There has never been a more relevant time for natural skincare tips and advice. In these current times, most of us are focused on shopping for essentials such as food and medicine. Skincare is often viewed as a luxury product so we have put together a list of store cupboard essentials so you can make your own natural skincare products at home.

Tea

White, green and black teas contain powerful anti-oxidants and can be used on the skin in many different ways 

Try using as an astringent or toner by wiping teabag over face to tighten skin and then blot with  a towel. The tannins in tea can help reduce puffiness, and can get rid of dark circles. Simply soak a tea bag in warm water and place on your eyes for 20 minutes.

Photo by Alice Pasqual on Unsplash

Coffee

Normally we would suggest that people reduce their caffeine intake to help the skin however when used externally, coffee works wonders on the skin. Simply add some coffee grounds to coconut oil to make your own at home scrub. This can be used as an all over face and body exfoliator, the coffee grains help remove dirt and dead skin cells and promote overall skin health. The scrubbing action also stimulates blood flow and can help to reduce cellulite. What’s more, the caffeine in coffee grounds has potent antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from sun damage. For further uses of coffee grounds check out this article by Happy DIY home 

Photo by Devin Avery on Unsplash

Milk

Sugar

Sugar is another ingredient that we recommend you cut down on to keep your skin in good condition however, again its a great exfoliating agent. Just be careful on the size of the grains you use; only use very soft grain sugar on your face as larger grains can tear the skin. Sugar is extremely good for the skin for a couple of reasons

First, sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into the skin. So when you apply sugar to the skin, it actually helps hydrate your skin and keep moisture within.

Honey

Honey is another super food for the skin. It is antibacterial, anti fungal and an antiseptic. Honey can also heal the skin making it the most beneficial skin treatment. Try using once a week as a face mask or combine with sugar to make a super scrub to give your skin an extra glow.

Photo by Tania Fernandez on Unsplash

Apple Cider Vinegar

The main ingredient in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid but it also contains lots of other natural alpha hydroxy acids.

These all work together to gently exfoliate the skin by dissolving dead skin cells. Applying ACV to the skin also delivers beneficial enzymes, proteins and good bacteria. It is particularly good for acne so works as a great alternative to a toner or astringent.

 

Aspirin

Another good treatment for acne is soluble aspirin because it contains acetylsalicylic acid, which is similar to salicylic acid. It “helps remove excess oil and exfoliate dead cells on the skin's surface,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, adding that it’s “extremely useful in treating acne.” It dissolves dead skin cells, reduces clogged pores and also clears up redness and swelling. 

Simply dissolve a couple of tablets in water to make a paste and apply to the face for 5-10 minutes and rinse off or try one of these mask recipes 

 

Photo by The Tonik on Unsplash

Pineapple

Pineapple juice is one of our favourite natural skincare tips. It is the storehouse of vitamin C, bromelain and antioxidants, which are extremely beneficial in the treatment and prevention of acne, fine lines, sun damaged and uneven skin toning, etc. Bromelain softens the skin and used against skin inflammation and swelling. It is also one of our favourite skin treatments to get your skin glowing immediately.

Simply rub the flesh of the pineapple onto the skin and leave for a few minutes, then rinse off or try one of these recipes.

 

Photo by Phoenix Han on Unsplash

Avocado

This super food nourishes the skin both inside and out due to all the vitamins, minerals and healthy fats it contains. This fruit's omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids hydrate and soften the skin, while the plant nutrients and vitamins A, D and E repair environmental damage.

Simply mash up the flesh and apply to skin as a weekly nourishing facial treatment or try some of these alternative recipes.

Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

 

We hope you enjoy experimenting with some of these natural skincare tips.