Deborah Tosline published the book “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare” in 2015. Her approach to skin care is based on a scientific background, love of research and over 40 years of DIY skincare experience.

Decades ago, I established a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) skin care practice that utilizes high quality, clean ingredients at a low cost. As a groundwater scientist, I studied synthetic chemicals and was repulsed by the chemical industry, corporations, and greedy owners and concerned for the welfare of my daughter, myself and the Earth. I educated myself and learned how to avoid synthetic chemicals to the maximum extent possible in all aspects of my life. I strive for a non-toxic, low-cost lifestyle. This is a long article, I include a link to a great skin cream recipe at the end.

World-wide, about 350,000 registered chemical substances have been in “large scale use” over the past 30 to 40 years. In the United States, about 700 new chemicals are added to the United States Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) per year. A review of references published over the past 50-years shows that the health and environmental impact of these chemicals has not been studied.

Julian Cribb, author of 'Surviving the 21st Century' (Springer International 2017) states that “Earth, and all life on it, are being saturated with man-made chemicals in an event unlike anything in the planet's entire history," and “Every moment of our lives we are exposed to thousands of these substances. They enter our bodies with each breath, meal or drink we take, the clothes and cosmetics we wear, the things we encounter every day in our homes, workplaces and travel…The United Nations Environment Program warns most of these have never been screened for human health safety.”

Every day, we are exposed to a myriad of synthetic chemicals, yet there is no research studying the health impact of our exposure to combined chemicals. Chemical manufacturers do not study the synergistic impact of chemical cocktails that include pesticides, heavy metals, phthalates and more.

Research by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found 420 chemicals in human blood, urine and hair that are linked to cancer.

View the EWG website Human Toxome Project – Mapping the Pollution in People.

Some chemicals are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down over time. These chemicals are used in “fabrics, food packaging, and cooking and cleaning products”. For example, research has shown that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in the environment and “accumulate in human tissues, such as the liver” and have been detected in “virtually all U.S. adults”. Forever chemicals bisphenols and phthalates are used in plastics.

What type of health risks are associated with synthetic products? The following quotes provide examples of the negative health impacts of synthetic chemicals:

“Many of the bisphenols and phthalates that this project is investigating are known endocrine disrupters that can impact development and reproduction. They were never meant to be found in people and wildlife in the first place.”

“PBDE flame retardants, the study found, are the “greatest contributor to intellectual disability” in children, resulting in a total loss of “162 million IQ points and over 738,000 cases of intellectual disability.”  

"The World Health Organisation estimates that 12 million people – one in 4 – die every year from diseases caused by 'air water and soil pollution, chemical exposures, climate change and ultraviolet radiation', all of which result from human activity."

“Reporting January 10, 2024 in Environmental Health Perspectives, the scientists identified a total of 921 chemicals that could promote the development of breast cancer. Ninety percent of the chemicals are ones that people are commonly exposed to in consumer products, food and drink, pesticides, medications, and workplaces.”

“The health effects of PFAS are potentially many, as they have been reported to affect fetal growth, organ development, reproduction, and other health outcomes. Studies have shown that they can interfere with hormone regulation and the immune system.” The team found that all three common PFAS chemicals were associated with elevated levels of ALT [liver enzymes] in the blood. “

The choices that greedy, ignorant or intentionally covert business owners and corporations make in their manufacturing and manipulative advertising are destroying our lives and planet. It is unconscionable. We have few choices.

We can say no to plastics and toxic products. We can stop buying. We could destroy a greedy corporation by boycotting and never using their products. Without our constant purchases, they may fail. We can DIY or find local, hand-crafted natural products and second-hand alternatives to satisfy our needs.

I was a natural girl in the 1970’s and began avoiding chemicals when I boycotted commercial deodorant and used natural deodorant. This was when I began to establish my natural lifestyle standards.

I worked as a hydrogeologist on groundwater contamination and remediation investigations from the late-1980’s through the 1990’s. That experience illustrated to me the fact that synthetic chemical production was out of control and that unregulated chemicals are pervasive. I chose to proactively avoid synthetic chemical exposure to the maximum extent possible.

Most of my chemical exposures are due to practices and products used in locations including the work place, stores, gyms, schools, automobiles, roads, travel accommodations and events. These types of exposures are primarily out of my control.

I am able to control the personal care products (PCPs) that I apply, the materials used on the interior and exterior of my home; the food and products that I consume and use; and the clothing that I wear.

