Title: Equipment & Ingredients 4 - Natural Beauty at Home
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Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Vitamin E is found in many vegetable oils. It is believed to protect body fat and tissues from breakdown and to slow down the aging process. It also helps normal red blood cells, muscles, and other body tissues to grow and remain healthy. Vitamin E oil can be used alone or as a moisturizer; it is very thick and sticky and is best on small areas such as under your eyes. It can be purchased in capsule or oil from from a pharmacy.

Vodka (Alcohol): Vodka is generally made from potatoes, but many cheaper vodkas are made from grains. The Russian name for vodka is Zbizennia voda, which means "water of life." Vodka is a good pure alcohol for making cosmetics; it's usually used as a solvent. Vodka made in the Unites States is ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and water. The percentage of ethano is one half the proof; for example an 90 proof vodka is 45% ethanol. Vodka can be found in liquor stores, or, in some states, in the liqour section of grocery stores.

Water: Water is the major component of all living things and the ingredient most often used in cosmetics. The best beauty treatment of all is to drink at least eigth glasses of water a day! Remember to always use the purest filtered water when making cosmetics.

Wheat Germ Oil: Wheat germ oil is a thin, golden oil with a very strong, nutty scent. It has a high vitamin A and E content and is believed to have healing properties. Like apricot kernel oil it is a bit harder to find. Look for it at the health food store.

Witch Hazel: Hamamelis virginiana, or witch hazel, is a plant whose bark and leaves are made into a wonderful skin freshener, local anesthetic, and astringent. Add witch hazel to your favorite lotion for a cooling moisturizer in the summer. It can be found in any grocery or drugstore.

Yogurt: Plain yogurt has wonderful skin-softening qualities. It is high in protein, calcium, and vitamins. Yogurt is easily absorbed by the skin and makes a soothing cleanser. Yogurt is made by fermenting milk with special bacteria. It is found in any grocery store in the dairy section.

Zinc Oxide: Zinc oxide in a creamy white powder commonly found in ointment form and used as a sunblock. It is also used as an astringent, antiseptic, and skin healer. Make sure you purchase the United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) grade intended for cosmetic use. It can be found at the drugstore.

Source: "Natural Beauty at Home" by Janice Cox

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