Everyone needs a little tune up to their skin care routine now and then. Specialty products can cost you a pretty penny $$$! But if you read the list of key ingredients, you'll see that some of the high end scrubs (especially the organic ones) really hold basic ingredients, most of which you can find at home. So why not save a bundle and try a couple of DIY recipes? Best case scenario: you fall in love with one of them and keep using it. Worst case scenario: you'll smell yummy. Give it a try!
To introduce you to a few simple tricks, here is a quick DIY Guide for an at home facial (All recipes were tried and tested!). Now lets get that skin feeling renewed and refreshed!
Option 1: Easy Exfoliating Scrub
In an easy to stir pot, mix the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil (smells yummy!) or olive oil
- 1 drop of essential oil (Pick your favorite. I personally love eucalyptus!)
Mix all the ingredients together until you get a nice even consistency.
Scoop the mixture out of the bowl into your hands and slowly start rubbing into your skin using a circular motion. I recommend moving from the inside to the outside of the face and insisting a little more on your T-Zone. This will insure you dislodge impurities and remove dead skin cells. Massage your face this way for 1 to 2 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Use a warm washcloth and pat it onto your skin (this really gives your scrub a nice spa feel). Gently pat your skin dry with a terrycloth towel. Your skin will instantly feel smoother and firmer! I recommend doing this at least once a week.
Option 2: Skin Purifying Mask
You will need only 3 ingredients:
- 3 to 5 aspirin (less if you have sensitive skin, rosacea and eczema and more if you have acne, acne prone skin or combination skin)
- 2 tbsp of plain yogurt (full fat only)
- 1 tbsp of honey (raw and organic is best)
*If you have oily skin, I recommend using more yogurt because of its astringent properties (think of a toner here). If you have dry skin, use more honey. I has moisturizing properties and will help you lock in moisture. What about the Aspirin? Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is great for clearing breakouts, unclogging pores, reducing swelling and just helping with overall skin texture.
Mix all ingredients together until you get a creamy consistency.
Apply allover your skin in an even layer. It smells fresh, but a little dairy-ish. Let it stand for 15-20 minutes. Remove with a warm washcloth and pat dry with a terrycloth towel. The result? Skin feels soft, supple and purified. Prepare to be amazed! Really! I recommend doing this twice a week if your skin is in dire need of some TLC and once a week for maintenance.
Option 3: Skin Hydrating Mask
If you have dry skin, this is the mask for you!
In a bowl, mix the following ingredients:
- 2 tbsp of plain yogurt (full fat only)
- 2 tbsp of orange juice
- 1 tbsp of almond oil
Mix all the ingredients until you achieve a nice and thick consistency.
Make sure your skin is clean and just a little dewy before you apply the mixture. Apply allover your skin in an even layer. Let the mask sit for a good 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water and patting dry with a terrycloth towel. The hydrating properties of this mask are amazing! Almond oil is an excellent moisturizer and the vitamin C from the orange juice helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: a win-win! I recommend using this mask when you feel your skin could benefit from some added hydration.
Have fun experimenting!
Warmly,
Alexandra xo