For about 50 years, I’ve avoided synthetic chemical usage to the maximum extent possible. We are immersed in synthetic chemicals and our only option is to consciously use discretion regarding our exposures. I’ve gone out of my way to do so. I live a comfortably frugal DIY lifestyle where I envelop myself in natural PCPs, materials, foods, clothing, furnishings, finishes and gardens that nourish my health and soul and are sustainable for the Earth while saving money.

I’ve evolved my holistically healthy practices over 40 years. It’s been a step wise approach that works in conjunction with the availability of resources. I educate myself, assess the options, make a plan, gather the components and take action to implement my choices.

I avoid synthetic chemicals in the following categories and provide a few real-life examples for each category. While avoiding synthetic chemicals I strive for premium quality, efficiency, fair market practices and frugal expenditures when possible. I often use the EWG website to identify products that contain safe ingredients before purchasing PCPs and cleaning items.

PCPs - I DIY the following personal care products. When possible and applicable, I make large batches on a quarterly basis and store them in the refrigerator.

• Niacinamide/glucosamine serum

• Vitamin C serum

• Taurine serum

• DIY facial cream

• Sunscreen – made with DIY facial cream

• Body butter

• Deodorant

• Magnesium Oil

• Herbal tinctures and salves

• Nasal wash

• Flax seed hair gel

Food and beverages – In my early 20’s, about 40 years ago, I made a choice to consume whole, natural foods.

• I grew up in an alcoholic household and in 1974 at age 15, after my 20 year old ex-stepmother got me drunk, I decided that I would not become an alcoholic and that I would shun alcohol and physically addictive drugs.

• In 1977, I chose to eat whole grains and nutrient dense, anti-oxidant rich foods.

• In 1978, I chose to not drink soda. Soda has no nutritional value, contains sugar or artificial sweeteners and is costly. My entire adult life I drank water, tea, some coffee and kombucha when it became available.

• In 1979, after eating at McDonald’s and feeling sick afterwards, I chose to never eat fast food again.

• Throughout my adult life, I have completed about 5 hours of food preparation each weekend using whole, nutrient dense, anti-oxidant rich ingredients.

• In 1991, I chose to eat 100% organic at home to avoid synthetic chemicals. I continue this practice today and am grateful to do so. Food is my highest expenditure. I am not frugal when I purchase food. For me, food is fuel, medicine and joy. I am blessed to consume beautiful, whole organic food.

• In 1992, I became a vegetarian. In about 2002, I became a pescatarian. In 2020, I stopped eating eggs, dairy and fish, although I’ve consumed fish a few times while healing from an injury.

Soaps, detergents and cleaning agents - I use natural ingredients and seek sustainably sourced and produced, low chemical, non-hazardous, no fragrance products for the following PCPs and household products:

• Shampoo and conditioner – I plan on DIYing these soon.

• Shower gel

• Hand wash

• Dental floss – what happened to basic floss? Mass produced floss is bad and allegedly has synthetic chemicals. Now I buy specialty floss.

• Dishwasher detergent

• Washing machine detergent

• Concentrated multi-purpose cleaner

• Furniture polish made from oils and nut butters

• Vinegar – good for cleaning, but do not use on natural stone!

• Baking soda – always have on hand as a scrubbing agent.

• Vodka – I buy a gigantic bottle at a low cost from a large store and place it in a spray bottle, add lavender essential oil and use as a multi-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, glass and stainless steel cleaner AND fabric furniture and clothing refresher!! 

Clothing – I avoid synthetic clothing in most regards. I do not want plastic, synthetic fibers rubbing on my skin. I have skin sensitivities and my nervous system functions best when my skin is protected from the sun and soothed by clothing. I boycott the high cost of good quality clothing and the low-cost of fast-fashion. For over 35 years, I have purchased about 95 percent (%) of my high quality, natural fiber clothing from the thrift store primarily on 50% off days! I collect clothing made from the following types of fabrics which are becoming scarce. It appears that only the wealthy will be able to afford natural fiber clothing in the future.

• Note on underwear and bras – I only wear delicates that are made from natural fibers. It is almost impossible to find 100% cotton undergarments. I choose 100% silk undergarments through eBay or other vendors.

• Silk – keeps you cool or warm, protects skin moisture, soothing, washable, lasts for decades.

• Cotton – organic is best, natural cotton is better than synthetic fabric. May rob skin moisture. Great all around fabric.

