Homemade skin care with kitchen ingredients

Harsh chemicals in store-bought products can leave your skin damaged and sensitive. It’s possible your budget doesn’t let you afford high-end skin care either. But what some don’t know is that healthy and effective skin care can be made at home with ingredients you already have in your kitchen!

Homemade skin care is a healthier alternative and is light on your pocket. Since you are in charge of which ingredients you’ll be using, you can customize your personalized skincare line based on the needs of your skin. Nature has plenty of products for every skin type - each being organic, herbal and nurturing. All it takes is a little help in the form of a recipe.

Homemade moisturizer:

Moisturizing should be a part of your everyday routine. An effective homemade moisturizer will enhance the way your skin looks in the long run and keep dry, itchy or irritable skin at bay, especially during the winters.

Step 1: In a bowl, whip or fold 3 tablespoons of shea butter in 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel.

Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil, and mix it well.

Step 3: Transfer this mixture into a jar.

All these ingredients will help retain the moisture in the skin. This mixture stores well for up to a week in the refrigerator and works best when applied on damp skin, right after a bath.

DIY eye cream

Taking care of the undereye region is a must for anyone susceptible to dark circles, wrinkles and dryness. The skin under your eyes is actually thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face, hence requiring special attention. Eye creams tend to be on the higher end of the price range in any given market, so this DIY eye cream is sure to cut costs by a lot.

Step 1: In a mixer , blend 2 slices of cucumber with 5-6 mint leaves, and strain this into a jar.

Step 2: Add two teaspoons of raw milk and 1-2 teaspoons of almond oil, and mix these until they form a thick cream.

Step 3: Refrigerate this mix and use it every night, or as needed.

This cream will go a long way in reducing pigmentation, nourishing and moisturizing the under eye region.

DIY lip scrub

Nothing says smooth, plump and pink lips like a good lip scrub. For smooth lips, exfoliate regularly to remove dead cells and bring some life and colour. Chemical lip scrubs can end up damaging your lips, so consider a DIY lip scrub as an alternative.

Olive oil lip scrub

This particular scrub works great for dry and chapped lips. Mix 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, sugar and almond oil each, and immediately apply on the lips before the sugar has a chance to dissolve in the oil. Rub in gentle circular motions until the dead skin is scrubbed off. Wash with cold water and immediately apply a lip balm or some coconut oil.

Honey lip scrub

This scrub works wonders for pigmented lips. Mix together 1 teaspoon honey, sugar, and almond oil each with a few drops of rose water, and immediately apply on the lips. Rub in soft circular motions to exfoliate your lips. Wipe off with a wet cotton towel, and wash with cold water. Follow this up by applying a hydrating lip balm or some almond oil.

Homemade face cleanser

Exposure to pollution and harsh chemicals everyday makes our skin prone to breakouts and dryness while speeding up the ageing process of the skin. A homemade face cleanser will help clean the pores, removing the daily dust and grime, thus keeping the skin fresh.

Step 1: Grate 1 teaspoon of apple (without the peel) and mix with 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt in a bowl .

Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth paste.

Step 3: Apply the paste on your face and massage gently. Wait for about 5-10 minutes and wash this off with lukewarm water. Follow it up with a facial moisturizer.

This face cleanser works great for all skin types, reducing pigmentation and helping to keep the skin cool, making it ideal for everyday use.

As you spend time in the kitchen, concocting new homemade skin care recipes, you may find yourself cooking up a snack or two in the process. Check out Wonderchef for a range of premium appliances for all your beauty - and kitchen - needs!