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On the morning after the first night that our 19-year-old foster son Massama began living with us, I spotted him darting out of the bathroom with his face covered in some lime-green goop as I exited my room.
“Avocado mask,” he said, hurriedly, as he quickly closed his bedroom door. Massama, a college student at the time and a part-time model, knew (and knows) all the tricks. With no money for expensive potions and lotions, he taught me several beautifying Do-It-Yourself tricks for using simple ingredients that you probably already have at home — or that you can easily find in your local store.
Creating your own beauty products is a great way to indulge in natural skincare while avoiding harsh chemicals and high costs. Whether you’re looking to brighten your face, hydrate your hands or soothe tired feet, these recipes can help you achieve healthier, glowing skin.
Though just in case you have any allergies you’re not aware of, always test a small dab on your skin before using large amounts of any of the following on your face or body.
Hydrating Avocado Face Mask
Avocados are rich in healthy fats and natural oils, and avocado face masks offer numerous benefits for the skin, including deep hydration, nourishment and improved elasticity. Additionally, avocado masks gently exfoliate, unclog pores and soothe irritated skin.
Ingredients: Half of a ripe avocado; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions: Mash the avocado until smooth in a bowl. Mix in the honey (and olive oil if you’re using it to make the paste less dense). Apply the mixture to a clean face for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
Gentle Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
Sweet! This homemade exfoliant helps nourish skin while sloughing off dead cells. Use it one to two times a week for a brighter, smoother complexion. If you have sensitive skin, skip this one — the sugar may be too harsh.
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons (white or brown) sugar; 1 tablespoon honey or coconut oil
Instructions: Mix sugar and honey or coconut oil in a small bowl to form a thick, grainy paste. Gently massage the mixture in circular motions on a clean, damp face, avoiding the eyes; leave it on for five to 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, pat dry and apply moisturizer.
The Cleopatra Milk Bath
Lifted from the beauty regimen of the famed Egyptian Queen, the Cleopatra Milk Bath may improve the skin’s texture, making it softer and more radiant. I’m a great fan of baths in general, which I find to be relaxing and a great stress reducer. FYI: Legend has it that Cleopatra used the milk of donkeys in her daily ritual — though cow’s or goat’s milk will work just fine!
Ingredients: 1 to 2 cups of full-fat cow's milk (or goat's milk or, hey, if you happen to have donkey’s milk) and 1/4 cup of honey. Optional: Five to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or rose, added for fragrance and potential skin benefits.
Instructions: Heat the milk — without boiling it — and add the honey, stirring until dissolved. Run the bath and pour the milk and honey mixture into the bath water while it’s running. If you’re adding essential oils, this is the time to add them. Now soak! Rinse thoroughly after your bath to remove any residual milk.
Brightening Lemon Hand Treatment
Every time I think of lemons and hand treatments, I can’t help but remember the movie Atlantic City, in which Susan Sarandon plays a waitress who squeezes lemons on her hands to get rid of the onerous smell of fish. Lemon gently exfoliates and brightens skin, and the yogurt in this recipe provides lactic acid for softening. Honey soothes and moisturizes. This is a gentle treatment, but it should be avoided if you have any cuts on your hands or before going out into the sun due to lemon’s photosensitivity.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon plain yogurt; 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions: Mix all of the ingredients together and apply to clean hands. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse off.
Anti-Aging Cocoa Face Mask
As skin ages, the moisture barrier begins to break down, leading to dryness and weakened skin. Cocoa powder contains fatty acids, which contribute to better hydration; the antioxidants in cocoa powder help reduce damage from sun and pollution, as well as helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sour cream is a form of lactic acid that hydrates as it gently exfoliates; honey is a humectant that also boosts hydration, while the protein in the egg white tightens and firms skin
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon sour cream; 1 tablespoon honey; one egg white.
Instructions: Mix ingredients in a small bowl. Apply to a clean face and let it dry. After 15 to 20 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with moisturizer.
Exfoliating Baking Soda Soak
Although not recommended for the face, this two-ingredient scrub is great for smoothing rough spots on the soles of feet, knees and elbows.
Ingredients: 1/2 to 3/4 cup baking soda and water
Instructions: Add water to the baking soda a teaspoon at a time until the mixture forms a thick paste. Smooth onto feet, knees and any other rough spots in a circular motion for a minute or two — then let it sit. If using on your elbows or knees, rinse the mixture off after 10 minutes and apply moisturizer. For feet, rinse away the baking soda and pat feet dry before applying moisturizer, and slip on a pair of white cotton socks to let the concoction work its magic overnight.
Nourishing Coconut & Aloe Moisturizer (Great for Mature Skin)
Coconut oils, rich in fatty acids, lock in moisture and also have mild antibacterial properties. Aloe vera hydrates and smooths, and is great for calming irritation and adding moisture without greasiness. And Vitamin E helps protect and heal skin — especially beneficial at our age.
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel; 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil; a small clean jar
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in the jar. Apply a pea-sized amount after cleansing, especially at night, and discard after two weeks.
Which of the above would YOU like to try? Let us know in the comments below.
AARP (Getty Images, 7; Shutterstock, 2)
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