• Linen – a beautiful natural fabric, crisply ironed or naturally wrinkled.

• Wool – I am replacing my “recycled plastic bottle” outdoor gear with wool outerwear.

• Socks – I can’t find pure natural fiber socks. All wool socks contain synthetics. I buy the highest wool content socks available. I am ready to try silk socks.

Household – It is challenging to avoid synthetics in home furnishings. Natural materials include wood, metal, glass and stone which are getting more expensive to purchase. Again, will only the wealthy own natural materials? In my home, I’ve implemented the following natural practices:

• DIY clay paint and clay plaster for interior home walls and milk paint for furniture projects instead of using low VOC paint which off-gases volatile chemicals. The clay wall finish does not off-gas chemicals and it absorbs odors and moisture.

• Linens and towels – choose 100% cotton and linen. I recently purchased seemingly new linen hand towels and kitchen towels at the Thrift Store, I love them!

• I avoid plastic in the kitchen and in household goods.

• No pesticides/herbicides. I try to seal the home so that pests can’t get in, only eat in specified areas, keep it clean and neat and use glue traps to catch intermittent bugs and scorpions. I spray essential oils inside and out and use diatomaceous earth and other available natural pest management methods. I may discriminately use chemicals in certain situations for a limited time but primarily avoid their use.

• I applied a 9-inch thick layer of wood mulch in the backyard and spread it around the house which reduced intermittent pests inside my home.

• Organic vegetable garden – I am able to maintain a functional garden to grow food almost all year, most years. I rely on the local Agricultural Extension Service for gardening advice. A container garden or a straw bale garden is a good place to begin.

• Compost – all kitchen waste goes into the backyard compost to create new soil.

• I produce a small volume of garbage and recycle mostly paper.

• Native vegetation, I harvest rainwater from my roof in my front yard to water native vegetation that supports urban wildlife.

• I use natural practices to maintain my yards.

• Wood, metal, glass, and stone are my preferred furnishings and leather, wood and natural fiber furniture, if possible, to avoid constant off-gassing of organic chemicals.

• Natural fiber blankets and pillows.

• Wood, stone, or concrete floors and throw rugs instead of wall to wall carpet.

This is how I strive to live a natural lifestyle to reduce my exposure in a chemically immersive society. I modify my practices as I become aware of different alternatives. I live this way to protect my health so that my body and brain may function at the highest level to allow me to take care of myself, my responsibilities, my loved ones and the Earth.

I try to protect my organs so that they are able to process uncontrolled chemical exposures from air pollution and pervasive plastic pollution.

It may feel overwhelming to change your lifestyle practices. What is important to you? How would you begin to limit your daily chemical exposure? DIY practices provide an important option to control your exposure. If you are not ready to try or are unable to DIY, search for products that contain natural ingredients. Use the EWG website to help you identify healthier products.

One way to begin to reduce your synthetic chemical exposure is to make a DIY skin cream. I wanted to DIY skin cream for decades before I finally did it. My first few tries failed but I finally found a recipe that works for me. I have had great success using Tracy Ariza’s skin cream recipe from her website “Oh The Things We’ll Make”.  

The skin cream recipe that I use regularly is here.

I recently made 16 ounces (oz) of face cream. I used half of it to make DIY sunscreen by adding 20% zinc oxide powder. I save money and adore this beautiful cream! I use oils classified as “dry” like sunflower oil to promote rapid absorption. I experience success when I use emulsifying wax instead of straight beeswax. The basic ingredients used are water, oil, emulsifying wax, and a preservative. pH strips assist with the preservation process. I recently had a thin blend when I deviated from the recipe but obtained good results in a subsequent batch!

It is up to us to protect ourselves and our Earth from ignorance and greed. The current regulations are not sufficient to protect us. Elimination of existing regulations will make a few folks wealthier and put the rest of us at a greater health risk. What value do you place on your health, the health of your loved ones and the health of the Earth? Please protect yourselves and our Earth.

If you need more information, check out the local library, search the Internet, or check out my past Blog articles. It would be an honor for me if you purchased my facial care book. Thank you!

Take good care of yourselves!

XO Deborah

This article is intended to be used as general information only and is in no way intended to replace medical advice, be used as a medical treatment program, diagnosis, or cure of any disease or medical condition. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the effectiveness of the practices described in this article. Products or substances discussed herein are for educational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations of the author.