Home Made Skin Care

By Angela Bethea | March 10, 2011

1. CALAMANSI or LEMON as a CLEANSER FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

• 1/8 cup ground almonds (if needed a coffee can be used to ground the almonds)
• 2 tbs milk or cream
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Blend thoroughly, and gently scrub on face to cleanse skin. Rinse well with lukewarm water.

Benefit:

Calamansi or Lemons are a natural source of AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids and antioxidants. A natural form of AHA such as lemon is found in many natural skin care recipes for its cleansing attributes, for toning and exfoliating the skin.”

2. SKIN-REVITALIZING ORANGE PEEL

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbs honey
• 1/8 cup freshly squeezed lemon, orange, lime or calamansi extract
• 1 packet plain gelatin

Mix together thoroughly, and apply generously on skin for 25 minutes.

Benefit:

Citrus extracts are clinically proven to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. The egg yolk firms the skin, while the honey moisturizes and the citrus juice exfoliates the dead skin cells away, stimulating new cell production.

3. AVOCADO BODY MASK

• 2 avocados, thoroughly mashed
• 3 tbs sea salt
• 1/4 cup honey
• Grated rind of two fresh lemons, along with the juice
• 1/4 cup organic coconut oil

Mix all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. (The consistency should be that of a thin sour cream.) Apply to your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub off well with warm water. Keep unused portion in refrigerator for two to three days.

Benefit:

Avocados have a treasure trove of anti-aging attributes, including vitamins A, D and E, as well as proteins, lecithin, potassium and beta-carotene. It is also high in emollient qualities imparted by sterolins, which work to heal sun-damaged skin, scarring and reduce age spots.

4. STRAWBERRY FACIAL MASK

• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 tbs fresh milk
• 1 tbs rice flour or cornstarch

Mash together all ingredients to make a smooth paste. Spread over your face and neck, and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry. Use twice weekly.

Benefit:

Strawberries contain natural antioxidants, which are known to repair skin and act as anti-aging agents, as well as protect your skin from environmental stress. The salicylic acid in strawberries removes dead skin cells, unveiling the smooth, radiant skin below.

5. PAPAYA FACE SCRUB

• 1 tsp apricot kernel powder (finely grated)
• 3 tbs oatmeal powder
• 3 tbs ripe papaya pulp

Mix all ingredients together and apply to your face and neck for 20 minutes. Gently scrub while rinsing off.

Benefit

Oatmeal works great as scrub when dealing with dry skin. This mixture of sub-acids provides the skin with a gentle exfoliation and nourishment, leaving your skin soft and brighter.

6. CARROT FACIAL MASK

• 2-3 large carrots
• 4 1/2 tbs honey

Cook carrots, then mash into a smooth consistency. Mix the mashed carrots with honey, and apply to your face. Leave on for 10 minutes before rising off with cool water.

Benefit

With roots in Afghanistan, carrots are known for their high potency of vitamin A, as well as vitamin C, folacin and potassium. Carrot juice moisturizes and repairs skin tissue, while protecting it from sun damage and toning the skin.