I have been trying to figure out ways to look after my skin that take as little time as possible with the least amount of commercial products because lets face it, those preservatives and other chemicals mixed in with the actual product are bound to have some sort of adverse effects.
I currently use Cetaphil for Normal to Oily Skin, Sea Breeze Actives Deep Clean Astringent (once or twice a day), and Oil of Olay Normal to Oily Skin Moisturizer. I’m trying to avoid products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid because they are “capable of bleach[ing] hair or dyed fabrics.” Just for kicks because I know those two don’t actually harm your skin, though it seems the other components that make up such creams might.
Been trying some herbal remedies and wanted to post a couple – let me know your thoughts, if you’ve used any of them, and how they have worked for you.
Home-made masks – Wholesome Alternatives to Commercial Skin Care Products
Home-made masks whipped up with ingredients straight out of your kitchen are anti-aging and help renew complexions too. But remember, just because a home remedy is natural it doesn’t mean you can’t have a bad reaction to it. Before trying any formulation, test it by dabbing a dime-size drop on your inner arm. Don’t use if the area becomes red or itchy.
For Combination Skin
Egg Mask: Beat 1 tablespoon dry milk into a stiffly beaten egg white and add a drop of lemon juice. Apply and let dry for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and then make sure to close off your pores with cold water before drying your face.
Nutmeg Acne Mask: For acne, make a paste of milk and nutmeg. Apply on pimples and let it dry. You could apply overnight and wash off the next morning.
Rose Mask: A rose petal mask cleanses and moisturizes. Mix a teaspoon of rose petal powder with a tablespoon of fuller’s earth. I like to add a teaspoon of sandalwood and turmeric for some extra cleansing.
Honey Mask: Honey acts as an anti-irritant and moisturizer, almonds gently exfoliate and lemon juice provides that tightening and refreshing zip. Mix 2 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons finely ground almonds and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Rinse off with warm water.
Mint Mask: Fresh mint refines pores. Blend half a cup of leaves with 2 tablespoons of almond and enough water to ground a paste. Massage in and let it dry for 5 minutes. Rinse off; follow with a coating of honey, then let it dry another 5 minutes before rinsing.
Wheat Mask: Wheat masks are great oil busters. Mix 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour with half a teaspoon vinegar plus water to make a paste. Let stand to soften before patting over face.
Oatmeal Mask: Oatmeal is given credit for many flawless complexions. Mix with water or milk and leave on for 10 -15 minutes to smooth, soften and remove dead cells. To multiply the benefits, add 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon instant non-fat dry milk.
Banana Mask: Banana is a Guatemalan favorite. Lie still and arrange thin slices all over your face. Let the banana’s oils and vitamins permeate the epidermis. You can also mash the banana to a smooth paste before applying (for added benefits, blend with the peel and 1 teaspoon honey).
Fruity Mask: Quench your skin’s thirst with a fruit cocktail. Blend one cup mixed mashed fruit (try cantaloupe melon, peaches, raspberries and bananas). Wash off after 10 minutes with warm water. This does wonders for chapped faces and is especially great after a hot day in the sun.
Apple mask: Grate 1 medium-sized apple. Mix with 5 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and half teaspoon dried sage. After 10 minutes, rinse off with cool water.
Strawberry Mask: Strawberries meticulously clean pores, clear blemishes, tighten skin and postpone wrinkling. Mash 8 or 9 berries (fresh, bruised or over-ripe) into a pulp and mix in 3 tablespoons honey. After 10 minutes, rinse off with cool water. For deep cleansing and softening, mix half cup puree with 2 tablespoons yogurt.
Carrot Mask: Carrots, grated, ground or pureed, firm skin and clear blemishes. Cooking the carrots releases more of their vitamin A for better effect. Mash them to a paste with a little of the unsalted water in which they were cooked and prepare a mask while still warm. Try mixing 2-3 large carrots, with 4 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons orange juice, 1 teaspoon yogurt and half teaspoon lemon juice. Rinse off with cool water after 10 minutes.
Tomato Mask: Tomato is a mild astringent that refines pores, exfoliates and removes blackheads. Cut thin slices and apply for 10 minutes; or drain the juice and seeds from slices, mash in a pulp and pat on. To cure blemished skin, mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice plus a little brewer’s yeast, oatmeal and yogurt. Cover with a hot, moist towel before rinsing.
Grape mask: Grapes cleanse and moisturise. Puree a handful of seedless green grapes and leave on for 10 minutes. For South-American rejuvenation, add a tablespoon of flour with the puree.
Citrus Mask: Grapefruit is great for unclogging pores and lemon is a natural clarifier, while egg whites tighten. A tingle with this mask means it’s working. If skin is dry, it could burn. If this occurs, rinse off immediately. Blend half grapefruit, half a lemon (both peeled and seeded), half a cored apple, 5 tablespoons chopped watercress, one to two egg whites and 30-40 seedless grapes. Rinse off with warm water.
Veggie Mask: A veggie mask blots out excess oil. Mash half tomato (skin and seeds removed). Mix with 2 teaspoons yogurt, 1 teaspoon mashed cucumber, 3 teaspoons aloe vera gel, 3-4 teaspoons oatmeal powder and 3 crushed mint leaves. Rinse off with warm water after 10 minutes.
Hungarian Mask: Four-layer milk mask is a Hungarian treatment. Mix a tablespoon of whole milk with half teaspoon olive oil. Smooth on a thin film; let it dry for a minute or two, then apply a second layer. Repeat until four layers. When the mask has dried and the face feels like granite, remove with lukewarm water.
