'What is good for our stomachs, is also good for our skin', is a saying which an increasing number of users of cosmetics are becoming concious of. It is due to this mentality that more and more people are turning to products that are produced using natural ingredients with as few additives and preservatives as possible, in the desire to use the minimum possible processed products on their skin.
Skin is our biggest organ, it is our adornment and protector, which is precisely why it deserves only the best menu of carefully selected ingredients.
It's true that we take care of our skin from the inside out by consuming a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, drinking enough water and tea, making use of local products, and ensuring enough outdoor exercise. However, our skin is also thankful for the treats that we apply to it directly. And the best thing about it is we can do this while we are cooking! Check out these cool skin care recipes.
#Recipe No.1 – DELICIOUS FACIAL SCRUB
The first step for 'gourmet' care of your skin should be a scrub, which helps to remove dead skin cells and impurities.
Recipe: Mix 2 teaspoons of sugar, a teaspoon of honey or olive oil, and a teaspoon of water. Mix well and rub into the skin using circular movements. Rinse well with tepid water.
#Recipe No.2 – FACIAL STEAM BATH FOR PORES
You can prepare your skin for pampering by using a good old steam bath.
Recipe: Brew some chamomile tea. Improvise a mini 'tent' by placing a towel over your head and holding your face above the bowl of tea for 10 minutes. Although it might sound somewhat complicated, you will be delighted with the effects of the steam bath. The steam will open your pores and, in doing so, prepare your skin for further care.
Your skin is now ready for a mask!
A skin mask can be very simple. It can be made from just one ingredient or you can use your imagination and come up with your own creation.
#Recipe No.3 – TURMERIC FOR IMPURE SKIN
Recipe: Mix half a teaspoon of powdered turmeric with one teaspoon of natural yoghurt. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it to work for 15-20 minutes then rinse your face with tepid water.
Effect: Yoghurt contains lactic acid, which helps to cleanse the skin, while turmeric cleanses and reduces the visibilty of blemishes and brightens skin.
#Recipe No.4 – OATS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Recipe: Cook quarter of a cup of oat flakes in half a cup of water. Leave the mixture to cool for approximately 15 minutes. Add 4-5 dessertspoons of honey and mix well. Apply to the face and leave to work for approximately 20 minutes.
Effect: Oat flakes are an ingredient which have long been used in skincare, dating back to the times when Cleopatra used them in her beauty baths. They calm and nourish skin. Honey helps to maintain the skin's moisture, cleanses and nourishes it, and helps in skin renewal.
Tip: Always utilise a wooden or plastic spoon when using honey, as metal destroys all its good ingredients.
#Recipe No.5 – TURMERIC FOR SMOOTH AND SHINY SKIN
Recipe: Mix half a teaspoon of powdered turmeric with two teaspoons of honey. Apply the mixture of the face and leave to work for 15-20 minutes then rinse well with tepid water.
Effect: Honey opens and cleanses pores, while turmeric brightens and tautens the skin.
#Recipe No.6 – BANANA FOR DRY AND IRRITATED SKIN
Recipe: Mix two dessertspoons of honey with 1 dessertspoon of olive oil and half a banana. Mix well and apply evenly over the face. Leave to work for approximately 20 minutes.
Effect: Honey helps to maintain the skin's moisture, cleanses and nourishes it, and helps in its renewal. Olive oil has exceptional antioxidant properties and therefore protects skin from the negative effects of free radicals; bananas act against impurities and inflammations and help to soothe the skin.
