Midterm week is here and stress levels are high. We all know that Wellesley women are good at pretending that everything is under control. So here are some fun, homemade school-made, natural spa treatments that will keep you looking cool during these uncontrollable times. All of these ingredients can be found in the dining halls and take very little effort and time to make. Have fun with it!
- Banana-Honey-Lemon Facial
This facial has done wonders for my skin overnight! Mash up about a fifth of a banana, add a spoonful of honey, and squeeze in a slice of lemon. Mix all the ingredients and apply it onto your face. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then wash it off. Your face might feel a little tingly and if this tingling hurts, then please wash off the mask ASAP.
- Oatmeal Facial
This facial works just like those expensive clay/mud facials. Take some oatmeal from the dining hall in the morning and rub it onto your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then wash it off. This facial can get very messy so do it before you’ve changed into your day clothes.
- Milk Body Wash
Usually you’re suppose to fill a bath tub with a whole bunch of milk and enjoy the luxuriousness, but because we don’t have tubs the next best thing would be to take a cup of milk and after going through your normal shower routine, pour the milk over your body. It might seem weird, but trust me it feels incredibly relaxing. Use it like it’s body wash.
- Olive Oil-Brown Sugar Scrub
In a cup, pour in two spoonfuls of brown sugar and one spoonful of olive oil. After finishing your normal shower routine, grab a handful of the scrub and scrub it onto your body. The sugar exfoliates while the oil moisturizes. Don’t be alarmed when all the oil can’t be washed off your body. This thin layer of oil will make your skin feel silky smooth. Depending on your preference, you can change up the oil to sugar proportions.
- Cucumber Toner
This one actually requires a blender, which many of us don’t have. But it may relieve your stress to take your frustrations out on the cucumber and mash it up by hand. After liquefying the cucumber by whichever method you prefer wipe some on your face with a cotton ball.
The Magic Ingredients:
Banana is high in vitamins B and C, potassium, iron, and fiber. It is also an antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals (stuff not good for you, but you can’t get away from). Bananas make great external balms for healing bruises, inflammations, irritations, and acne. Tip: save the banana skin and rub the inside on your face whenever you finish a banana.
For more info: http://knol.google.com/k/how-to-use-banana-peel-for-skin-care#
http://health.top54u.com/post/Health-Benefits-of-Banana-For-Skin.aspx
Honey is a natural moisturizer with vitamins B and C. Like bananas, it is an antioxidant, but also antibacterial. Therefore honey is great for healing cuts, scars, burns, and acne. Tip: apply a bit of honey onto your acne scars as if it were an off the counter acne cream, but remember to wash it off after a few minutes.
For more info: http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/
http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/honey-skin-care.html
Lemon is one of my favorites for clearing away acne. It is high in vitamin C, naturally exfoliates, and is an antiseptic. Lemon also works as bleach; therefore it can help reduce redness. Tip: just rub some lemon around your face, but make sure you avoid the eyes!
For more info: http://www.lookgreat-loseweight-savemoney.com/lemon-water.html
http://www.lemon-info.com/2009/02/08/lemon-juice-good-for-skin/
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lemon-oil.html
Oatmeal is high in iron, fiber, and a whole lot of vitamins. It is best at removing oil, which translates to being best at reducing acne and calming itchiness.
For more info: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/why-your-skin-l-o-v-e-s-oatmeal-172186
Milk naturally exfoliates and hydrates your skin. It is an antioxidant and is antibacterial and antimicrobial. Therefore milk is best for getting rid of excess oil, acne, and helping with anti-aging.
For more info: http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey-and-milk.html
http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/blog/how-to-use-milk-to-improve-the-texture-of-your-skin-and-hair/
http://www.skincareresourcecenter.com/lactic-acid-skin-care.html
Olive oil works as an antioxidant and contains high amounts of vitamin E. Therefore it helps with relieving dryness, stretch marks, and can be used as a hair moisturizer.
For more info: http://www.healthy-skincare.com/olive-oil-skin-care.html
http://www.oliveoilbenefits.org/olive-oil-for-skin/
Brown sugar is great for exfoliating and when combined with the benefits of olive oil, helps with body acne.
For more info: http://skincare.lovetoknow.com/Benefits_of_Brown_Sugar_Scrub
http://www.life123.com/beauty/spa-treatments/beauty-tips/benefits-of-brown-sugar-scrub.shtml
Cucumbers contain an anti-aging mineral called silica. It is high in vitamin E and is also an antioxidant (like almost all the other ingredients in this article). Cucumbers are also great for healing burns and getting rid of freckles. Cucumbers are known to help reduce swollen eyes and dark circles because they retain cold temperatures very well. Tip: take slices of cucumber and place them over your face.
For more info: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/skin-benefits-of-cucumber-makes-your-skin-smooth-394074.html
http://leonsbeautytipsandsecrets.com/6-wonderful-skin-benefits-of-cucumber/
http://www.botanical-online.com/pepinosangles.htm