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May 6, 2010

Homemade Facial Treatments




Pampering your skin doesn't necessarily mean you have to break the bank. In fact, you can find many ingredients in your own kitchen to create cost-effective and efficient homemade exfoliators, masks and other treatments. Everyone knows the health benefits of eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, but many of these healthy foods can also exhibit esthetic benefits when put ON your face or body.



Here are a few concoctions that I like to use as homemade treatments...

Brightening Yogurt Lemon Mask
Ingredients:
2tbsp. plain yogurt (Greek yogurt is ideal because of its thick consistency)
1tsp. lemon juice
1tbsp. honey

I love this mask because it seems to instantly brightens my complexion on days when it's looking dull. I just apply it on my face and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes before removing with warm water. Yogurt is a great natural moisturizer and it contains lactic acid (an alphahydroxy acid) which exfoliates and tightens the skin. The citric acid in the lemon juice helps to lighten blemishes, while Vitamin C aids in building collagen. Honey is not only antibacterial but it's also a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. This mask will brighten and alleviate dehydrated and lackluster skin. For an added "glow factor", add 1 tsp. turmeric powder which has natural skin lightening and antibacterial properties.


Firming Egg Mask
1 Egg (separate white and yolk)

I apply an egg white to my face when my face is feeling oily and I want a tightening effect. I leave it on for about 15 minutes before removing with warm water. Seriously, it's like an instant face lift. I've heard of some crazy ass people traveling across the world to have facials using animal placenta...well, if you're looking to boost your complexion with live cells, pretty much anyone will find eggs in their refrigerator!

Olive Oil Sugar Lip Exfoliant
Ingredients:
1tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1tbsp. Turbinado sugar (coarse brown sugar)

Once a week, I rub this mixture on my lips for about one minute to remove dry, flaky skin. Olive oil is a natural moisturizer that contains Vitamin E and is high in antioxidants. Course Turbinado sugar is a natural manual exfoliant that removes dead skin from the lips.

Rosewater Milk Astringent
Ingredients:
2tbsp. milk
1tsp. Rosewater

Rosewater works wonders balancing and toning oily skin as well as soothing sensitive skin. Moreover, it smells divine! Again, milk acid exfoliates, brightens and tightens the skin. Just soak a cotton ball in the mixture and rub over your face, then rinse with cold water.


I would recommend these homemade treatments for any skintype, but as with any new skin treatment, I would do a test-patch on the inside of your wrist first to see if you have sensitivities to any of the ingredients.





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