Nightmare at Epilin Street: Homemade, Natural Remedies to Horrible Skin Allergy

Red, itchy blisters that ache to be scratched until they are sore and pus-filled. Anxiety attack from the sight of them and the horrible itchy feeling.

Eew, what a nightmare!

But they're all too real for me before when I had them all over my underarms and legs a few weeks ago. (No, I will not post pictures at all!). 

But why you say? It's because I tried this Epilin hair-removing wax, which seemed natural enough for me because it has very few natural ingredients, and then around 24 hours later, I got severe allergic reaction to it. My skin developed red, itchy red rashes.

I was tempted to go to a dermatologist but stopped myself. 

I know it's wrong (at least for others, but not so much to me anymore) to not consult a medical practitioner on these matters. But since I've gone DIY and natural living, I've realized that nature offers the best medicine already and people in my circles have helpful advices and insights on self-healing through nutrition and natural homemade remedies. 

Also, I didn't want to put ointments with chemicals I am not familiar with anymore on my skin, which I am sure a dermatologist will recommend. After going no 'poo, it seemed to me that I'd be taking a two steps back if I put a whole new set of expensive, manufactured products on my skin.

Plus, derma products are stupendously expensive. Not to mention derma fees. Whew. Just thinking about the money that flows out of my palms make these palms sweat. In other words, I don't find it practical to fully rely on dermatologists and their products for my skin needs.

So, leaving these usual options behind, I had to rely on two doctors: Nature and my immune system. Natural remedies summoned me, and running to them I did!

Homemade Remedies to Skin Allergy

Ingredients

1) Virgin Coconut Oil
2) Baking soda
3) Oatmeal and honey
4) Garlic
5) Tea Tree Castile Soap
6) Boiled water, still warm

And what are these ingredients for?

1) Virgin Coconut Oil- Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch. It soothes the burning feeling of scratching allergies. It also heals the rashes and renews the skin, as least in my experience.
2) Baking soda- Anti-itch and for giving that beautiful relief to soreness.
3) Oatmeal and honey- Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch.
4) Garlic- Antibacterial for any infection that I have enhanced because of my scratching.
5) Tea Tree Castile Soap- Antibacterial.
6) Boiled water, still warm- For washing and making baking soda paste.

Self-treatment Procedures

1) Don't panic and have the ingredients ready. Be well-armed with these supplies.

2) Wash the allergic skin portions with Castile soap with hands only and using warm water. Warm water feels good and removes wax residue, if still present. Pat dry afterwards, not scrub, with towel. Resist the urge to rub or scratch.

3) Put baking soda paste on allergic skin. Just mix baking soda powder with distilled or filtered water or boiled water. Let it stay for ten minutes. This will sting. You can also try cooking oatmeal and adding honey, and then put this on your skin for ten minutes too. I tried this after using the baking soda paste, but only once though.

4) Wash again with warm water. Pat dry. Put generous VCO on the affected areas. Let the skin absorb it for 10 minutes before even considering scratching it again. VCO can relieve itching and burning and will heal the allergy slowly.

5) Mince half a teaspoon of garlic and drink it up with water once a day for its antibacterial properties that can help heal the itchiness and infection from within. Do this until the itchiness goes away and the rashes are completely dry.

Treatment Time

For the rashes to dry using this treatment procedure, it took me four days. Just continue washing with castile soap and putting VCO until the itchiness and redness of rashes are completely gone. This phase took six days. 

Commercial products can promise instant or faster results, but they are loaded with many chemicals you may not want on your skin. I chose natural over manufactured treatment and everything is find on my end.

As for the black scars from the skin rashes, oh the scars... You will know why you should not scratch these rashes hard and long because of these horrible dark scars...

I am using Dr. Wood's exfoliating soap and vitamin E soap for now to renew my skin. Some people say raw 100% cocoa butter will help decrease the darkness of the scars, so I will buy and use that when the budget permits.

The Nightmare Ends

I'm not a doctor but I healed myself. 

No, nature healed me and helped me heal myself.

The nightmare at Epilin Street is all over now. 

Homemade remedies to skin allergy worked for me. You can try it, but make sure you are not allergic to these materials that I used. Otherwise, the nightmare will be extended.

Fear not. Nature has multiple answers. And the Internet offers many solutions. Just make sure to find reliable websites and always test something on a small part of your skin to check for allergic reactions (ugh, that allergic word again).

Nature and the human immune system are awesome healing partners. 

Let them end even the worst skin nightmares for you.

What are some products that gave you skin allergies? What natural remedies did you try that worked and did not work?

