Just as the foods we put into our body have a big impact on our health, so do the products we use on our skin. With that in mind, I encourage you to check out this list of natural and edible items that are great for your face!
Apple cider vinegar
A solution to skin toning you are going to love! — and it couldn’t be simpler. Just mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar (organic, raw, and unfiltered is best) with 2–4 cups of distilled water and a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil. Lightly dab this homemade toner across your face and enjoy the fresh feeling. No rinsing required.
Coconut oil
This oil is not only fantastic as a body moisturizer, but it can be used as a facial cleanser as well. Warm it up between your hands and rub it on. Place a very warm, wet washcloth onto your face for approximately 45 seconds and then wipe away excess oil from the skin.
Baking soda
This fridge freshener can serve a greater purpose in your beauty regimen. Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking soda with approximately 1 tablespoon of cool water to form a paste. Smooth this across your face and allow it to sit on the skin for 10–15 minutes. Gently remove with a warm, wet washcloth and pat the skin dry.
Blackberries
Blackberries can be used for a wonderful, hydrating mask for your face. Blend a handful of blackberries and combine them with a 1/4 cup of plain, organic Greek yogurt and a 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the mixture evenly to your face and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk contains lactic acid that helps exfoliate the skin, along with fat that promotes hydration. Using it couldn’t be simpler. Just soak a cotton ball in a small bowl of milk and apply it gently to your face. Allow the milk to sit on the skin for up to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Avocado
This yummy fruit is good for more than eating. It also makes a wonderful moisturizing mask for your face. Simply mash a ripe avocado with 3 tablespoons of honey and gently smooth it over your face. Allow it to sit on your skin for 15–25 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Bentonite clay
Bentonite clay can be wonderful at detoxifying the skin. Mix 2 tablespoons of the clay with 2 tablespoons of organic, plain Greek yogurt and spread it across your face. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal has proven itself to be great for exfoliating the skin. Therefore, it provides a wonderful base for a facial scrub when mixed with honey and water. Just 1 teaspoon of cornmeal, mixed with 2 teaspoons of honey and a few drops of water can make a smooth facial scrub paste. Gently apply it to your face with your fingertips moving in circular motions. Let it sit for approximately 1 minute and then rinse well with warm water.
Egg whites
If you need something that can combat blackheads and acne, then look no further. Mixing the egg white from 1 egg with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of honey will provide a basic facial mask. First, place a very warm, wet washcloth against your face for a minute to open up your pores. Then use your fingertips to apply the mask — but be sure to avoid your eyes, nose, and mouth. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes and then remove with a warm, wet washcloth.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers have an amazing ability to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. Placing two cucumber slices on your eyes and allowing them to rest there for up to 20 minutes can reduce dark circles and puffiness caused by water retention.
Fennel seeds
Fennel seeds are said to be an excellent toner for the skin and can decrease puffiness. You can make a face mask by crushing 3 teaspoons of fennel seeds and adding them to 8 tablespoons of boiling water. Let the concoction sit until cool then strain, reserving the infused water. Add 3 tablespoons each of organic honey, oatmeal, and organic, plain Greek yogurt to the infused water and mix until well blended. Apply to the face and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains ascorbic acid that can work as an exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells from the face. Applying it couldn’t be simpler. Just gently rub the forehead, cheeks and chin with the inside of a piece of grapefruit peel. Leave it on for up to 15 minutes and then remove using a warm, wet washcloth.
Grapes (green or red)
Grapes can help combat acne, improve the elasticity of the skin, and moisturize. Simply mash up a handful of grapes and smooth the mixture onto your face. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.
Green tea
After brewing a cup of green tea, pour 1 tablespoon into a separate bowl and mix with 1 tablespoon of honey. Soak the mixture into cotton balls and apply to your face. Allow it to sit on the skin for 10–15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry with a towel.
Lemon
Lemon juice can act as a bleaching agent to help remove dark spots on the face. Simply cut off a wedge of lemon and rub it over facial areas with brown spots (avoid eyes, nose, and mouth). Let it sit for no more than 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Caution: if you have sensitive skin, you should dilute the lemon juice in water to lessen the acidic content before applying the juice to your skin with a cotton ball.
Lime
Lime juice works in much the same way as lemon juice in helping to remove dark spots. In addition, a combination of lime juice and oatmeal makes a wonderful exfoliator for oily, acne prone skin. Combine the juice of 1 lime with 1 tablespoon of oatmeal and mix well. Apply it gently to your face and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Caution: for people with sensitive skin, it is best to dilute the lime juice with 1–2 teaspoons of water.
Mint
Mint leaves can act as a great skin toner. Boil a handful of leaves in two cups of water. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half. Then remove from the heat and allow it to cool before straining out the leaves and reserving the liquid. Use the liquid as a toner and apply with a cotton ball to the face, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains saponins, which are great for cleansing. You can make an excellent face wash by combining 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix until well blended and then apply to the face in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Orange peel
Orange peel is well known for helping to control acne, cleansing pores, and enhancing skin quality. Take fresh orange peels and tear them into small pieces. Spread them out where they can sit in the sun and dry for at least three days. Then transfer the dried peels to a blender and grind them for five minutes into a powder. Mix one teaspoon of the powder with 1 teaspoon of organic, plain Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon of organic honey. Apply the mixture to your face, allow to sit for 5–10 minutes and then rinse.
It is amazing how many everyday items can be used for beauty treatments. What are some of your favorite mixtures?
—Kristy Toth
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