No parabens, phthalates or chemicals of any kind.
I've always loved concocting my own skincare products for a couple of reasons. I know what I'm rubbing into my body and, given the price of many health and beauty items, I end up saving a bundle.
After reading that New York State, as well as all of Europe, has banned Tide detergent for containing active carcinogens, I've been even more on a mission to be careful of what I use on my skin to combat aging.
Through the years, I've collected some recipes from Byrdie, Marie Claire, and Alllure for masks, scrubs, and serums that I'd love to share with you. I'm not a gatekeeper. I believe in sharing the good stuff so others can benefit.
Following are a few easy recipes for masks, toners, and exfoliating scrubs. By the way, exfoliating should be the first step in your skincare routine for both your face and body. Any products you use will be less effective if applied over dead skin cells.
- Honey and Yogurt Face Mask:
- Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt.
- Instructions: Mix the honey and yogurt together until well combined. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. This mask is moisturizing and helps to soothe and brighten the skin.
- Oatmeal and Banana Exfoliating Scrub:
- Ingredients: 1 ripe banana and 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal.
- Instructions: Mash the banana in a bowl until it forms a smooth paste. Add the ground oatmeal and mix well. Gently massage the scrub onto your face in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water. This scrub helps to exfoliate and nourish the skin.
- Coconut Oil and Sugar Body Scrub:
- Ingredients: 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
- Instructions: Melt the coconut oil if it's solid, then mix it with the sugar until well combined. Apply the scrub to damp skin and massage gently in circular motions. Rinse off with warm water. This scrub helps to exfoliate and moisturize the skin.
- Green Tea Facial Toner:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of brewed green tea (cooled) and 1-2 drops of tea tree oil (optional).
- Instructions: Mix the brewed green tea with tea tree oil (if using). Pour the mixture into a clean bottle or container. Apply the toner to your face using a cotton pad after cleansing. Green tea has antioxidant properties and can help to tone and refresh the skin.
- Avocado and Honey Hair Mask:
- Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado and 2 tablespoons of raw honey.
- Instructions: Mash the avocado in a bowl until it forms a smooth paste. Add the honey and mix well. Apply the mask to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This mask helps to nourish and hydrate the hair.
Note: It's a good idea to perform a patch test before using any new ingredients on your skin to check for any allergic reactions.
And, because any skincare routine would be lacking without an anti-aging serum, the following are recipes you can whip up yourself, in minutes, with ingredients that are not only pronounceable but affordable, too.
If you've never used serums before, Hello Glow and Wellness Mama are excellent resources for first-timers.
- Vitamin C Serum:
- Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of vitamin C powder (ascorbic acid), 1 tablespoon of distilled water, 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin.
- Instructions: In a small bowl, dissolve the vitamin C powder in distilled water. Add vegetable glycerin and mix well. Transfer the serum to a dark glass bottle with a dropper. Apply a few drops to your face after cleansing and toning, and follow with moisturizer. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and can help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Rosehip Oil Serum:
- Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of rosehip oil, 4-5 drops of frankincense essential oil, 4-5 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Instructions: In a small dark glass bottle, combine the rosehip oil with the frankincense and lavender essential oils. Shake well to mix. Apply a few drops to your face after cleansing and toning, and massage gently. Rosehip oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and the essential oils can help promote skin rejuvenation and reduce the signs of aging.
- Hyaluronic Acid Serum:
- Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of hyaluronic acid powder, 1/2 cup of distilled water, 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional).
- Instructions: In a small saucepan, heat the distilled water until warm (not boiling). Gradually sprinkle the hyaluronic acid powder into the warm water while whisking continuously until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool. If desired, add a drop or two of essential oil for fragrance. Transfer the serum to a dark glass bottle with a dropper. Apply a few drops to your face after cleansing and toning, and follow with moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture and improve skin elasticity.
Store your serums in a cool, dry place to retain their potency.
Hope you enjoy these DIY skincare recipes and thanks for reading
© Sherry McGuinn, 2023. All Rights Reserved.
Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. She is currently pitching her newest screenplay, “The Month We Fell Apart,” a drama with dark, comedic overtones inspired by a true story, as well as “DEAD TIRED,” a female-driven, erotic thriller.
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