In the wake of the recent catastrophe that befell our fellow Filipinos in Leyte, Samar, Tacloban and Capiz, we need to think of long-term solutions instead of stop-gap Band-Aid ideas (and products) that serve us only in the short term.

Now, more than ever, we must encourage ourselves, and the people around us, to shop responsibly, and to purchase items that do not harm our environment. Having said this, we must think of two banner categories—local and natural.

Messy Bessy

Messy Bessy is a local brand that prides itself in using only biodegradable, natural and nontoxic ingredients for its wide range of products. The product offerings range from cleaning products for the house and dishes, to soaps and bug repellants.

If going organic is your ultimate goal for you and your family, then the first steps involve ensuring that all the products  inside your home, which your family will ingest, are nontoxic. Current favorite products from Messy Bessy are its Head-To-Toe Wash and its Bug Repellent Cologne, all skin safe, nontoxic and DEET-free.

For more information, check out www.messybessy.com

Zenutrients

Zenutrients uses essential oils for its products, especially coconut oil, and ensures that the merchandise is handcrafted. This local brand believes that with the skin being our biggest

organ, it is vital to ensure that what we put on our skin is healthy and healing at all times.

Zenutrients carries products for all your beauty needs—hair-care products (shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments), soaps for bath and body, spa products, skincare, health wellness and a lot more.

For more information, check out www.zenutrients.com.ph

DIY

For many of us, do-it-yourself beauty treatments can be appealing because they’re economical and are not time-consuming, unlike most available spa treatments. If you are a busy working woman, like I am, time is of the essence, and we spend our available time as wisely as possible.

Facial scrub

Make your own facial scrub using virgin olive oil and organic sugar. First, cleanse your face with a mild (ideally organic) cleanser. Pour some virgin olive oil (try one teaspoon) in a bowl, and gently rub the oil on your face.

Next step is to get one teaspoon of organic sugar and mix with the remaining olive oil, then gently exfoliate your skin, avoiding sensitive areas like your eyes. Start slowly and very gently, and make sure you are not allergic to any of the above ingredients before doing so.

Hair treatment

I grew up with a lot of hair myths. My mom had me washing my hair with raw egg one week and with San Miguel beer the next week, in hopes I would grow up to have long, healthy hair. While I was skeptical and wary at that time, I believe that one way or the other, these rituals helped make my hair healthy today. While the results might not have been instant, they came, slowly but surely.

For hair with a lot of product buildup, try mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with small amounts of water to make a thick paste, massage onto your damp hair, rinse, then shampoo.

This will help give your hair a breather from all the products.

For dry, brittle or frizzy hair, try using avocado, a local superfood. Its oils, light and close to our own natural skin’s secretion, will hydrate dry and brittle hair. Mash half an avocado, combine with either egg yolks or mayonnaise (see what’s available in your pantry), and massage into your hair. Leave for a few minutes before rinsing off. If it’s a superfood for your body, it will certainly do wonders for your hair.

Try rubbing lemon juice and olive oil onto your hair for dandruff or a flaking scalp. Massage the mixture into your hair and let  sit for 20 minutes before rinsing and shampooing. For limp and fine hair, my mom used to say that coconut milk can do wonders for hair growth.

Body wash

It’s always relaxing to have a nice hot shower after a long stressful day. It would feel even better to smell and feel good with an organic body scrub. Try mixing some honey (organic, please) with lemon, oats and nutmeg.

Honey is anti-aging and a natural cleansing ingredient with so many benefits, you will be feeding your skin a nutrient-rich body wash. Nutmeg is an antibacterial that aids in killing germs and dirt that might have stuck to you during your busy day.

With do-it-yourself beauty treatments, nothing is impossible. Play around with your available ingredients (preferably organic) and work your way to a beautiful, healthy, happy new you.