought I was talking about giving up my relaxers?  Oh no, sorry about that : )

Recently, I've been buying more and more natural products and/or trying to find natural alternatives to what I've currently been using.  I must say that the few products I have bought work VERY well if not better than the chemical alternative.  My natural alternatives are still up for debate.  Let me explain.

Case Study 1:  Shea Moisture Body Wash & Scrub

Shea Moisture Wash & Scrub

After returning from the cruise, my hair and skin were both extra crispy.  The skin on my arms and shoulders would flake up each day and look like it had a rash.  In need of a body scrub, I stumbled upon the Shea Moisture product in Target.  It wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but I decided to give it a try.  First wash, heavenly.  It was super creamy, it gave a gentle scrub, and left my skin feeling silky smooth.  I don't think I've had dry skin since I started using it. 

Case Study 2:  Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash

Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash

I ran into Vitamin Shoppe one afternoon looking to purchase Aloe Vera styling gel.  I didn't find it, but I did find this all natural facial cleaner.  It's not like other cleansers that I've tried before.  I just put a little water on my face, drip a few drops of the cleanser into my palms, rub in small circles on my face for 1-2 minutes, let the lather do it's magic, the voila!  I'm thoroughly clean!  It cleared up a lot of my acne within the first few days.  My skin doesn't feel dry afterwards, however it does feel deprived of all oils.  Seeking other alternatives than to use the product daily, I found another natural method.

Case Study 3:  The Oil Cleansing Method

Mixture of Castor Oil (75%) and EVOO (25%)

I've researched online quite a bit, see a video or two on it, and just recently found a website that broke down the oil cleansing method.  It was actually quite simple.  I used a mixture of 3 parts castor oil and 1 part EVOO.  I massaged it in a circular motion all over my face until I felt I had got it in my pores pretty well.  Next I applied super hot water to a facial towel, squeezed, and allowed it to steam my face.  I did this about 3 times.  When I finished, my face didn't feel clean, but it wasn't oily.  After about 30 mins passed, my skin changed to a more familiar texture.  I'm still determining how and when to use this method.

Case Study 4:  Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque

Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque

With the success of the other natural products under my belt, I decided to spend a few more dollars and purchase the Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque.  I've gone several weeks without clarifying, so I decided to start with that first.  I then applied the DC all over my hair.  It's extremely fluffy and light.  At the moment, I still have it in my hair. I'm probably approaching 3 hours of conditioning.  I may take a quick shower during halftime and rinse out my hair.  I'll keep you posted!