Honey
The sweet, sticky nectar that drives bears wild comes in an array of colors and tastes. From almost white, translucent hue, to a dark, rich golden brown, the mighty honey has uses more numerous than the types available in today’s market. This is largely in part because its antibacterial properties that are so potent, it can be used to heal cuts on the skin (The syrup’s naturally thick consistency also acts as a barrier around the wounded area, further inhibiting bacteria from growing on it). Honey is a natural humectant that draws and retains moisture, and contains high levels of antioxidants that are always beneficial for any skin type and condition.
With all these wonderful skin benefits and uses, be sure to include honey in your facial or body scrubs, cleansers, masks, shampoos and conditioners.
Oatmeal
Do you have extremely sensitive skin? Do you suffer from eczema, psoriasis, or have burns, itchiness and irritation all over? Are acne problems plaguing you? Stock up on oatmeal because it’s just what the doctor ordered. Oatmeal is so effective, all you really need to do help alleviate your skin problems is to just add water to it. It absorbs the dirt and impurities on your skin’s surface, while helping fight against free radicals.
Keep in mind that the best kinds of oatmeal are whole-grain, steel-cut oats, also known as coarse-cut or Irish variety, as the contain more of the nutritious bran layer. The more common “rolled oats” are steamed, flattened and lightly toasted. “Instant” oatmeal is pre-cooked and usually has sweeteners and flavors added to it, so best to avoid that variety.
Use it in your personal mix of facial or body scrub, cleanser, and masks. Is it too chunky for your liking? Use colloidal oatmeal (or powdered oatmeal) in your moisturizer for easier absorption and use.
Yogurt
Sweet yet tangy, thick and creamy, yogurt is packed with healthy bacteria and calcium that’s delicious to eat, and even better for your skin. Usually made from cow’s milk, (although increasingly, goat’s milk is also becoming available due to being richer in taste and easier to digest than it bovine counterpart), try choosing the one with the fewest additives and artificial sweeteners. At best, it should just contain two ingredients: milk and live active cultures.
According to dermatologist Hema Sundaram, MD, “Yogurt contains lactic acid, which is a component in some in-office chemical peels. It gently exfoliates the top layers of the epidermis, which can clear up blemishes and discolorations, and may even reduce fine wrinkles.”
Keep this handy when you’re brewing your facial or body scrubs, cleansers, masks, shampoos, and conditioners.
Avocado
Ah, the avocado. Also known as alligator pears, they’re rich, creamy, and buttery, high in the good kind of fat, and are great in salads and dips. Ripening best after they’re picked, be sure to pick one out that’s a little less firm to the touch if you’re looking for immediate use.
Avocadoes are rich in phytonutrients, organic molecules with amazing benefits for the skin. Its seed’s oil is particularly great for giving your skin a healthy glow, helping reduce sun and age spots, its high sterolins content helps counter damage to your skin and make it an excellent natural moisturizer. Usually people just use the meat, but the insides of the skins are great for your skin too.
An excellent source of vitamin E, (an antioxidant that nourishes skin), butter, and oil, an avocado’s rich supply of natural emollients softens skin, restores its elasticity, and makes it perfect for every kind of homemade beauty product imaginable. Its meat is ideal for cleansers, masks, and hair care, while its oils go great with your potent blend of moisturizers.
Lemon
Sunny citrus lemons perk up just about everything, including your complexion. Be sure to pick lemons that are firm and heavy, its skin is completely bright yellow and smooth. Thin-skinned lemons usually have more juice. Avoid purchasing soft lemons, as they are old.
Lemon is great for people with oily or combination skin, as the citric acid works as a mild skin peel and reduces the shine factor. Its exfoliating power not only helps in removing dead skin cells, but also helps reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. Constant use of it also helps with acne and is particularly potent against blackheads. It also helps reduce the visibility of scars from acne.
Make use of lemon juice and its rind in your next batch of body and facial scrubs, cleansers, masks, shampoos, and conditioners. Lemon oils work best for facial moisturizers, astringents, and toners.
Witch Hazel
In every herbal remedy kit, the all-powerful witch hazel is a staple and a must. Used by early Native Americans for its medicinal properties, today it is used for a variety of problems and ailments. Relieving pain, itchiness, varicose veins, symptoms of eczema, and most notably for our purposes, it makes a great toner, cleanser, and astringent. This is because witch hazel contains high levels of tannin, which itself is a powerful astringent.
Bear in mind it does not directly remove or reduce acne, but it does help reduce redness and softens skin.
Aloe Vera
With famous healing qualities that are medically recognized in numerous creams, ointments, and cosmetics sold all over the world, you may be surprise to find out that aloe vera is actually very affordable, and is even cheaper when you realize it can be easily grown in any home garden.
Its secrets lie in the translucent gel found in its thick leaves. It is a great soothing healer to cuts, burns, and bruises. It is associated with softening skin and hair, even thought to help with wrinkles and skin damage. According to the University of Michigan Health System, aloe vera gel contains polysaccharides like acemannon that seem to aid skin regeneration and healing. It is particularly effective with dandruff and psoriasis, and helps skin retain and replenish lost moisture.
Aloe vera is ideal for facial masks, moisturizers, hair care, and other skin needs.
If you’ve missed part 1 of the series, click here to find your best recipes for success of facial scrubs, cleansers, facial steams, and masks.
If you’ve missed part 2 of the series, click here to learn about how to make all-natural facial toners, astringents, moisturizers, and hair care, as well as other helpful skin fixes that may come in handy.
We’d love to hear from you, so tell us what’s your favorite recipe by hitting the reply button below, or tweet us at @YouQueenMag with pictures of your favorite recipes for success as well as the ones you’ve come up with on your own!
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