The Green DIY Mama's Materials Checklist

Turning green, or pursuing an alternative lifestyle using eco-friendly, natural products, is not entirely inexpensive, as I already talked about in "The High Price of Natural Beauty in The Philippines." Apparently, being a green DIY mama (papa/person) is not as frugal now as it used to be in olden times when commercial brands were not yet existent and people can make their own oils from their gardens.

To help you out, I prepared a checklist of materials to help parents or people like me who want to invest on natural materials for their homemade products. This list is especially cut out for those who live in the Philippines or countries where some of the natural ingredients used in Western DIY or homemade-centered websites are not available locally.

Baking soda, for instance, is not a locally-available product and bulk amounts are not accessible in the Philippines, or at least where I live, which is Metro Manila. Buying small boxes of baking soda may be expensive for those who cannot fully adapt to using it for many health and beauty uses. Witch hazel is an imported product too, as well as cocoa butter and beeswax pastilles. Again, they're expensive when their U.S. dollar prices are converted to Philippine peso.

Nevertheless, despite these expensive natural materials, I've been doing some computations and I realized, that, though the initial expenses for the investment in natural products are expensive, I can still save money in the long run as long as I stick to local products or make some of them on my own. 

Furthermore, nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing that I'm making safer, natural, healthier, homemade products for my family, especially my kids, such as the DEET-free Homemade Natural Bug Repellent Spray that are safe for babies. Homemade products do not have artificial preservatives and coloring that other commercial brands have, which make them the best everyday products for me and my family.

Right now, I'm following homemade recipes from Wellness Mama, Simple Mom, and Crunchy Betty, among others, making some variations along the way, because local products are different from Western ones and I can't always buy or access some of their materials. 

A Checklist of Natural Ingredients for Different Homemade Products

At present, I've invested on the following products, while some of them are already staple kitchen products:

Some natural ingredients for many DIY products that will replace commercial brands

1. Baking soda
2. Brown sugar
3. Apple cider vinegar
4. White sugar
5. Raw honey
6. Virgin coconut oil
7. Castile soap
8. Calcium tablets 
9. Bentonite clay
10. Witch hazel 
11. Vitamin E oil
12. Essential oils: Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree

I spent around Php 4,000 for these materials. I bought my essential oils from Casa de Lorenzo, and the rest are from supermarkets and Healthy Options at SM Mall of Asia (my source of Castile Soap, Bentonite Clay, Witch Hazel, and Vitamin E oil).

I just learned that you can buy very cheap baking soda from Divisoria at Tabora Street. Only Php 25 to Php 30 per kilo! 

The following below are the rest of the materials that I plan to buy. I'm hoping I can get them from local stores, before finally buying from an online site that sells imported products, Galleon. The products below are for making natural deodorants, lotions, beauty products, and several other DIY natural products.

1. 100% raw cocoa butter
2. Beeswax pastilles
3. Arrowroot powder
4. Beetroot powder

These products can reach Php 5000 to Php 6500 depending on the amount and brands.

Transition to Green DIY Living

Being a green DIY mama doesn't have to be expensive or difficult, but there is a transition stage. Transitioning includes believing in these products and being aware that they take time to make and getting used to. 

In addition, the transition stage also means being aware of some of the essential oils and materials that you may be allergic too (or your kids and other family members) and taking note of pregnancy, because not all essential oils are safe for pregnant people. 

Transitioning also includes preparing the mindset and changing the habits of our family members who are used to manufactured products and who, sometimes, believe in these products laden with toxic materials more than our own homemade natural products.

Also, we have to be aware of the time involved in homemade DIY living. Some of our homemade products are as easy as two general steps, (i.e. Baking soda soak for curing/preventing rashes for babies and kids), while others may take ten minutes or so, depending on the amount of product you intend to make and if you're making some of the natural ingredients yourself. This means that DIY is "effort-full" too because every minute preparing them adds up.

These transitions can be quite emotionally and time-management difficult at first, but we must not give up. Who else will champion natural DIY living if not us?

The Life of a DIY Natural-Living Mama

It will be almost two months since I've ventured into the green, DIY world of natural living. So far, it's been an exciting and mind-expanding experience. 

My creativity and resourcefulness are tested, as well as my time-management skills, because I'm blogging about it, while doing my usual research work and family duties.

It helps that I have an eldest five-year old daughter who supports me in some of my DIY tasks and a husband who is also supportive, but who have yet to embrace the natural scents and texture (literally and figuratively) of health and beauty that he's not used to.

All in all, I'm so happy in finding new knowledge and developing new skills by doing DIY natural products. Hopefully, I can contribute more directly to it by finding local alternatives to imported natural ingredients.

My first love has always been God and my family, and writing and DIY natural living are tied in the second spot.

