Sometimes you just can’t beat the powers of natural ingredients, especially when you already have them stocked in your fridge. Natural ingredients can be a lot more cost effective, not to mention they’re mostly chemical-free (if organic).
So, to save you cash and nourish your skin, here are five fav natural ingredients, that you probably already have in your kitchen;
Turmeric
Turmeric is an anti-aging and antibacterial powerhouse, while the chemical that gives turmeric its bright yellow color, curcumin, has antimicrobial properties, which can even help fight P.acnes bacteria. Turmeric also has oil controlling properties that help reduce excess sebum, while the fatty acids and phytosterols will also help regulate oil production. The curcumin is also great for brightening, helping to leave your complexion super radiant.
Turmeric and Milk Facemask
Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 teaspoon of turmeric, then add 3 tablespoons of milk, so it forms a paste. Lastly, add a couple of drops of honey.
Once combined, apply to your face with a brush, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.
Honey
Honey is basically a miracle ointment as it can help with so many skin concerns. Firstly, it’s super hydrating as it’s a natural humectant, which means it can draw moisture from the air into your skin. It has also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties too, which can help minimize pimple-inducing bacteria while soothing irritation.
Honey even contains enzymes that’ll act as a natural exfoliator, helping to remove impurities from your skin. Try simply applying a thin, even layer to your skin and wash it off 20 minutes later with warm water. Do it two or three times a week – your skin will feel incredibly soft afterward! It is also good to add a layer of honey to our lips at night if they’re particularly dry – it’s so soothing and nourishing!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is without a doubt one of our fav secret skincare weapons. The malic acid found in the vinegar makes it one of the most powerful antibacterial and antifungal ointments on the shelves. This means it’s amazing at keeping breakouts at bay, as it helps reduce acne bacteria in your skin. It will also help rebalance your skins pH level (which is slightly acidic, about 5.5), and also help regulate oil production. Plus, it contains AHAs that gently exfoliate the skin and decongest pores.
Apple Cider DIY
Try washing your skin a few times a week with one part apple cider vinegar and one part distilled water, or create a toner with the same solution and gently sweep over your gave on a cotton pad.
Orange Juice
Vitamin C, one of Orange’s most loved properties, is arguably one of the most common ingredients in radiance boosting skincare products because it really is THAT good for your skin. And since oranges are an amazing natural source of this beauty-boosting vitamin, we like to apply the ingredient onto our skin directly, literally from the orange. This means it hasn’t been altered or diluted in any way so you’ll deliver a more concentrated dose.. All you need to do is soak a cotton pad with orange juice and sweep it across your face after cleansing. Wash it off with cool water 15 minutes later, and we swear you’ll be able to notice a difference.
Oats
Oats are one of our go-to DIY ingredients as they’re full of anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, plus they’re super cheap. The combination of sugar, oils, and starches make them really soothing, while the rich lipid content helps your skin retain hydration and act as a natural humectant, drawing moisture back into your skin.
They also contain saponins, which help extract oil and dirt from your pores. They’re ideal for dry, irritated skin too, as they normalize your skins pH balance, while the proteins strengthen the skin epidermis (the outer layer of your skin).
Our Fav DIY Oat Mask:
If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up that will leave you feeling and looking better, give yourself an oatmeal facial. Cook together 1/2 cup hot water and 1/3 cup oatmeal, when ready remove from heat and leave it to rest until cool. When cold, mix in 1 tablespoon of plain yoghurt (packed with AHAs), 1 tablespoon of honey, turmeric, (an awesome anti-aging and antibacterial powerhouse), and an egg white for a hit of zinc and vitamin B. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.