Being in lockdown comes with its own limitations. One being we’re not able to go outside or visit a salon. So of course our self-care practices have reduced. This leaves us feeling quite lacklustre not only in life but even our skin reflects the same emotions. Most of us don’t even have the motivation to wake up so I can imagine wanting to take care of one’s skin and hair to be very low on the priority list. Please don’t feel guilty about doing something that allows you to feel small joys. And if your skin is in need of a pick me up follow this guide to give yourself an at-home salon-like facial. And, listen you really don’t need to spend on expensive products to take care of your skin. Everything you need can easily be found in your pantry. Scroll on for more.
Here are a few kitchen ingredients that are best used for a facial at home:
1) Yogurt
Since it is summer and we all have our air-conditions on full blast it is likely that we’re battling dry skin at the moment. If that’s the case and you need a quick fix at home do a yogurt based facial. All you need is a small bowl of chilled yogurt, two teaspoons of honey or lemon. Apply on your face and leave it on for a few minutes. Once you wash your face you’ll see brighter and more moisturized skin. It is gentle and great for all skin types.
2) Honey
Honey is a great alternative to sugar for the human body. You can apply honey every night before you sleep and let it sit. Wash it off for softer and smoother skin.
3) Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera acts a cooling agent on the skin and will calm any skin irritations. Aloe can be mixed with other ingredients too to create a face pack. Otherwise this jelly like ingredient can be applied directly to the skin. It seeps into the skin and cools it from the inside and will reduce new pimple growths. The perfect facial for a warm, sunny day.
4) Turmeric
A good Indian girl already knows the great health benefits of turmeric. It’s great for the body inside-out and using it on your face leaves you with a subtle glow. You just need to be sure about the amount of turmeric you use and how long you leave it on the face. Add a little bit of lemon or honey to keep your skin feeling cool.
5) Almond Oil
Almond oil is fantastic for the hair and the skin. It doubles up as a moisturiser for the body and a few drops will hydrate your lips. Lips dry up easily and can lose their natural tint. Exfoliate with a toothbrush before applying almond oil. You can apply it before you sleep or leave it on during the day as well. This is the best at-home treatment for your lips.
6) Besan/Gram Flour
Another facial every Indian girl has had growing up is the one with Besan or Gram flour. Use with milk, rose water or water to make a paste. It will suck out all the excess oil from your skin. It is also know to help with a tan.
7) Coffee
A great way to clear out dead skin cells and unclog pores is to coffee grounds as a scrub. The chlorogenic acids in coffee tend to protect the skin against certain bacteria and can reduce inflammation. A quick and easy facial for you at home that smells delicious too.
8) Olive Oil
Olive oil doubles up as a great makeup remover because it lifts off the makeup and dirt including long wear lipstick and waterproof mascara. It is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s great to massage into the skin and has quite a hydrating effect.
9) Water
Last but not the least and well cost-effective too is water. Drink more than the required amount of water through the day to get supple and glowing skin without having to apply or peel anything off it.
Some more kitchen ingredients that you can use as part of a facial:
- Green tea ensures bright and glowing skin. It will easily relax your skin after a long day.
- Mashed bananas are packed with Vitamin A and B, work great on oily/combination skin. It helps increase collagen and reduces wrinkles.
- Mashed avocado is perfect for dry skin because it is full of healthy fats and phytonutrients. It helps reduce the oil content in the skin and can prevent acne and blemishes.
- Papaya pulp is rich in Vitamin C & B, enzymes and minerals and treats dry skin. It is hydrating to your skin and makes it soft and radiant.
Make sure to gently massage your skin in small circular moments, working upwards and outwards. This action helps to tighten the skin. Make sure you relax and lie down with cucumber on your eyes. Treat yourself to some relaxing good music and cucumber, mint water. Just pretend you’re in a spa/salon.
What are some kitchen ingredients you use for a home facial? Let me know in the comments below.
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