I hope this journey to a green, DIY lifestyle becomes as satisfying and energizing as yours. 

How is your pursuit of DIY natural living? Do you also find it overwhelming, but satisfying?

Simple, Natural, No-Squeeze Remedy to Pimples

To Pop or Not to Pop?

Pimples beg for a squeeze, but do not give in too easily!

Popping your pimples can lead to scarring and infection. It can result to a painful blemish or a cyst, and you don't want any cysts at all because you'd need a physician for that, and that makes pimples doubly stressful (cyst plus expenses). 

There are homemade, natural, and practical remedies for pimples that you can try. American make-up artist, entrepreneur, and blogger Michelle Phan have several tips. 

I'm going to share with you only what I've tried because it worked for me.

Simple, Natural, and No-Squeeze Remedy to Pimples

Probably because of stress, I got a pimple yesterday. It's most conveniently located at that corner of my nose, where my nose meets my cheek, right there at the corner. Just by seeing it, I feel so stressful I could imagine it inflating from additional emotional stress.

Instead of popping it, I figured that since I love natural products, I'd research it first. I found out that baking soda paste can dry it instantly. By instantly, I'm not saying you just put it there and voila, the pimple is gone in a second, not even three seconds. By instant, I'm saying it's simple and easy to do.

What do I see after trying my DIY solution? You got that right, no more pimple! The pus is gone! 

Hurrah baking soda and water! 

What to Do to Annihilate that Zit
First, you need baking soda and a bit of warm water. 

You have to make a paste out of the water and baking soda. Just put a little baking soda and add some warm water (the warmer the better, but definitely not scalding hot) on a saucer and mix them. 

Don't add too much water because it will make it runny. You need the paste hard enough to stick on that nasty zit.

After the paste is ready, put it on your zit. You can feel a sting because baking soda is salty. Let it stay there for 30 minutes (I was cleaning our car while waiting for it to dry, so just do your own thing). 

After that, wash the baking soda paste out with warm water well. 

Simple, natural, no need to pop. Practical solutions are right there in your kitchen. It's that easy to make your own simple, natural, no-squeeze pimple solution.

Cheers to one more reason to love baking soda!

A Lifestyle that Fends off Pimples

Apart from quick and easy solutions, there are ways to help prevent pimples through making lifestyle changes (unless you already have this kind of lifestyle).

Ayren Jackson-Cannady of WebMD wrote the article "10 Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Deal With Acne" that I will summarize for you.

Here are some important habits that can clear acne the natural way:

1)  Get enough sleep.

“Stress increases glucocorticoid production, which can lead to abnormalities in skin structure and function, exacerbating conditions like acne,” says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, a dermatologist in Danville, Calif. 

Sleep helps us manage stress, so getting enough sleep can diminish stress, and with reduced stress, the less prone you will be to acne.

What is the meaning of enough sleep?



2) Cut back the sugar.

Some kinds of foods result to higher blood glucose which stimulates an insulin boost and produces inflammation on a cellular level, says Badreshia-Bansal. 

Too much insulin can can result to hormonal changes that can lead to an "overactive oil gland activity."

Eat more whole grains, beans, and vegetables to have fewer breakouts.

3) Exercise.

Exercise reduces stress, improves circulation that pumps up oxygen to our skin cells and removes cellular wastes, and boosts our immune system.

Shower after workouts though to remove perspiration that can cause breakouts. 

4) Drink enough H2O.

A study from the University of Missouri-Columbia showed that water enhances blood flow throughout the body and skin. Your skin must have enough water to remove waste materials that cause breakouts and drinking water greatly helps the waste-removing process.

How much water do you need?

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.

So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. From Mayo Clinic

5) Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Omega-3s can reduce the production of leukotriene B4, a molecule that can make sebum and create inflammatory acne. Foods that are rich in Omega-3 are walnuts, avocados, flaxseed oil, and salmon.   

6) Clean your face twice a day.

Clean your face twice a day, morning and evening, to remove the buildup of dirt and toxins that block your pores. 

I use baking soda (I put a dash of baking soda on warm water) to wash my face, and I follow it up with raw honey and let it soak in my skin for two to five minutes. 

After that, I use apple cider vinegar rinse for toning (1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water). I then put light virgin coconut oil (VCO) for moisturizing. 

Moisturizing is still important even if your face is oily because it helps to naturally hydrate the skin, which can help control oil production. 

7) Exfoliate.

Exfoliating a few days a week followed by a natural moisturizer can help manage oil glands. I exfoliate every three to four days. Here are some natural exfoliating facial scrubs.

8) Clean your cellphones.

