Treat Yourself With 3 Easy DIY Self Care Recipes

There’s never a bad time to show some extra love to the people you care about… and that includes yourself! Even if you’re not big on pampering, basic self care rituals are important. Some people picture self care as bath-taking and meditating, while others consider making a to-do list or sticking to a budget as self care. While self care practices can (and should) look different for everyone, they should be centered around improving or preserving mental, physical, and/or emotional health. Since caring for our bodies forces us to slow down and be mindful for at least a few moments, this post will focus on physical self care using eco-friendly ingredients.

It’s safe to assume that since you’re reading a zero waste blog, you’re likely more conscious than the average consumer about the environmental impacts of common self care products and their packaging. Those facial sheet masks? So easy to use, but they’re destined for the landfill. Bubble bath? How can I relax when I’m worried about what will happen to that plastic bottle when it’s empty?! (Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.) Self care rituals shouldn’t create stress or damage the environment.

Luckily, caring for yourself and the planet aren’t mutually exclusive. The 3 simple, low waste recipes below utilize biodegradable, plastic-free ingredients that are easy to come by.

Coffee Body Scrub

Adapted from Healthline. 

If you can’t resist the smell of coffee, you will love this body scrub. While you can certainly use fresh coffee grounds, make this recipe zero waste by repurposing used coffee grounds. Sugar is an optional ingredient, but gives extra exfoliating power to your scrub. Coconut oil acts as a natural moisturizer. 

This zero waste scrub can be used on the face or body. It exfoliates, unclogs pores, and leaves your skin soft and bright.

Did you know we offer package-free, organic coffee beans in bulk at Tare Market? Choose your favorite from Tiny Footprint or SK Coffee– two of our favorite local, sustainable roasters.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coffee grounds
• (optional) ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 2 tbsp water

Directions:

Mix the ingredients together until well combined. Apply the scrub to your skin and gently rub in circular motions. Rinse off with water when finished.

Moisturizing Hair Mask

Adapted from The Pioneer Woman.

If your hair is feeling dry and lifeless, that’s a sign that it needs some added moisture. Hair masks help revitalize your locks, giving your hair a healthy shine while reducing frizziness and flyaways. This hair mask is oil-based, which means a little goes a long way. It can also double as a hair oil. See directions for more details.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp argan oil
• 1 tbsp jojoba oil
• (optional) 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• (optional) 5 drops lavender essential oil

Directions:

Mix ingredients together and put into a dropper bottle. If using it as a hair mask, with dry hair, scrub the oil into your scalp, and work it through to the ends of your hair. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes or overnight. (Protect your pillowcase with an old towel or t-shirt if you’re worried about oil stains.) Follow your normal hair washing routine in the morning. If using it as a hair oil, place a few drops onto your palms and apply lightly to damp or dry hair for added moisture.

Bath Salts

Adapted from Wholehearted Eats. 

If you’re someone who has trouble falling asleep at night, taking a warm bath might be the new bedtime self care ritual you need. Warm baths and showers help regulate your body temperature prior to sleep, which has been shown to improve sleep quality. 

Adding bath salts to your soak can help promote even deeper relaxation. Bath salts are perfect for treating muscle soreness and tension. Once you’ve mixed together the base ingredients in this recipe, experiment with different scents and add-ins until you find your perfect combination. The sky's the limit! 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups epsom salt
• ½ cup sea salt
• ¼ cup baking soda
• Optional add ins: chamomile, green tea, lavender, hibiscus, dried orange slices, rose petals, essential oils

Directions:

Add ½ cup bath salts to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension and soreness. Remember to rehydrate with a big glass of water once you’re done soaking.

If you love self care rituals but DIY solutions aren’t your thing, don’t worry– we’ve got you covered. Check out our personal care & wellness collection for a diverse assortment of eco-friendly, zero waste goodies that are sure to fill your self care bucket.