In 2008, I began a journey toward natural cosmetics, after realizing that most manufactured products on the market are filled with toxins. My journey took me beyond soap, into the Land of Fewer Showers, and ultimately led me to balancing out my body after putting it through decades of torture.
I came to realize that in our modern day society, we have been taught not to trust our bodies. We’ve even been taught that our bodies are a cause for concern, worry, and even, in some cases, disgust. We have distanced ourselves so far from our natural body functions that many of us feel the need to shower after getting a little sweaty on a summer day. We are taught to wash our faces twice a day, shower at least every day (though some people prefer two – two?! – a day!), and slather our underarms with heavy metals to keep us from sweating.
When I sat down and really thought about this, I realized that we are living in madness. The profits-driven cosmetic industry has tried to cut our connection to nature. Women are at a particular advantage, as we are taught, from childhood, that if we want to attract a love partner, be successful in business, age gracefully, and feel good about ourselves in general, then we need to use at least twenty potentially hazardous products to do so. Sound familiar?
Luckily, no amount of bombardment with slick ads and seductive promises can ever fully sever our connection with the Earth. We are inextricably linked. What happens to Her eventually trickles down and happens to us. What happens to us flows right back into Her. We should treat the Earth and our bodies in the same manner: as if they were temples.
With this in mind, I began my journey in the early summer of 2008, slowly, anxiously paring down. What would happen if I stopped using the multitude of products I had collected over the years? What would happen to someone with extremely problematic skin if I stopped using astringents, pimple creams, and powders? Would I look even worse?
There were times when my body’s “detox” process was a little unattractive, but I persevered, having a strong faith in the fact that my body KNEW what was good for it. That the less I messed with it, the more it would heal itself and make me look and feel better. I found out that my once oily skin was actually…dry! I then spent months looking for a natural way to treat the dryness that wasn’t too aggressive, as I didn’t want to shut out my body’s own wisdom in the matter. When I finally came up with a lotion blend that worked, I knew I wanted to share it with the public.
And so 5 Seed was born.
I have not yet opened my shop on Etsy, as I am researching packaging, labeling and shipping options, looking for the most eco-friendly venues. However, I decided to start the blog to get information out there in preparation for the “release,” which will probably be around January 2010.
I intend to fill this blog with as much information as I can about cosmetics, beauty, and environmental issues. You will get peeks about what I am working on, information to make some of your own products, and ideas about how to green your beauty routine.
Thanks for visiting, and I hope to serve you soon!