One of the causes of your breakouts might be your "dirty" cellphone. Wipe your cellphones clean with a sanitizer daily.

Basically, making your own simple, natural, no-squeeze remedy recipe is just a short-term fix. It's better to have a lifestyle that can help you avoid breakouts in the first place.

Reminder: Some Limitations

I used this remedy for a small zit, the one that has some pus in it. This remedy does not have a fast effect on larger pimples. For bigger pimples, keep your face clean by washing twice daily with any DIY face wash, and you can also try oil cleansing. Also, keep in mind that a healthy diet and natural-living lifestyle are also staples to removing pimples.

Bust that Zit

Bust that zit without popping it. 

Scar, not your face, but the habits and food that you think contribute to it.


Have you tried this simple, natural, no-squeeze remedy to pimples? What are the natural ways you do to remove your pimple? 

Two Ridiculously Easy Steps to Heal Skin Rashes: Baking Soda Bath for Kids (And You Too!)

Is your baby crying because of diaper rash or any other skin rashes? Help is on the way!

Do you hate the idea of harsh chemicals found in baby soap and shampoo touching the skin of your most precious creation? Help is on the way!

What if I tell you that you can use something that is so ridiculously simple, it seems fake?

Help is on the way!

You don't need to buy expensive baby shampoo and soap, as well as diaper rash ointments, because you can use one product only!

I'm talking about baking soda bath (also called baking soda soak) that can heal skin rashes. 

I have tried it too and it feels great! 

My kids love it, especially my 5-year-old Zoe who uses it everyday. 

My children tend to have skin rashes because of heat and sweat and sometimes they have insect bites too, and baking soda soak helps in relieving and curing them. My toddler sometimes have diaper rash also and baking soda bath cured it.

Is natural, DIY baking soda bath a magical rash treatment? 

It is for me! I don't need to buy any of those expensive diaper rash creams anymore that I used to buy for them. 

Baking soda bath is magically practical. Seriously DIY. 

Things you need:

• 1/2 cup of baking soda

• Bathtub or basin

• Microfiber/loofah

• Optional: Fresh kalamansi (lime) or lemon extract

• Optional: Essential oil like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus, for instance, as long as you and your kids are not allergic to it. You'd want this if you want a specific scent. 

"Baking soda is good for many things. Taking a bath with baking soda in the water can do everything from detoxify your body to help with diaper rash and infections. Try out these various baking soda bath ideas to find the one that suits your needs." Expert Clinic

Microfiber can be used to clean a lot of things, including our face and bodies. Some people have completely forgone soap to use microfiber cloth and water only :)

What to do:

1) Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to warm water in a tub that has fresh kalamansi/lime/lemon extract (and 3-5 drops of essential oil if you want) and mix, mix, mix. (Note: Since we don't have a bathtub  we use a large basin.) 

2) I let Zoe stay there for 10 minutes and she cleans her body using loofah. You can use microfiber cloth for the body and face (microfiber facial cloth) too. 

That's it, soap and soak in one. No need to rinse after, or you can also rinse afterwards if you want.

The Good Baking Soda Does

1) Zoe's and Achi's skin allergies and "bungang-araw" or rashes dried up.

2) Baking soda can exfoliate skin, so it leaves soft and smooth skin.

3) This bath conserves water. Since baking soda does not lather, washing with water after to remove the soapiness is not needed. Practical Moms hurrah!

4) No need for soap and shampoo that tend to have harsh chemicals, which strip off skin's/hair's natural oil.

5) Baking soda bath relieves itchy insect bites and burns. 

6) Baking soda soaking can cure diaper rash.

7) Baking soda bath can also relieve yeast infection.

8) Natural Happiness! Zoe enjoys soaking and playing in the water and loves the warm, clean feeling afterwards. 

9) You have just successfully made your DIY bath soak. Independence from commercial baby and rash soap, shampoo, and ointments!

Some Downsides

1) No suds for suds lovers.

2) If you feel that your kid's skin dried up too much, decrease baking soda's amount. Too oily? Increase baking soda a little. A different problem? Check with your doctor. This baking soda soak works only for my and my children's specific skin concerns and my practical needs, so it's not a cure-all for every skin rash problem.

Practical and Easy Bathing for Kids

We practical folks want bathing simple and practical. Baking soda is one of the simplest, safest, natural ways of cleaning our bodies, next to water. 

Sometimes, it's hard to believe that something so ridiculously simple is true, but this time, IT IS TRUE. You just have to try it. What have you got to lose? Some inexpensive baking soda that can heal skin rashes?


Have you tried cleaning your body and your children's with baking soda? What's the experience like? Do you think baking soda can cure rashes and prevent them?