September is National Preparedness Month. So you have your emergency plan, and your emergency kit with food, water and extra clothing, but what about your skincare needs?
Granted, in case of a real emergency, beauty products are probably the last thing anyone’s going to be worried about. But still, if you are in an emergency situation, wouldn’t it be nice to have even some basics for your skin?
Here are five non-food items you can add to your emergency kit, that are not only generally useful, but are specifically useful for skincare:
1. Jojoba Oil
2. Petroleum Jelly
3. Baking Soda
4. Lavender Essential Oil
5. Witch Hazel
Here’s how they are useful:
• Jojoba oil is a botanical extract of the seed of the jojoba plant. Of all the compounds in nature, it is most similar to human skin oil. Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
It can balance oil production, be used as an eye and makeup remover, eye and face moisturizer, massage oil, cuticle oil, lip balm, hair conditioner and shave prep, and is fungicidal, keratolytic (exfoliates), and has an SPF of 2-4.
• Petroleum jelly is also non-comedogenic. It is excellent as an occlusive dressing, which keeps germs out and moisture in. It can be used as a lip balm, cuticle softener, personal lubricant and mustache wax.
• Baking soda regulates pH. It is an excellent tooth polish if you have no toothpaste. It can be used as a personal deodorant, antacid, and shoe deodorizer, as well as a facial exfoliant and a dry shampoo for hair (though baby powder is the best for this).
• Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most useful essential oils nature provides. It is the one oil that you can put directly onto your skin without the need for a carrier oil. Put a few drops directly on a burn and it will take away the pain, and keep it from blistering and it will heal with no scar.
It is also calming, so is beneficial to smell in times of emergency. It will soothe nerves and help promote restful sleep if placed on a small cloth kept near the nose while sleeping. It is also a good deodorizer and insect repellant. Add to your baking soda tooth polish to sooth irritated gums.
• Witch Hazel is a natural astringent and is good for acneic skin. It is a natural remedy for eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, poison ivy and sunburn. It can be used as an aftershave tonic and a toner.
Non-beauty related uses include:
Jojoba oil – mechanical lubricant, fire retardant, detergent.
Petroleum jelly – mechanical lubricant, rust inhibitor
Baking soda – drain cleaning, stain cleaning, fire extinguisher.
Easy recipes:
Homemade Sunburn Soother
2 Tbs. (distilled) water1 Tbs. Witch hazel¼ cup baking soda1-2 drops Lavender Essential OilMix well. Shake before using. Apply. Rinse dried film.
Homemade Toner
¼ cup (distilled) water¼ cup Witch hazel12 drops Lavender Essential OilMix well. Put in spray bottle. For extra cooling, store in fridge.
– For a more therapeutic moisturizer, shave prep, body oil, and cuticle oil, add 16 drops Lavender Essential Oil to a 4 oz. bottle of Jojoba Oil. Do not use on eyes.
– Add one drop Lavender Essential Oil to 1 tbs. baking soda, use for underarm deodorant, shoe deodorizer, soothing foot soak, facial exfoliant, or dry hair shampoo.
– Combine 1 tbs. baking soda, 1 drop Lavender Essential Oil, and ¼ tsp. Jojoba Oil for a more gentle facial exfoliant.
For more info about emergency preparedness, please visit: www.beready.com
Cassandra Lanning is esthetician/electrologist/owner of The Bathery Electrolysis & Skincare in Kirkland. For more information, visit www.thebathery.com.
