For almost 15 years, I worked in the beauty industry, educating for beauty brands and even completing formal training in Italy—a place where beauty standards and product regulations are truly next-level. During my time abroad, I learned something shocking: the ingredients allowed in American skincare and beauty products have been quietly poisoning us for decades.

Here’s the deal, while Europe bans over 1,600 to 1,800 toxic and harmful ingredients from personal care products, the U.S. still allows them. These ingredients sneak into everything from your favorite lotions to high-end makeup. They create the illusion of results, but the reality? They’re unsafe, toxic, and doing long-term damage. It’s false advertising on a global scale.

That’s why I’m so passionate about using natural, non-toxic ingredients that actually nourish and protect your skin—without the hidden dangers. The DIY exfoliator and lotion I’ve created are rooted in honesty, safety, and transparency, because I believe beauty should enhance your well-being, not jeopardize it.

The DIY Exfoliator and Lotion That Work Wonders (Plus a Self-Tanner Hack!)

While traveling in Greece, I made the classic vacation rookie mistake: too much sun, not enough sunscreen, and a seriousburn to show for it. My skin was red, dry, and screaming for help. A local handed me a lotion made with olive oil as its main ingredient—and let me tell you, it was a revelation. This stuff was magic. Hydrating, soothing, and with a texture that felt like it was hugging my skin back to life. I babied that bottle like it was my lifeline, using it sparingly until the very last drop.

And it worked. Every part of my sunburned skin that got slathered in that lotion healed beautifully—no peeling, no drama. But the spots I couldn’t reach? They peeled like it was a personal vendetta, shedding in sheets as if to mock me for forgetting them. Lesson learned.

Fast forward to a few months later when I was back home, and the weather turned colder. My eczema flared, my skin looked awful, and I was over it. I looked at my empty Greek lotion bottle and said, "Screw it, I’m making my own." Armed with what I learned from my years in the beauty industry, I started experimenting in my kitchen.

What I discovered? Glowing, healthy skin doesn’t require overpriced products filled with questionable ingredients. With just a few clean, natural components, you can create an exfoliator and lotion that hydrate, nourish, and even make your self-tanner look like a pro applied it. Let’s dive in!

The Power of Natural Ingredients

Exfoliator Ingredients

• Coconut Oil: Antioxidants and fatty acids make this deeply moisturizing oil a superstar. It also protects your skin from environmental stressors and is naturally antibacterial.

• Coffee Grounds: Exfoliation + caffeine = smoother, energized skin and less visible cellulite.

• Olive Oil: Rich in vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes and hydrates your skin.

• Vitamin E Oil: A powerful antioxidant that improves skin elasticity and accelerates healing.

• Himalayan Pink Sea Salt: This mineral-packed exfoliant polishes the skin and restores essential nutrients.

Lotion Ingredients

• Coconut Oil: Deep hydration and skin barrier support.

• Olive Oil: Locks in moisture while providing nourishment.

• Vitamin E Oil: Protects and repairs skin from daily damage.

• Pure Aloe: Reduces inflammation and delivers lightweight, soothing hydration.

Why These Combos Work

These natural ingredients work together to exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish your skin. By removing dead skin with the exfoliator, your lotion can penetrate deeper, delivering hydration where it’s needed most.

Here’s a key difference: while products with mineral oil create a barrier that traps moisture, they also block beneficial ingredients from penetrating deeper. That’s why many of us overuse lotions—they feel like they’re working, but they’re only moisturizing the surface layers.

With natural, absorbent ingredients, you can skip the constant reapplication. Your skin gets real, long-lasting hydration without the toxic baggage.

The Self-Tanner Hack: Ibiza Sun Organic Self-Tanning Lotion

Once your skin is prepped, (yes this is the only reason in this photo that I actually don’t look the same color as the wall) it’s time for a healthy, sun-kissed glow! I swear by Ibiza Sun Organic Self-Tanning Lotion—it’s the perfect match for radiant, smooth skin.

Why I Love It

• Organic & Paraben-Free: Made with safe, natural ingredients.

• Cruelty-Free: No animals were harmed, and that matters.

• Odorless: No weird self-tanner smell—just clean, fresh skin.

• Non-Greasy & Quick-Drying: No mess, no hassle.

• Streak-Free: It’s so easy to apply, even without gloves.

• Long-Lasting Tan: One application = Mediterranean vibes all week.

How I Use It

1. Exfoliate: Use the DIY exfoliator to slough off dead skin and smooth the surface.

2. Moisturize: Apply the DIY lotion to dry areas like elbows, knees, and feet to prevent uneven patches.

3. Apply Tanner: I use Ibiza Sun for a streak-free, natural tan.

4. Face Hack: Mix a little tanner with your lotion for a subtle, even glow on your face.

Why Tanning Elevates Your Look

When we’re tanned, everything feels better—our clothes, our makeup, even our mood. A great tan can make you look and feel like you’ve just stepped off a Mediterranean cruise, even if it’s the middle of winter.

The best part? This DIY routine paired with Ibiza Sun gives you that summer glow safely, without harmful UV rays or toxic chemicals.

Final Thoughts + Links to Buy

This combo of DIY skincare and Ibiza Sun Organic Self-Tanning Lotion is your ultimate glow-up formula. By prioritizing clean, natural ingredients, you’re not just achieving radiant skin—you’re protecting your health and honoring your beauty in the most authentic way.

Do your skin a favor, Ditch the Poison. 🌟