Let’s face it, when it comes to DIY beauty treatments, at-home beauty treatments are the best. They don’t take two hours like a spa facial and they fit right within a student budget. Plus, they’re extra fun when done with friends during a girls’ night in. Next time, try these five beauty treatments made from ingredients you already have at home:
1. Baking Soda Mask
You’ve probably never considered putting baking soda on your face? Well as it turns out, baking soda has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that make it a great and gentle cleanser. Baking soda will deep clean your pores, exfoliate rough patches, and brighten your skin. Plus, it helps to fight off infections.
Simply mix about a teaspoon with water until you get a paste consistency. Use it as a cleanser, or leave on for a few minutes for an uplifting mask.
2. Oil Pulling for Whiter Teeth
This natural method for brightening teeth is becoming more and more popular, with a number of celebrities, such as Miranda Kerr and Gwenyth Paltrow, who are complete fans of this method. Oil naturally adheres to the membranes of microorganisms living in your mouth, which absorbs the germs. Oil pulling is shown to not only brighten teeth, but also reduce plaque and protect against gingivitis.
While coconut oil is most popular for this, sesame or sunflower oil works as well. Swish a tablespoon of the oil around your mouth for five to twenty minutes, but don’t swallow (I know, crazy, but it works wonders). Brushing your teeth right after will really make you feel the cleaning effects.
3. Coconut Oil for Dry Hair
Coconut Oil is becoming super trendy in the beauty and health world, and for good reasons. It’s a multi-use product that is great for both inner and outer health. Its moisturizing properties make it a lifesaver for dry skin and even more so for dry hair. It’s a thick product, so melt a tablespoon and let cool before applying to your hair. Coconut oil is especially helpful for dry or dead ends, and will leave your hair both stronger and silky soft.
4. Sugar Exfoliator
While exfoliators are a vital part of skincare, many store-bought scrubs can be overly harsh. This recipe will remove dead and dry skin, while simultaneously moisturize at the same time, making it gentle enough for frequent use.
Combine 1 to 2 tablespoons of both granulated sugar and natural honey (try adding lemon as well- it will bring a brightening effect). This scrub can also be used for your body, or lips!
5. Witch Hazel Toner
Toners are great for oily or problematic skin, because they open and refine pores, cleanse away any dirt, and fight bacteria. Their strong chemical ingredients can be hard on sensitive skin, so try this homemade alternative.
Mix ÂĽ cup alcohol-free witch hazel with a few drops of tea tree oil, lemon juice, and ÂĽ water. Test out different essential oils to see which scent you like best, or try adding other natural skin remedies such as apple cider vinegar and green tea!
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