You love your skin and want to give it, and you, the best care you possibly can.
But it’s easy to get stymied trying to choose between the multiplicity of skin care products on the market and what you’re able to spend on them.
A lot of those cleansers, creams, serums and moisturizers have preservatives and other ingredients that move you away from the “natural” ideal, especially water-based ones.
Here are a few simple cleansers, masks and other remedies you can whip up at home — and you may already have many of the components!
For Dry Skin
Olive oil to cleanse and moisturize
You can get your money’s worth out of this pantry essential just by warming your face with a moist washcloth, then applying a small amount across your face — organic, unrefined extra-virgin olive oil is best. Allow it to moisturize your skin while it dissolves residue and any oil-based makeup, then wipe remaining oil and residue off with the other side of the washcloth.
Oats and Honey to Exfoliate
To gently and safely remove dead skin cells and encourage turnover, mix 2 tablespoons of oats with 1 tablespoon honey, along with a splash of water. Warm the mixture slightly if you wish, then smooth it across your face. If you’re just looking for exfoliation you can rinse off immediately, or leave it as a mask for 15 minutes for extra moisturizing.
For Oily Skin
Almond Skin Scrub
Finely ground almonds are an excellent exfoliator and also absorb excess oily residue. Mix 3 tablespoons with 2 tablespoons of raw honey, then apply to your face using circular motions before rinsing with warm water and gently patting your face dry. To make this into a mask, turn your ground almonds into a powder before adding the honey.
Tomato Treatment
Tomatoes are a natural source of salicylic acid, so they can be a great addition to your anti-acne arsenal for absorbing skin oils and clearing pores. Make an exfoliating mask by combining the pulp of one tomato with one teaspoon of sugar. Apply to your skin in a circular motion, leave on for five minutes and rinse off thoroughly.
Makes Anybody’s Skin Younger
Turmeric and Sugarcane Juice Paste
This spice is very nutritious, whether you consume it or rub it on your skin. It’s an anti-inflammatory that also boosts collagen production, while the sugarcane juice fights acne and blemishes as it keeps skin supple and radiant. Combine them for a one-two punch on your skin, then rinse.
Banana and Papaya Mask
These fruits are loaded with papain and vitamins that help to restore your skin. Take one small papaya and half a banana, mash then together and apply to the fine lines on your face and forehead for 15 minutes, then rinse off. Can be done once or twice weekly.