Natural skincare using ingredients found at home

Imagine this scenario, you are at home and about to make your favourite beauty ritual. Finally, the kids went to sleep and you have time to yourself. You go to the bathroom and suddenly realise that you don’t have any products left. If it wasn’t enough with the closure of the spas, hairdressers and beauty centres, now you don’t have any of your favourite products. What you can do? The most logical answer is: look in your kitchen!

There is a phrase that says: ‘The kitchen is the heart of the family’. Nothing is truer – although in this situation, we can change it to: ‘The kitchen is a laboratory’.

Take advantage of the ingredients you have at home to take care of your skin

Although it might sound crazy, it is in the kitchen where you will find the necessary ingredients to create a new artisanal beauty routine. You just need some time – now we have plenty – and to follow these suggestions.

Coffee skin scrub

Coffee has become one of the world’s favourite drinks but did you know that it is also good for the skin? It helps to tone and reduce the cellulite.¹ How can we take advantage of it? Here is a suggestion for creating a natural scrub with your leftover coffee granules.

You need:
• Used coffee

After preparing your morning coffee, grab the remnants from the filter (after it has cooled) and store for later. Once or twice a week, take a handful of the used coffee and apply directly to your wet skin – except for the face – making circular movements for a couple of minutes. Wipe the coffee off with a clean cloth and then rinse your skin with warm water. You will notice how your skin will be softer and more radiant. Important tip: first test on a small patch of your skin to make sure you are not allergic.

Cold water for longevity

I once read that there is a town where people live longer. It is said that their secret was simple: ‘They just take cold showers’. Although this may be due to other causes, what is special about cold water? It has been proven that it can improve blood circulation, strengthen the immune system and help to close pores.² Here is a tip for giving your face an ice-cold refreshing treat.

You need:
• Fabric napkin
• Ice cubes

It is recommended to place an ice cube into a fabric napkin; rub it softly over your face, making circular movements. You can do this in the mornings or at night. If you are brave after bathing, you can also take a second shower with cold water for a few seconds. Believe it or not, this is a secret ritual of many celebrities.

Green tea anti-aging mask

Green tea is good for you and it is proven to have antioxidant effects.³ It can be used to create a natural mask – along with honey and coconut oil – and is perfect to give a deep cleansing to your face.

You need:
• Green tea (the content of two tea bags)
• Honey (two spoons)
• Coconut oil (two spoons)

Empty the leaves from the tea bags and mix with the other ingredients of honey (which has antibacterial, moisturising and healing properties) and coconut oil (which has an occlusive effect on the skin and will keep it moisturised). Apply the mixture to your clean face with a brush and leave for 15 minutes. Then, remove the mask with a towel and rinse with warm water to clean your skin. You can apply it once a week. Important tip: first test this mask on a small patch of your skin to make sure you are not allergic to any component.

Seltzer water

We all love sparkling water but did you know that it is also great for your skin? It is believed that carbonated water can help to increase the oxygenation of skin and can cleanse it in a deeper way.

You need:
• Sparkling water
• Bowl

If you want to take advantage of benefits of sparkling water, open a bottle and place the contents into a bowl. Immerse your face in the water and hold it there for a couple of seconds, then subtly dry your face. It is ideal to do it once a week!

Lemon and oats night mask

To make a night mask for your face from natural ingredients, grab a lemon and some oats. This should only be applied at night, as lemon can taint the skin if exposed to sunlight. The lemon acts as a skin conditioner and the oatmeal also also has skin conditioning properties and can serve as a scrub. You will instantly notice the difference.

You need:
• Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup)
• Oatmeal (1/2 cup)

Mix the ingredients in a bowl and apply it to your skin. If the oatmeal has big flakes, you can scrunch it with a food processor or a mixer to make it easier to blend. I recommend that you lie down before applying this, with your head back, because the mixture can fall off easily. Also, be careful when applying it near your eyes. Let it act for 8 minutes. To remove, wipe it off with a towel and clean your skin with plenty of warm water. You can apply this mask once a month. Important tip: first test this mask on a small patch of your skin to make sure you are not allergic to any component. If your skin is sensitive, better avoid it.

Remember to clean all the utensils. If possible, apply alcohol and let them dry before using them. Wash your hands well, in this way we ensure to avoid contagions and contamination to your face.

With the products you have in the kitchen, you can create very advantageous homemade masks. There are no excuses!

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References

Ref. 1: A. Rivas, Use of coffee waste in two formulations (cream and bar soap) of exfoliating type for cosmetic use, Thesis, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, 2016.

Ref. 2: A. Vergara, Advantages and disadvantages of cold showers, ABC, 2013.

Ref. 3: Sarah A. Forester and Joshua D. Lambert, Antioxidant effects of green tea, Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2011.