5 Kitchen Items You Can Use for (Yummy!) Natural Skincare

Emily Monaco — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 14:00:39 +0000

How much are you paying for the lotions, creams, and face washes you use to keep your skin fresh and healthy? It’s not cheap, especially when you’re buying natural and organic products. But instead of shelling out for pricey natural skincare products, why not try using things that you already have around the house? You need look no further than the kitchen.

1. Coffee

Aside from being a morning must-have, coffee doubles as both a skin and hair care product (the latter if you’re a brunette, that is). You can use leftover brewed coffee as a hair rinse to add luster and more intensive color to your locks, then save the grounds and use them as a natural exfoliant. Some studies show that the caffeine in the coffee can add a bit of extra lift to your skin too.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer, but it does triple duty as a makeup remover and skin cleanser, too. Dab some coconut oil onto a cotton ball to remove eye makeup, and apply it to the rest of your face as well just before bed. Not only will it moisturize your skin, but its antimicrobial properties have been shown to keep acne at bay in some cases.

As with any new product that you’re using on your face, apply some first to a small area, like next to your ear, and wait 24 hours to make sure that your skin tolerates it before applying the product to your whole face.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar is a great replacement for over-the-counter toners. With natural antimicrobial properties, it’s great for clearing up blemishes and pimples and isn’t nearly as abrasive as many store-bought products, as long as you use it properly.

Don’t wash your face with straight-up vinegar; instead, dilute the vinegar with water — some swear by a 50/50 ratio, but those with sensitive skin might want even more water — and use the mixture as a rinse before bed. Be sure to moisturize as usual or risk drying out your face.

4. Eggs

Eggs are great for your skin, but you’ll want to separate the yolks from the whites first.

The yolks make a great nourishing mask for dry skin; the natural fats are a fantastic moisturizer. To use, rub raw egg yolk into your skin and let set until dry. Then rinse off with warm water, and pat dry.

As for the whites, their astringent properties can help shrink the appearance of your pores and control oiliness. Combine egg white with a touch of lemon juice, and whisk very well until frothy. Apply to your whole face, allow to dry, and rinse.

5. Honey

Honey is a superstar for skin — it’s a natural humectant, making it a great moisturizer, and its antibacterial properties make it a great cleanser as well. Combine it with coconut oil to make a moisturizing face wash that’s easy to use and smells positively fantastic. Be sure to choose raw honey to make sure that you’re getting the most out of this face wash.

Image: Breville USA