It can be hard to find the time (and money) to give yourself some TLC. Luckily, I’ve got you covered with a list of six all-natural, do-it-yourself skincare recipes that you can make with everyday ingredients. These homemade recipes will give your skin the glow-up it deserves.
Turmeric and coconut oil body scrub.
In my opinion, turmeric is a miracle spice. I eat it almost every day and see major benefits in my body.
If you are struggling with acne, redness or skin blemishes and can’t seem to find a product to relieve your symptoms, this body scrub is a lifesaver. Turmeric is a spice originating from India and has many medicinal benefits. Healthline states that turmeric is made up of chemical compounds called curcuminoids, which have excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
The second ingredient of this scrub, coconut oil, is filled with healthy HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol which can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also a wonderful moisturizer and as a natural anti-fungal, it will help to clear acne and skin irritation.
The combination of these two ingredients makes for a powerhouse skin cleanser and detoxifier.
Recipe and instructions
-2 tablespoons coconut oil.
-1 heaping tablespoon turmeric.
-1 small bowl.
-Mix the coconut oil and turmeric into a bowl and stir until a thick paste.
-Rub onto the affected area (i.e. legs, back, face, arms) and leave on for 15 minutes.
-Wash off with a cloth and warm water
Do this treatment three times a week for best results. You will notice a significant reduction in redness, acne and bumps.
Baking soda and apple cider vinegar deodorizer
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a classic deodorizer and absorbs acidic odors. Many use it in fridges, litter boxes, bathrooms and garbage cans to relieve household smells. Did you know that baking soda can also work on our bodies? An article in Women’s Health magazine shares that baking soda is a highly alkaline substance, meaning that it has a pH level higher than 7. These levels go on a scale from 0-14. The lower the pH, the more acidic; the higher the pH, the more alkaline. Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, is quite acidic and is a natural antibacterial substance. Since these ingredients have opposite pH levels, this mixture will actually help to neutralize and stabilises our bodies pH and odors.
Recipe and instructions
-2 tablespoons baking soda.
-1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
-Mix together with a spoon and apply on armpits for 5-10 minutes.
-Remove with a cloth and warm water.
You will instantly notice a difference in body odor. Do this at least once a week to keep pH levels balanced and odors at bay.
DIY deodorant
According to the National Cancer Society, store bought deodorants contain a number of harmful chemicals and breast cancer-causing agents such as carcinogens, aluminum and parabens. Instead, making your own deodorant is not only cost effective but uses ingredients that actually benefit your health.
Recipe and instructions
-3 tablespoons coconut oil.
-3 tablespoons baking soda.
-2 tablespoons shea butter
-5-10 drops of your favourite essential oils.
-A glass mason jar.
-Melt the shea butter and coconut oil, bringing it just to a boil and pour into the glass mason jar.
-Add in baking soda and essential oils.
-Tightly seal your mixture and store in the fridge until solid.
-Once ready to use, simply dip a cotton ball into your new deodorant and apply to underarms.
Coffee grounds and coconut oil face scrub
This is one of my favourite face scrubs. The caffeine from the coffee grounds will perk up and energize your skin. Livestrong states that the grounds will exfoliate your skin, getting rid of dead skin cells while the caffeine will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness. The ratio of this scrub can be tailored to your personal skin care needs. If you want to more of an exfoliating scrub, use more coffee grounds, for a more moisturizing experience, use more coconut oil.
Recipe and instructions
-1/4 cup coffee grounds.
-2 tablespoons coconut oil.
-1 small bowl.
-Simply mix together in a bowl and apply to face while you are in the shower.
-Wash off with a cloth when finished.
Your skin will be left feeling tighter, smoother and more energized than before. It’s the perfect way to start your day and get an added use from your morning coffee.
Oatmeal and Manuka honey mask
Oatmeal is not just good with berries and honey, it can also be used topically. Livestrong’s website writes that oatmeal has hypoallergenic and skin soothing properties. Oatmeal is also a humectant, which is a combination of several hydrophilic molecules, meaning that these compounds are attracted to and dissolve water, which helps us retain moisture in our skin.
The second ingredient, Manuka honey is a special type of honey originating from New Zealand. It has antibacterial properties which differ it from other types of honey. Manuka honey can help with scars, damaged skin and the FDA even says it is safe to use for wound treatments and burns.
Recipe and instructions
-1/2 cup dry oatmeal.
-3 tablespoons Manuka honey.
-1/4 cup water.
-Blender.
-Put ingredients in the blender on pulse for several seconds.
-Once smooth, apply onto face for 15 minutes
-Rinse off with a cloth and warm water.
This mask is especially good for people with dry or puffy skin. You can really feel the calming sensation after using this mask.
Mint and sugar lip scrub
I saved the sweetest DIY treat for last. It’s getting colder, lips and getting chapped and they need to stay moisturised in order to live their best life.
Recipe and instructions
-2 tablespoons coconut oil.
-2 tablespoons brown or white sugar.
-8-10 drops of peppermint oil.
-Mix these ingredients together and apply on your lips with your finger.
-Scrub between your lips to feel the sugar pull off dead skin while the coconut oil moisturizes.
Peppermint oil will make your lips feel totally fresh and smelling delicious. Alternative Daily says that peppermint oil also helps stimulate circulation to help you get that pouty lip look.